The first race of the 69th season at Batavia Downs turned into a coast-to-coast cruise by the #3 horse, Lima Playtime, with a career-best time of 2:00.4. Lima was driven by Rick Zeron and paid $4.20.
It should be both a fun and exciting racing season at the Downs, said Marketing Director Ryan Hasenauer. There are special promotions throughout the season, but the remodoled gaming floor is also bringing in bigger crowds, which generates more revenue, which translates into bigger purses for harness racing. The bigger payouts will draw even higher quality horses to the track.
"Better horses make for better races and better wagering, and bigger pools means bigger winners," Hasenauer said.
The track is in great shape, Hasenauer said, which also helps draw drivers and trainers throughout the season.
"We already have a great reputation among trainers and owners as one of the best-manicured tracks in the industry," Hasenauer said.
Promotional highlights this season include Craft Beer Fridays, running into August, and Sunday wine tastings, and starting in August, Dollar Days, with dollar drafts and dollar hot dogs.
"People really like getting a good dollar hot dog or a cold draft beer at a decent price," Hasenauer said.
