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Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs concert chair rental program raises $7,500 for Make-A-Wish

By Press Release

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Press release:

Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) and Batavia Downs President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by staff from Make-A-Wish Western New York as they were presented with a check for  $7,500.  These proceeds were from this past summer’s Chair Rentals, Glow Jewelry and Can Coolers at Batavia’s Summer Concert Series.

“Make-A-Wish Western New York does so much good in this community, we were pleased to continue our Chair Rental Program with them this past summer,” Wojtaszek said. “All of us here at Batavia Downs are proud that we could help ‘Make-A-Wish’ in their efforts to grant wishes for so many young Western New Yorkers.”

Throughout the 10 concerts of Batavia Downs’ Rockin’ The Downs Summer Concert Series, volunteers from Make-A-Wish worked a chair-rental booth.   From there the volunteers collected money for chairs while also selling glow jewelry and branded can coolers.  The chairs are adorned with the Make-A-Wish logo and the message:  The person sitting in this chair is helping to transform lives.

“Make-A-Wish is incredibly appreciative of our partnership with Batavia Downs for the “Rockin’ the Downs” Summer Concert Series to raise both awareness and crucial funds to help support children and families fighting critical illnesses, not only in the Batavia community but throughout this 17-county region, said Ben Marchione, Regional Director, Make-A-Wish® Western New York.  “Thank you to all the concert goers who supported this year’s efforts and to Batavia Downs for making it possible. It is only through vitally important partnerships such as this that we are able to continue to serve our essential mission and we are incredibly thankful for the opportunity.”

The 2023 Concert Series lineup is expected to announced in the coming weeks.

WROTB preliminary 2023 operating plan shows a 15.9 percent increase in distributions to municipalities

By Mike Pettinella

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If all goes as projected, Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp.-member municipalities will receive about 16 percent more in distributions in 2023.

That was one of the key points shared by WROTB Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach this morning at a 2023 operating plan workshop for the public benefit company’s board of directors at Batavia Downs Gaming on Park Road.

Leach (photo at right) said that preliminary numbers indicate that, overall, net revenue available to the 17 municipalities, which include Genesee County, will increase by about $800,000 to $5.8 million – a 15.9 percent jump. Those figures are based on net revenue before post-employment benefits.

She also predicted that the amount of money handled at the corporation’s nine branches will go up by $850,000 to $47.4 million while Batavia Downs’ net win will increase by $3 million to $77.5 million, and intertrack wagering and live racing handle will be remain unchanged.

Moreover, Leach said that Batavia Downs’ net gain from operations will increase by about $375,000 to $6.6 million – with net losses from operation decreasing by about $409,000 to $1.4 million and branch retained surcharge revenue increasing by about $16,000 to $619,000.

The surcharge consists of a 5 percent tax that the corporation collects from pari-mutuel (horse racing) winning tickets and, in timely fashion, distributes to its member municipalities and other counties in New York State that have a race track.

Leach emphasized that the operating plan has not been finalized and the numbers could change prior to a vote by the board at its Dec. 1 meeting.

“This is still a work in progress,” she said. “The board, ultimately, will either vote to approve or disapprove the recommendations of management that really will come to fruition in the final plan that will be sent out in summary form to members next week."

Nine of the 17 board members attended today’s workshop, including a new member, Vincent Horrigan, who has been appointed to represent Chautauqua County. Richard Siebert, Genesee County’s director, was not at the non-mandatory meeting.

The plan, which projects the goals of the corporation’s components in monetary terms, is “a collective effort between officers, department heads and staff,” Leach said, adding that the packet features historical data from 2021 and 2022 and anticipated 2023 numbers.

WROTB’s major segments are gaming, of course; live racing and intertrack wagering, food and beverage, and The Hotel at Batavia Downs.

“Keep in mind those two major revenue sources, which are the pari-mutuel wagering and the video gaming activity, are based on our patrons,” she said. “That’s why we say this is a fluid, working document. It is a guideline for the corporation in which to maneuver in the next year.”

She said part of management’s responsibility is to “react” to situations and trends, such as snowstorms that keep customers away from the branches and Park Road, inflation, rising product costs or public health concerns such as COVID-19 – “and I hope we don’t have to deal with that again,” she noted.

“We have adjusted some of our expenses upward … such as the utilities or any of our cost of goods, our food costs,” Leach said. “And, conversely, forecast what are our increases in our … product to end user, the patrons, the customers. So, there's a lot that goes in to putting this plan together. Not only the historical trends and current trends, but where we are going as well. And where do we want to be? And how do we achieve … our net win goals for the next year.”

BRANCH OPERATIONS

Leach said the nine OTB parlors employ 31 people (about 10 percent of the total WROTB employee count) and are projected to generate about $760,000 in surcharge in 2023. This segment, however, has not been profitable in recent years – and the 2023 operating plan indicates a net loss of about $1.2 million.

When asked by Director Dennis Bassett (City of Rochester) if it might be beneficial to eliminate the branch operation, Leach and Chief Executive Officer Henry Wojtaszek said management has downsized that part of the corporation in recent years.

During the OTB parlor heyday, the corporation operated more than 30 branches.

Branch wagering did increase during the six months that Batavia Downs Gaming was closed due to COVID, Leach pointed out.

“That’s when the OTBs and Batavia Bets (online wagering) became invaluable to the corporation,” she said. “Batavia Bets stayed open and then our OTBs opened up at the end of May (2020) and beginning of June. So, at least we had money coming in the door.”

She also spoke of the importance of the EZ Bet locations (in restaurants and bars), which feature TVs, simulcast equipment and terminals for wagering without the overhead of paying staff members.

BATAVIA DOWNS GAMING

Leach said that credits played into the VLTs and credits won make up the “net win” – which is projected to increase from $74.5 million to $77.5 million in 2023.

“So, our total gross operating income increased just about $2.7 million (per the preliminary plan),” she said, adding that a revision is coming due to a decision to reduce the number of summer concerts from 10 to eight in 2023, and upon receipt of the hotel operating plan.

WROTB pays 49 percent of the net win to the state Division of Lottery, and that is expected to increase by $1.5 million, Leach said. Operating expenses also are going up, with the biggest increases to the horse racing purses, breeders’ fund and to the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association.

All told, net gain from Batavia Downs Gaming operations is projected to increase by about $374,000, she said.

GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE

Leach said that in 2023, management (per information received from department heads) will be assigning 65 percent of the $6.7 million General & Administrative expense to the Batavia Downs Gaming side of the operation and 35 percent of that amount to the off-track betting (racing, intertrack wagering, branches) side of the operation.

This is up from a 51/39 percent split in 2021 and 2022.

“And it makes sense because in the past two years we have closed eight brick-and-mortar facilities,” Leach said. “This procedure and how the corporation allocates those funds have been approved by Western’s outside audit firm. It’s sound reasoning the way it's done.”

HOTEL AT BATAVIA DOWNS

Leach said she just received a report from The Hotel at Batavia Downs, which is operated by an outside company.

“Those numbers will be incorporated into the final plan,” she said. “It was an addition of 92 rooms, which increased the bottom line by about $12,000.”

Wins-a-plenty for five at Batavia Downs Wednesday

By Tim Bojarski

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Success came in bunches for four horsemen and one horsewoman at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Nov. 9) as the five involved accounted for a total of 12 driving and 6 training wins during the card. 

The driving colony was once again bested by Jim Morrill Jr. who claimed a quintuple in the sulky, including winning one of the featured $10,000 conditioned distaff paces with Jb’s Star Dancer.

Morrill left from post eight, dropped in behind Filly Speaks (Drew Monti) and then drafted there until the stretch where he took the lead and claimed a one length upset victory in 1:57. Jb’s Star Dancer ($28.00) is owned by Mike Torcello, trained by Sammy Smith and was one of three wins for Smith on Wednesday.

Morrill completed his big day winning behind Explosive Leggs (2:00.4, $3.00), Racksmach N (1:57.2, $2.40), Greystonefastmyles (1:57.4, $6.10) and Party Shaker (1:57.1, $2.60). 

Next came Kevin Cummings who had a four-bagger at the lines behind Ellieonthemove (1:56.4, $13.00), China Dream (1:57.3, $4.60), My Standards (1:57.1, $2.80) and Ready Set Rock (1:56.3, $2.80). 

Finally, Denny Bucceri registered a driving hat trick, including winning the second $10,000 conditioned distaff pace with Tuapeka Jessie N.

Sapphire Love Chip (Shawn McDonough) cut the half in :58.2 before Bucceri made a big three-wide move with Tuapeka Jessie N approaching three-quarters. Tuapeka Jessie N cleared, entered the turn and then ran off the screen coming home to win by five open lengths in 1:57.2. Tuapeka Jessie N ($6.20) is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags and Team Rice Racing and was one of three winners trained by Maria Rice during the night. 

Bucceri solidified his triple behind Night Flyer K (1:59.2, $3.70) and Scrub Hanover (1:57.1, $10.00). 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 12) at 6 p.m. and there is another carryover available. The Jackpot Hi-5 Pentafecta in the 13th race will start with $3,112 in the pool. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab and then you watch all the races live on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel.

Photo by Wendy J. Lowery.

Just Plain Loco, Credit List double-up at Batavia

By Press Release

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It was Deja Vu all over again for last week's feature winners Just Plain Loco and Credit List, who came right back on Saturday (Nov. 5) to claim another $14,000 Open Handicap on their respective gaits. 

First on the pace, Just Plain Loco (Dave McNeight III) got away sixth as Yankee On The Move (Kyle Cummings) led the field to the half in :57.3. Stop Action (Kevin Cummings) moved first over with Just Plain Loco on his back. Positions remained the same to three quarters where Stop Action stopped and forced Just Plain Loco three wide in the last turn. With a two length lead at the top of the stretch, Yankee On The Move made a break and went right, interfering with several horses including Just Plain Loco. But Just Plain Loco regrouped quickly and paced down the center of the lane to win by 1-½ lengths in 1:55. 

Just Plain Loco ($6.00) is owned by Paul Lang and Mark Toth and is trained by Jennifer Giuliani.

Giuliani had three wins to lead all trainers on Saturday. 

Then on the trot, Credit List (Jim Morrill Jr.) also got away sixth and watched as BJ Laredo (Drew Monti) parked Inquiring Mind (Denny Bucceri) to the half in :57.1. When Inquiring Mind stalled past that station, Jumpinthejailhouse (Kevin Cummings) shook loose and forged to the front by three-quarters. There, Credit List also got loose and swung into contention around the last turn. Credit List and Jumpinthejailhouse battled all the way to the wire where Credit List got the win by a neck in 1:57.3. 

Credit List ($4.50) is owned by Room4040 LLC Stables and is trained by Kevin Reynolds Jr. 

Morrill ended the day with four winners on the card.  

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 9) at 6 p.m. and there is another carryover available. The Jackpot Hi-5 Pentafecta in the 13th race will start with $2,527 in the pool. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab and then you watch all the races live on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel. 

Photo by Wendy J. Lowery.

Photos: Bennie and the Rest at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens

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It sure seemed like Sir. Elton John visited Batavia Downs on Friday night but in reality, it was actor and musician Jason Ostrowski, who headlined a tribute show to the British hitmaker as Bennie and the Rest.

Photos by Howard Owens.

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Genesee Cancer Assistance Night at the Downs Nov. 19

By Joanne Beck

Tickets are available through Monday for the annual Genesee Cancer Assistance Night at the Downs to honor volunteers who have devoted time and energy for the nonprofit.

The evening is to include a basket raffle, buffet dinner and recognition of volunteers. Doors open at 4 p.m., with appetizers at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel on Park Road, Batavia.

 A cash bar will be available, and raffle winners will be drawn after dinner.

Tickets are $35, which includes $25 Free Play. To purchase tickets, call 585-345-0417 or order online

Saulsbrook Olympia repeats in Batavia mare’s match

By Tim Bojarski

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After going a very long mile, the hard-working Saulsbrook Olympia notched her second straight victory in the $14,000 Distaff Open Handicap at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Nov. 2). 

Somebeachsomefra (Jim Morrill Jr.) was the early leader and forced The Stunning Nun N (Ray Fisher Jr.) to abandon her desire for the front and tuck in second. The race hit the quarter in :28.1 and as they paced by three-eights, Dave McNeight III tipped Saulsbrook Olympia out from sixth and started the trek forward, looking to flush cover. As no one else pulled right lines, Saulsbrook Olympia was on her own and took the task to heart, first-up in the breeze. 

Saulsbrook Olympia was fourth at the five-eighths and third at three-quarters. Then as they headed into the last turn, The Stunning Nun N left the pocket and forced her three-deep. But Fisher changed course quickly with The Stunning Nun N and went back to the pylons leaving Sauslbrook Olympia a clear shot into the lane. As the passing lane opened, The Stunning Nun N moved through inside of Somebeachsomefra and Saulsbrook Olympia was in full stride in the middle of the track. The three mares paced in unison to the wire in a blanket finish where a photo and judge’s determination declared Saulsbrook Olympia the winner by a head in 1:55.3.

Scoring her tenth win of the year, Saulsbrook Olympia ($5.00) now shows $80,266 in earnings on her card and both numbers are single season highs for the mare. William Mcneil and Edward Gorc own the Jennifer Giuliani-trained daughter of Big Jim-Racino Star. 

The win was one of two for Giuliani while it also kicked off a natural driving hat trick for McNeight that now gives him 49 victories at Batavia and moved him back into a tie for third place for dash wins this meet with Kyle Cummings, who won one race during the night. The leading Kevin Cummings and second place Jim Morrill Jr. both had three wins apiece on Wednesday as well and that puts them at 108 and 102 respectively.  

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 5) at 6 p.m. and there is another carryover available. The Jackpot Hi-5 Pentafecta in the 13th race will start with $2,123 in the pool. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab and then you watch all the races live on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel.

Photo by Wendy J. Lowery.

Batavia Downs fixture Joseph C. Sarago, 80, dies

By Tim Bojarski

Joseph C. Sarago of Cheektowaga, New York died on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at age 80.

Mr. Sarago was a life-long fixture of harness racing at Batavia Downs and in western New York, having first gotten involved in the sport with a Standardbred named Choicey Williams that he owned through his aunt and uncle who raced back in the 1960s. After first getting licensed in 1966, Mr. Sarago went on to both train and drive and over the years, honed his skills and abilities through relationships with top reignsmen Gerry Sarama and Mike Gagliardi. Mr. Sarago drove mostly in the 1970s and 80’s and scaled back that part of his career in the 1990s in lieu of expanding his training time.

Mr. Sarago had a long list of top performers including arguably his best pacer ever, the 74-time winner Cambiance (1:55.1, $235,460), Crash Helmet (1:55.2, $160,123), Niatrator (1:55.4, $106,518), Woodhill Flash (2:01.1, $73,488) and Magnolia Queen (1:59.4, $56,405). Throughout his career, Mr. Sarago had 245 driving wins that earned $571,077 and 136 training wins that banked another $361,676 for his connections. He stepped away from full-time participation in the barn in the late 1990s but stayed close to the sport by driving the starting car at Tioga Downs from 2006 until 2020. L

Mr. Sarago was universally liked and respected within the harness racing community and will be deeply missed by all that knew him in throughout his career.   

Mr. Sarago was the beloved son of the late Anthony and Clara (nee Wentzel) Sarago; dearest brother of Mary Ellen (Michael) DiVincenzo; dear uncle of Michael III (Lynn) and Anthony (Ken McGee) DiVincenzo. Family will be present to receive relatives and friends Tuesday (Nov. 1) from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Melvin J. Sliwinski Funeral Home, 5090 Transit Road (south of Como Park Blvd.) Depew, New York where services will be held at 6:30 PM.

Morrill dominates the Downs with six wins at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski

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Driver Jim Morrill Jr. lit it up at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 29) winning six races on the card including a natural hat trick in races five, six and seven and did not miss the board in the 13 starts he drove. 

Morrill’s top victory came in the co-featured $14,000 Open I Handicap trot where Credit List led at every station to claim his sixth win of the year. 

Leaving from post six, Credit List was on the point by 1-½  lengths at the :29.3 quarter and never looked back from there. With BJ Laredo (Drew Monti) tracking closest behind in the pocket and absolutely no opposition coming from behind, Credit List floated to the half in :58.4 and three-quarters in 1:27.4 before rounding the last turn and trotting away by 1-½ lengths under wraps to win in 1:57.1. 

Owned by Room4040 LLC Stables and trained by Kevin Reynolds, Credit List returned $4.20.

Morrill also won with Deputy Seelster (1:57, $5.30), Silver Arrow (1:56, $3.70), Prairie Panther (1:54.3, $3.70), Inquiring Mind (1:57.3, $4.20) and Beach Fire K (1:55, $3.90).

Morrill also had four seconds and three-thirds giving him a lofty .709 UDR for the evening. Saturday’s six wins moved him to 99 for the meet, now just six behind the leading Kevin Cummings who won two races himself and now has 105 wins during this session. 

Later in the other featured Open I Handicap pace, Just plain Loco (Dave McNeight III) found himself starting from pylon position and took full advantage of his infrequent visit to the far-left wing. Flaunting his noted gate speed, Just Plain Loco flew to the front while the entire field fell in line behind in post position order. After the leader set a tepid :58.4 half, Morrill came first-up with Out On Bail and drew alongside the pocket-sitting Stratosphere (Drew Monti) and made Just Plain Loco pick up the tempo. McNeight was happy to oblige and simply gave Just Plain Loco his head. Then lickety-split, he went to the three-quarters in :28.4 to rebuff the outside challenger and then turned for home and pulled away by three lengths in a :27.3 final panel and won in 1:55.1. 

The eighth win of the year pushed Just Plain Loco ($3.30) over the century mark in earnings for 2022, now boasting $102,170 in the bank for owners Paul Lang and Mark Toth. This was one of three winners on the night for trainer Jennifer Giuliani, who led all her conditioning peers in winner's circle visits.  

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 5) at 6 p.m. and there is another carryover available. The Jackpot Hi-5 Pentafecta in the 13th race will start with $1,666 in the pool. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab and then you watch all the races live on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel. 

Photo by Wendy J. Lowery.

A polite eight-year-old from Batavia wins Jim Kelly's favor, a trip to his football camp

By Howard B. Owens

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Greyson Good, 8, of Batavia, was a polite young man when he met Jim Kelly on Friday at the Legends and Stars Sports Expo at Batavia Downs, and Kelly was so impressed that he offered the youngster a special treat.

"Greyson had the most amazing night," said his mother Brenda Good (who submitted the info and photo). "He met both Dawson Knox and Jim Kelly! As we were walking away from Jim Kelly, he called Greyson back over to the table and told him that he was so impressed that Greyson said thank you. He asked for our names and address so he could send Greyson tickets to his football camp in June! Greyson is thrilled!!! What an amazing guy!"

The Batavian will have more coverage of the expo later today.

Photos: Pink Hatters & Friends celebrate cancer survivors at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens

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United Memorial Medical Center and the Cancer Services Program of Genesee and Orleans hosted their annual Pink Hatters Night Out at Batavia Downs on Thursday.

The event supports those battling cancer, celebrates survivors and honors those who have passed.  

And people get to wear fun pink hats.

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Photos by Howard Owens.

More than $23K raised for Breast Cancer Coalition during event hosted by Batavia Downs

By Press Release

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Press release:

Western Regional Off Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) with a check for $23,605.70 to help those who have been affected by breast or gynecologic cancer.

On September 16th, a dinner fundraiser with raffles to benefit the BCCR was held inside the Clubhouse in conjunction with a night of racing.   Businesses and donors located in Western NY sponsored several races that night.  Some monies came from the local harness racing community as some owners, trainers and drivers donated all or a portion of their earnings from the night to the BCCR.  Through the dinner, donations, raffles and auctions for items, the event raised $23,605.70.

“We are privileged to have hosted this event for the BCCR,” Wojtaszek said. “The BCCR is dedicated to eradicating breast cancer through research and advocacy.  The amount of community outreach that they do is inspiring, holding educational and support events so that members of Western and Central New York can come together to learn and receive assistance.   As in years past, the event here was an overwhelming success.  With the hard work of their staff and ours we are pleased to have raised the highest amount ever for this event.”

“On behalf of the Breast Cancer Coalition, I am astounded by this tremendous support, which will help us empower survivors in the nine-county region of Western New York, including Genesee County, “ said Holly Anderson, President and Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester.  “Though October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, we feel the support from the Batavia Downs community all year long. They entrust their friends and family members to us, assist us in making important connections within their community, and stay in touch with us on an ongoing basis. Breast cancer takes much more than "awareness". It needs ACTION throughout the year. Our friends and Batavia Downs walk the talk."

Previously: Batavia Downs hosts fundraiser for Breast Cancer Coalition

Photos by Howard Owens.

Kyle Cummings grabs a six pack at Batavia Downs

By Tim Bojarski

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Kyle Cummings has been on a bit of a tear recently at Batavia Downs but really put up some serious numbers on Wednesday night (Oct. 26) after he won six of the 10 races he drove on the card including natural hat tricks in races five, six and seven and races 11, 12 and 13.

Cummings won with Rockin N Kissin (1:59.2, $2.10), How About Murph (1:58.2, $7.80), Im Chiara (1:59.3, $6.20), Muscle High (2:01.3, $11.20), Lucky King (1:57.4, $6.80) and Candy’s Desire (1:58.2, $5.40). Cumming's outstanding driving also gave him a lofty UDR of .600 for the night. 

With his performance on Wednesday, Kyle Cummings moved into third place for driving wins at the current Batavia meet, now boasting 47 wins. He passed Dave McNeight III who now sits in fourth, but is still behind the leaders, Kevin Cummings (102) and Jim Morrill Jr. (93). 

The 22-year-old Cummings has only been driving for four years, yet he already surpassed $2 million in earnings on October 15 and is in the midst of a career year for wins (105), earnings ($860,464) and UDR (.270) with two months left to go. 

Rockin N Kissin, Muscle High, Lucky King and Candy’s Desire are all trained by Kyle’s mother, Tammy Cummings, who got the grand slam for her efforts and led all other conditioners for wins on Wednesday. 

The one race either Cummings didn’t win was the $14,000 Open Handicap pace for fillies and mares where Saulsbrook Olympia got back on track after having only one board hit in her last five outings. 

Dave Mcneight III left with Saulsbrook Olympia from post one and seated Somebeachsomefra (Jim Morrill Jr.) in the process. Saulsbrook Olympia then proceeded to take the single file field to the quarter in :28.4, the half in :59.4 and then halfway up the backstretch before anyone made a move. That one was Shecouldbegood N (Kevin Cummings) who moved from third on the pegs to second in the breeze by three-quarters. In the turn, Saulsbrook Olympia responded to that challenge and then under minimal urging paced home on top by 1-½ lengths in 1:57.

Continuing a great year, Saulsbrook Olympia ($2.70) claimed her ninth win of 2022 and pushed her earnings to $73,266 for owners William McNeil and Edward Gorc. Jeniffer Giuliani trains the winner. 

Two milestones were reached by a pair of veteran horses on Wednesday. The aforementioned 11-year-old pacer Lucky King and the 13-year-old trotter Osprey Vision both scored their 50th career wins. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 29) at 6 p.m. and there is another carryover available. The Jackpot Hi-5 Pentafecta in the 13th race will start with $1,387 in the pool. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab and then you watch all the races live on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel.

Photo by Wendy J. Lowery

Kevin Cummings tread water with five wins at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski

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It was a dark and stormy night at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 19) with a steady rain, brisk wind and sloppy track for all to deal with. But much like the postman, it didn’t deter the Downs’ leading driver Kevin Cummings from completing his appointed rounds as he successfully delivered five horses to the Purple Haze Winner’s enclosure despite the elements. 

Cummings struck early and often, winning with Rip It Up (2:00.2, $4.40), Gimme The Pacifics (1:59.1, $10.80) and Everdeen (1:59, $3.60) in races two, three and four for the natural hat trick. He then completed his count with JB’s Star Dancer (1:58, $4.20) and Ruthmae Hanover (1:59, $3.00). 

The five Wednesday wins give Cummings 98 for the current Batavia meet, putting him 12 ahead of Jim Morrill Jr. (86) and 55 ahead of Dave McNeight III (43).   

The one race Cummings didn’t win was the featured $14,000 fillies and mares Open I Handicap pace where John Macdonlad piloted Protect Blue Chip from the pocket to procure the purse.

Ready Set Rock (Denny Bucerri) was sent down the road from her pylon position start, put Protect Blue Chip in the garden spot and had things under control until My Standards (Drew Monti) came calling from fourth at the half in a soggy :59. My Standards forced Ready Set Rock to pick up the pace as she strode alongside in a 1:28 three-quarters, where Tres Chic Bluechip (Kevin Cummings) joined the party with a three-deep move.

As the group entered the stretch, the two outside attackers' bid failed, allowing room for Protect Blue Chip to vacate the pocket and challenge for the win. While Ready Set Rock was under heavy urging, Macdonald simply tapped the wheel disk once and Protect Blue Chip passed the leader and held off the late closing So Admirable (Shawn McDonough) at the line to win by a neck in 1:58.1. 

It was the sixth win of the year for Protect Blue Chip ($9.40) who is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags and Team Rice Racing. Maria Rice was the winning trainer. 

In what was clearly a very even playing field, 13 different trainers claimed one race each on Wednesday. 

A $1,662 carryover and $5,000 guaranteed Pick-5 pool in race one on Wednesday generated a handle of $7,718 for that bet and produced a $6,204.25 payout for the winning combination of 2-1-8-5-1 for the 50-cent wager. 

Batavia Downs honored local driving and training legend Gerry Sarama Wednesday on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Sarama started his racing career in western New York in 1966 and hit the heights at Roosevelt Raceway in the 1980’s where he competed against some of the greatest horsemen of all time. During his driving career, Sarama won 2,630 races and over $11 million earned in purses. Last year he reached the 1,000 win plateau for training and has earned another $6.5 million as a conditioner. All the horsemen and horsewomen as well as all the management and staff of Batavia Downs, wish "The Man With the Hands", Gerry Sarama the very best on this special day. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 22) at 6 p.m. and there is another carryover available. The Jackpot Hi-5 Pentafecta in the 13th race will start with $823.54 in the pool. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab and then you watch all the races live on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel.

Photo by Wendy J. Lowery.

Batavia Downs crowned Louie as the 2022 winner of its annual Wiener Dog Races

By Press Release

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Louie, #3, above, wins the annual wiener dog race Sunday at Batavia Downs. Below are Louie and his worthy contenders during the run on the gaming facility's outdoor track. Bottom photo shows the mighty racer with a bag full of goodies for his efforts.

Press Release

Louie bested 47 other dogs in a tightly contested competition on Sunday afternoon.  Following 2 hours of family related activities like face painting, balloon art, pumpkin decorating, carriage rides, and pony rides the assembled crowd of over 2,000 watched 6 heats of 8 dogs.

Louie and his owners received a Hotel and Restaurant Stay and Play at Batavia Downs along with a gift basket from Genesee Feeds.  Second place Piper and Third Place Ted also received a Hotel and Restaurant Stay and Play.  Each “heat” winner received a Free Play prize.

A video of the final race can be seen on the Batavia Downs Racetrack Facebook page.

 Photos by Steve Ognibene

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Wiener dog races at Batavia Downs this Sunday

By Press Release

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Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel will host Family Fun Day and their famous wiener dog races on Sunday, Oct. 16.

Family-related activities will also take place including on-site entertainers, a kettle corn stand, pumpkin decorating for kids 15 and under, carriage rides, pony rides and $1 hot dogs and sodas will take place from 12 til 2 p.m. with the wiener dog races commencing at 2 p.m. 

The time was moved up to accommodate guests who want to ensure they don’t miss the Buffalo Bills football game at 4:25 p.m.

Sixty-four dachshunds will be racing for the crown of fastest wiener dog in Western New York.  Each “heat” winner will receive a prize and the top 3 finishers in the championship race will receive free play, food vouchers and a free hotel stay.

Admission and Parking are free.

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens from 2011 race.

Rebellious streaks to fourth straight win at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski

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Bouncing back from his outstanding debut at Batavia Downs last week, Rebellious was strong on the point to take his second straight win in Genesee County and fourth consecutive win overall winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap pacing feature on Saturday night (Oct. 8). 

Jim Morrill Jr. got caught three-wide with Rebellious rushing for the front but finally got the lead from Ideal Artillery (Jim McNeight Jr.) past the :26.4 quarter. The odd-man out in that early dust-up was Issac (Kyle Cummings) who got caught parked from there until he faded at the five-eighths pole. It was also there that Rebellious and Ideal Artillery broke away from the field by three lengths heading towards three-quarters. Positions remained the same around the last turn until Ideal Artillery tipped at the head of the lane. Racing under heavy urging, Ideal Artillery gained some ground on the leader but Rebellious was just too good and would not be denied as he won by one-half length in 1:53.3.

With his 11th win of the year, Rebellious ($4.40) pushed his earnings to $94,058 for owners Joel Warner and Mike Deters, who also trains the winner. 

Morrill ended the night with two wins in the bike. 

The $14,000 Open II Handicap pace was an equally exciting event where Stranger Things dropped out of the top class to score a decisive four length victory.  

Brave World (Dave McNeight III) called the shots early but got pressure before the half from Sanatana Beach (Keith Kash) who pulled first up and had Stranger Things (Kevin Cummings) following him -- one out and one back. Santana Beach reached his limit halfway up the backside and that's where Cummings went three-deep with Stranger Things, and he exploded during the move. Stranger Things crossed over before the turn, opened up 2-¾ lengths while in it and then ran off the screen in the stretch, winning in 1:55 flat. 

Stranger Things ($2.60) got his ninth win of 2022 and went over $200,000 lifetime as a result, now showing $206,626 on his card. Virginia Schoeffel, Kathy Schoeffle and James Reuther own the Angello Nappo-trained gelding.  

Kyle Cummings was the leading driver on Saturday, scoring a natural hat trick in races one, three and four (he did not drive in race two). And for the second straight night, 10 different trainers won one race apiece. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 12) there will be two carryovers and one guaranteed pool. The first $1,392 carryover will be in the first race for the Pick-5 wager and the pool will be guaranteed at $5,000 through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program. Free program pages for races one through five on Wednesday will be available at ustrotting.com starting Sunday (Oct. 9). The second $184 carryover will be in race 13 for the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta wager. 

Post time for the first race is at 6 p.m.

Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab and then you watch all the races live on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel.

Photo by Wendy J. Lowery

Down-under mares dominate Batavia features

By Tim Bojarski

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Batavia Downs featured two Open paces for fillies and mares on Wednesday night (Oct. 5) and both top distaff classes were won by New Zealand-bred mares who showed their mettle in victory. 

The $15,000 Open I Handicap went to Pocono Downs shipper The Stunning Nun N who made her Batavia debut memorable. 

The Stunning Nun N (Jim Morrill Jr.) got away third as Ready Set Rock (Kevin Cummings) claimed the front, but Morrill couldn’t wait and came early to take the top at the quarter. From there he settled his mare in and dictated the rest of the mile. Saulsbrook Olympia (Dave McNeight III) was the first one to challenge as they headed onto the second circuit and drew alongside The Stunning Nun N approaching three-quarters and from there the race was on. The Stunning Nun N first pushed away and got a one-length advantage heading into the stretch. But Saulsbrook Olympia fought back heading to the wire and crept back up on the leader. She got to within one-half length but The Stunning Nun N refused to lose and hit the line first in 1:55.2. 

It was the fifth win of the year for The Stunning Nun N ($3.00) who is trained and owned by Mike Deters, in partnership with Joel Warner, John Manning and Barbara Jensen. 

Morrill ended up winning a total of four races on Wednesday as he also scored with Jeremes General (1:56. $6.20), Embrace The Rust (1:58.3, $5.40) and BJ Lorado (1:59.3, $2.40). 

In the co-featured $14,000 fillies and mares Open II Handicap, Misty Memory N (Dave McNeight III) got away fifth watching Ideally Sweet (Jim Morrill Jr.) lead the field to the half. It was there that McNeight came first over with Misty Memory N and started the slow grind in the breeze towards the leader. When they got to three-quarters, Ideally Sweet was still two lengths ahead of the parked-third Misty Memory N, but this game mare just kept digging. She made up the incremental ground around the last turn and never drew even with the leader until halfway down the stretch. But Misty Memory N eventually got the lead and held off the tripping My Standards (Kevin Cummings) who made a late dash, to win by one-half length in 1:55.3. 

Misty Memory N ($6.90) is owned by Mark Toth and Paul Lang and is trained by Jeniffer Giuliani. 

Besides Morrill, other participants with multiple wins on Wednesday include drivers John Macdonald with three and Drew Monti with two and trainers Angelo Nappo and Maria Rice also with two wins each. 

The Jackpot Super Hi-5 in the 12th race that had a carryover of $829 on Wednesday night was hit and the 2-4-3-5-1 combination returned $1,428.20 for the 20-cent wager. . 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 7) at 6 p.m. This is the final Friday night of racing for 2022. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab and then you watch all the races live on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel.

Photos by Wendy J. Lowery

WROTB conducts meeting to respond to questions from Erie County comptroller, others

By Mike Pettinella

Management of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., in an effort to provide transparency in the wake of challenges to its policies and procedures, presided over a three-hour session with chief financial officers from seven of its 17 member municipalities this afternoon at the Park Road facility’s board room.

The public benefit company has been hounded in recent months by an audit from the New York State Comptroller’s Office, by charges of fiscal irresponsibility by a disgraced former state senator and, most recently, by a series of letters sent by Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick seeking answers to questions concerning the following issues:

  • The sale of the Hotel at Batavia Downs (dated July 15);
  • Benefits (specifically ‘gold-plated’ health insurance) received by board members (July 18);
  • The use of external legal counsel (Aug. 1);
  • The retention of outside lobbyists (Aug. 8);
  • The possible misuse of promotional and marketing materials (Aug. 24).

WROTB President/Chief Executive Officer Henry Wojtaszek, speaking by telephone this evening, said he “appreciated that Hardwick was trying to get information” and added that the meeting ultimately will strengthen the corporation’s relationship with the municipalities.

“Overall, I think the meeting went extremely well and was productive for all involved,” Wojtaszek said. “Our goal is to be transparent, so we were happy to provide them with good, positive economic news that is resulting in record revenues to various counties this year.”

Corporation officials who made presentations at the session, along with Wojtaszek, were Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach, Compliance Consultant Paul Moskal, Marketing Director Ryan Hasenauer and David Hart of Hart Hotels, which operates the hotel.

Genesee County Treasurer Scott German said he attended the meeting to learn more about WROTB’s methods.

“They started off by essentially going over the financials – the financials of horse racing and then the casino,” German said. “Then they gave each individual county that showed up our own sheet based on our financial information (such as revenues and surcharge issued to the municipalities).”

German said WROTB officials addressed the health insurance for directors, use of promotional tickets and use of company vehicles – “stuff that has been rehashed on TV for a couple of years now.”

“From what I heard, and this is coming from the side of OTB, their explanations were adequate, I guess. They made sense,” he said. “They explained how and why they give out tickets. For example, when they gave away tickets to see Garth Brooks in concert, they said they saw a dramatic increase in bets and profitability on those two particular days. It brought people in.”

German said that most of the questions came from Hardwick and Erie County Deputy Comptroller Timothy Callan with a few posed by Oswego County Treasurer Kevin Gardner.

Wojtaszek said Hart explained that the $7.5 million paid by WROTB to purchase the hotel from its original investors (ADK Hospitality) was warranted. 

“David showed them that the price paid was fair based on the appraisal that was done and the numbers that we have been able to sustain at the hotel,” Wojtaszek said. “And revenues continue to increase.”

On the health insurance subject, Wojtaszek said the board of directors will be addressing that issue in the coming weeks with the goal of establishing “a comprehensive way to provide coverage for all of our employees.”

He also said that Moskal conducted an audit on the corporation's practices, made suggestions "and we are following those suggestions."

Wojtaszek noted that he will be continuing the dialogue with Hardwick’s office and will provide additional documents that Hardwick requested. He said that all 15 member counties plus the cities of Rochester and Buffalo were invited to today's meeting.

The letters sent by Hardwick to WROTB can be viewed by going to the Erie County Comptroller’s Office website – www4.erie.gov/comptroller/.

Morrill wins five including both features at Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

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Following his stellar outing of Friday (Sept. 30) at Batavia Downs, driver Jim Morrill Jr. bounced back with another unbelievable performance on Saturday (Oct. 1) as he won five more races including the top two paces.

The $15,000 Open I Handicap went to Morrill and Rebellious, who got away fourth as Just Plain Loco (Dave McNeight III) took the field to the half in :55.4. There, Morrill made a second-over move following Surfer Beach (Greg Merton) who got it in gear heading into turn three. Surfer Beach cleared at three-quarters and Rebellious then followed him again to the top of the stretch. Heading down the lane Rebellious tipped out and got rowdy. He paced right by Surfer Beach and got home on top by 2-¾ lengths in 1:53.2.

It was the third win in a row, tenth win of the year and 65th-lifetime victory for the half-million dollar earner Rebellious ($4.40) who is owned by his trainer Mike Deters in partnership with Joel Warner. 

Then in the $14,000 Open II Handicap Morrill took the garden spot with Mississippi Rabbit behind American Trademark (Keith Kash) to the half in a very tepid :59.2. The slow-going forced Stop Action (Shawn McDonough) to brush and crush to the lead up the backstretch and open up a three-length lead heading into the stretch. But Morrill rousted Mississippi Rabbit and high lined him all the way home to a one-length win in 1:55.2. 

It was also the third win in a row for Mississippi Rabbit ($4.70) who is owned by Rocco Stebbins and trained by Joe Skowyra.  

Morrill also won with Dewar N Jack (1:56.1, $9.30), Century Grizzly (1:54.2, $3.30) and  Major Asset (1:54.2, $4.00). Morrill drove in 11 races Saturday night and aside from the wins, never missed the board. He finished second four times and third twice giving him an unheard-of UDR of .717 for the night. 

At the start of this racing week, Morrill was 12 races behind Kevin Cummings for the dash lead at this meet. Now after only three days of racing he has closed that gap to three. Cummings currently sits with 78 wins and after Saturday’s action, Morrill now has 75. 

Morrill wasn’t the only one winning races. Drivers Drew Monti, Dave McNeight III and Greg Merton each had two wins on the card as did trainers Chris Naedele and Maria Rice. 

The $1,960 carryover and $5,000 guaranteed pool on the Pick-5 wager in race one brought $5,328 in new money and provided a winning payout of $595.50 for a 50-cent wager on the combination of 2-2-3-2-2,3. However, the Jackpot Super Hi-5 in the last race was not hit and that carryover has grown to $829 for that wager in the the12th race on Wednesday night. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 5) at 6 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab and then you watch all the races live on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel.

Photo by Wendy J. Lowery.

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