The Blue, Gray, and Black is back in action and in snazzy new uniforms.
The Batavia Bulldawgs youth football program took to the turf at Van Detta Stadium on Saturday to kick off the 2022 season.
Photos by Howard Owens
Punters playing Batavia Downs on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 21) may have thought they were at Northfield Park by mistake after two of Ohio’s top horsemen, driver Billy Davis Jr. and trainer Cory Kreiser, shipped in for the day and ended up leaving with a lot of purse.
Davis was on fire, winning six of the 11 races he drove on the card including four horses that were trained by Kreiser, who watched a total of six stable members go postward.
Davis struck early and often, getting a natural hat trick right out of the box in races one, two and three with Osprey Vision (2:00.2, $4.00), St. Lads Gidget (1:56.1, $2.90) and Charmbo Orbit (1:56.2, $4.80). Then after finishing third in race four, Davis registered another natural hat trick in races five, six and seven with I Saw You Blink (1:59.3, $4.10), That’s A Bad Boy (1:58.2, $2.10) and Cinderella Delight (1:56.4, $3.90). Northfield’s third leading driver posted a .575 UDR for his work on Sunday.
Kreiser’s four winning trainees were St. Lads Gidget, I Saw You Blink, That’s A Bad Boy and Cinderella Delight. Kreiser, who is currently the top conditioner in Cleveland, also posted some gaudy numbers as a result of his one day success in Genesee County. He headed west on the 90 with a lofty .666 UTR to take home.
The two races neither Buckeye won were the featured trots.
In the $15,000 Open I Handicap, Keystone Apache (Jim Morrill Jr.) left from post seven, comfortably led the entire race and held off a late charge from Sanchez Rocks (Drew Monti) to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:57 flat. It was the third win in the last four starts and seventh win overall this year for Keystone Apache ($4.10) and it pushed his earnings for the year to $96,684 for Vogel & Wags Nags and Team Rice Racing. Maria Rice was the winning trainer.
Then in the $14,000 Open II, Cash N Chrome (Drew Monti) sat the pocket trip behind Batting Stats (Keith Kash Jr.) until the last turn when he tipped three-deep around Pilgrim Caviar (Dave McNeight III) and trotted home under no urging whatsoever to win by 2-½ lengths in 1:58.4. Cash N Chrome ($5.80) got his fifth win of the year for owners Michael Collins and Angus Mac Donald, who also trains the trotter.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 24) at 6:00 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.
Photo courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery
Three Open paces with purses totaling $42,500 were featured on the Saturday night card at Batavia Downs (Aug. 20) and speed was the order of the night.
The $15,000 Open I Handicap was won by Just Plain Loco who started off slow but finished with a rush.
Just Plain Loco (Dave McNeight III) got away fifth while Drunkonaplane (Jim Morrill Jr.) led the field with My Money Honey (Kyle Cummings) in the pocket. After getting to the half in :57.3, McSpidey (Shawn McDonough) pulled from third with Just Plain Loco in tow and both started to approach the leader. McSpidey got to within a head of Drunkonaplane at the top of the stretch, but Just Plain Loco was on overdrive three-wide and heading down the lane, paced by everyone in a swift :27.4 final quarter to win by 1-¼ lengths in 1:54.
It was the fifth win of the year for Just Plain Loco ($6.00) and it pushed his earnings to $74,270 for his owners Paul Lang and Mark Toth. Jennifer Giuliani trains the winner.
McNeight scored the driving hat trick on Saturday while Giuliani scored two training wins.
In the $14,000 Open II Handicap, Stratosphere also finished strong to win and tied the fastest pacing mile of the meet so far in the process.
Leaving from post six and three respectively, Surfer Beach (Jim Morrill Jr.) took the front while Stratosphere (Drew Monti) was content with the garden spot journey. Morrill guided the group through quarters of :27.1, :55.4 and 1:24.3 before they headed into the far turn. Halfway around that bend Blue Spanx (Keith Kash Jr.) joined the fray from third along with Yankee On The Move (Kyle Cummings) who was already swingin three deep. But when they hit the top of the stretch it became a two horse race when Stratosphere ducked into the passing lane, matched strides with Surfer Beach to the line and then forged ahead by one-half length to win in 1:52.4, taking a new seasonal mark.
Stratosphere ($11.20) got his fourth win of the year for his driving owner Drew Monti, on the preparation of his trainer Darrin Monti.
Drew Monti ended the night with two driving wins.
Finally in the $13,500 Open III, Flying Finn N captured his first win of the meet at Batavia in a gate-to-wire jaunt.
Flying Finn (Kyle Cummings) took a quick early lead and was never headed from there. After controlling the pace through fractions of :28.3, :58 and 1:26.2, Cummings hit the gas and Flying Finn N scorched the last quarter in :27.3 to win by 1-¼ lengths in a season’s best 1:54.
Flying Finn N ($3.00) chalked up his fifth win of 2022 for owner William Emmons and trainer Jim Clouser Jr.
Cummings finished with two driving wins during the card.
Other horsemen scoring multiple wins Saturday were driver Jim Morrill Jr. with three and Kevin Cummings with two. Trainer Lee Dahn also doubled up.
Photo courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery
Press release:
Every year since 2008 the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs have honored the top human and equine performers of the meet during the Night of Distinction which is held on the track’s final night of racing. Unfortunately the final night at Batavia Downs last year was canceled due to inclement weather.
Although these awards were announced, the actual hardware was never distributed. So on Saturday (Aug. 20) a formal presentation will be held in the Purple Haze Winner’s Circle at approximately 5:30 p.m., between qualifiers and the first race of the evening to take care of this unfinished business.
The following is a list of the 2021 award winners along with a summary describing the accomplishments of each.
President’s Award - New York State Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Always working for the betterment of the community as a local businessman, Steve Hawley took it one step further in 2006 and was successfully elected to office in the 139th New York Assembly District and has been proudly serving his constituents ever since.Hawley has always been a friendly acquaintance of Batavia Downs and he grew to understand how integral the sport of harness racing is to the agricultural infrastructure in Genesee and surrounding counties. While in office serving on the racing and wagering committee and currently the agriculture committee, he has fought hard to protect the people that racing employs both directly and in supporting industries.
Since 2010 Hawley has sponsored his “Night At The Races” at the Downs bringing thousands of people who otherwise might not have come to the track, and introduced them to the sport that has been a mainstay of the economic fabric of Batavia for eight decades.
Tim Bojarski, President of UNY-USHWA said “I have known Steve for a long time and have witnessed first hand his passion for this community and his appreciation for the sport of harness racing. He genuinely understands the intricacies of the business and how hard our horsemen and women work to ensure the well-being of our horses while earning a living in a very difficult industry. Our organization is proud to present him with this gesture of our appreciation.”
Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel said “Throughout the years, Steve has been a champion not only of Batavia Downs but of the entire racing and gaming industries. He has introduced many people to our historic race track all while supporting legislation that helps the people of New York who work for the casinos and tracks and it’s through Steve’s hard work that our industry continues to grow and prosper. We congratulate Steve on receiving this well-deserved award.”
Unsung Hero - Jami Chatt
Jami Chatt has been around horses since she could walk and was introduced to harness racing by her grandfather, western New York racing legend Fred Haslip. And although she has groomed, jogged and trained horses all her life and currently competes the pacer Mateo, she also works daily in her full time career as a special education teacher in the Sweet Home school district, so there’s not a lot of free time to be had.Despite all her personal commitments, Chatt still goes above and beyond for anything that puts harness racing in a positive light and has been doing it for years, especially when it comes to charitable concerns.
Chatt spearheaded the 2013 fundraiser for injured driver Anthony Coletta that raised raised $12,835, the 2015 fundraiser for driver Brad Hanners family that raised over $11,000 and several years ago, joined in to help the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester’s annual fundraiser at Batavia Downs to solicit trainers, drivers and owners both at Batavia and then later, at other tracks, to donate a percentage of their purse the night of the event to the BCCR. Since Chatt has gotten involved, the final donation number has grown exponentially and the 2021 total was a record $19,653.
Chatt also works hard to introduce new fans to the sport. Each year she brings families and friends who are not associated with racing to the track and even holds a “field trip” for her fellow teachers, and then spends her night schooling them on the finer points of handicapping.
Rising Star - Kyle Cummings
It comes as no surprise that Kyle Cummings has been one of the best drivers in western New York despite a very brief career to this point, as he hails from a family deeply rooted in racing. His father Todd Cummings, mother Tammy Cummings, grandfathers the late John Cummings Sr. and Hugh Stevens, grandmother Cindy Stark-Casale, uncles John Cummings Jr., Tony Cummings, Kevin Cummings, John Stark Jr., Doug Ackley and aunt Laurie Stark have all been successful trainer/drivers spanning the last 45 years. So he had a wealth of knowledge to draw from and clearly he paid attention.Cummings got his first pari-mutuel win in April of 2019 with a pacer named Jude Hall and his production at the track took off from there, but to say he had a break-out season in 2021 would be an understatement. In only his third year in the bike, the 21-year-old doubled his win and earnings output posted over the first two years of his career. In 2021 overall he has driven 721 races with 109 wins, 107 seconds and 101 thirds and has bankrolled $688,417 in purses.
Cummings was also the leading dash driver on the New York Sire Stake fair circuit and was named the NYSS County Fair Driver of the Year during their awards ceremony last November. During that competition he had 50 starts with 26 wins, 19 seconds and one third and earnings of $60,942 while racing across the state. That equates to a phenomenal UDR of .738 for that series. He also won two of the finals held at Goshen Historic Track in September.
Driver of the Meet - Jim Morrill Jr.
Jim Morrill Jr. had the driving title all but wrapped up halfway through the meet last year as he got off to a hot start in July and burned his way through November. Morrill finished the meet with 365 starts, 116 wins, 72 seconds and 45 thirds to post a stellar .468 UDR. Those 64% in-the-money finishes garnered his connections $716,607 in earnings making him the top earner as well.Kevin Cummings finished second with 68 wins and $501,663 in purses and Kyle Cummings was third with 48 wins and $380,999 banked.
Trainer of the Meet - Jennifer Giuliani
Jennifer Giuliani was in a tight trainer race all last year but came out on top with 41 wins, 25 seconds and 21 thirds out of 146 starts that produced $208,757 in earnings and a UTR of .424. Her horses hit the board 60% of the time and she also trained the Batavia Downs claimer of the meet, Raksmach N.Maria Rice finished second with 40 wins and $312,757 in purses (which made her barn the highest earning stable on the grounds) and Gerry Sarama was third with 36 wins and $235,060 earned.
Trotter of the Meet - Barn Hall
It’s not too often a 3-year-old trotter can come in and not only compete with, but beat older Open campaigners, but Barn Hall proved it can be done. After racing successfully on the New York Sire Stake Excel A circuit all summer, Barn Hall settled in at Batavia and became a powerful top class performer for the entire meet. He hit the board 12 out of 14 starts, winning four times and earning $42,092, which was the most won by any trotter at the meet this year. Plus he took his lifetime mark of 1:55 at Batavia after winning an Open trot in October.Barn Hall was owned by Steve and Nancy Pratt, Wanda Polisseni's Purple Haze Stable and the Out In The Country Stable and was trained by Steve Pratt.
Pacer of the Meet - Art Scene
Art Scene was a relatively new acquisition for trainer Maria Rice when he came to Batavia, after being claimed at Yonkers Raceway last June for $25,000. But his new home track suited him just fine as he went on to have the winningest year of his career. While racing at Batavia, Art Scene won six Open paces and finished second twice out of his 13 starts at Batavia and put $43,765 in the bank, making him the richest pacer on the grounds last year. He won his first start and last start at the track and took his seasonal mark of 1:53.3 in between.Mare of the Meet - Protect Blue Chip
Protect Blue Chip surpassed all her previous career numbers in 2021 and excelled in her 11 starts at Batavia Downs. She hit the board eight times, winning four Opens while finishing second and third twice each, netting her $35,142 in purses. Her best win time of 2021 was 1:54 taken at the Downs in September and it was also her fastest career win over any half-mile track. Plus it was the third consecutive year she took her seasonal mark at Batavia Downs.Art Scene and Protect Blue Chip are both owned by Vogel & Wags Nags and Team Rice Racing and are trained by Maria Rice.
Claimer of the Meet - Raksmach N
Raksmach N also had the best year of his career in North America since landing here in 2018 from New Zealand and the bulk of his success came at Batavia Downs. During the meet he had six wins in only nine starts and earned $29,150 in purses. But he also paced the fastest mile of his life over a half-mile track on September 18 at the Downs when he scorched the oval in 1:52.3, winning by 5-1/4 lengths for driver Jim Morrill Jr. Five of Raksmach N’s six wins came in claiming races of $15,000 or higher.
Two $57,000 divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies were on tap on Wednesday (Aug. 17) at Batavia Downs and 10 of the state's best bred female side-wheelers were on hand to compete for their share of it.
In the first division, Patsville (Hunstville-Major Master Piece) had her own way going gate to wire in handy fashion.
Patsville (Tyler Buter) took control of the race after Two Proud (Pat Lachance) made a break in turn one after trying to leave. With Wine N Dine Me (Jason Bartlett) and Kele Kele (Matt Kakaley) following intently, Patsville cut quarters of :28.3 and :57.4 before anyone made a forward attempt.
Motoring up the backside, Kele Kele pulled from third and made her way to second on the outside as they were moving past three-quarters. But that challenge fell through when she made a break in the last turn. That left only Wine Me Dinner Me to catch the leader and she couldn't, as Patsville closed out the mile on top by a length in 1:53.3.
Patsville ($9.10) boosted her earnings to $130,229 this year on the strength of her third victory for owners William C. De Long and William P. De Long. John Butenschoen trains Patsville, who was bred by Ross Bonafield.
Later in the second split, Gotthegreenlight (American Ideal-Bet On Luck) held off a late rush to claim her fifth win in her last six starts.
Gotthegreenlight (Jason Bartlett) out-left Lee Loo (Tyler Buter), grabbed the lead and then hit the brakes to control the pace. Bartlett took the group to the quarter in :28.4 and the half in :58.1 and even then, no right lines were pulled. As they moved onto the second circuit, Gotthegreenlight had a two length lead and finally A Girl That Twirls (Jim Morrill Jr.) tipped out from third and started to advance, forcing a :28 flat third panel.
A Girl That Twirls continued to pace on and looped Lee Loo before the turn and then dropped back in second, right on Gotthegreenlight's back. As they were heading into the home stretch, A Girl That Twirls came back out and paced up alongside Gotthegreenlight, who appeared to be tiring. And although she was just about even with her, Gotthegreenlight had enough left to turn back A Girl That Twirls at the wire to win by one-quarter length in 1:53.2.
Gotthegreenlight ($2.20) has now amassed $208,131 this year for owners Patricia Stable and Kovach Stable. Nifty Norman trains the filly that was bred by Stephen P. Day.
Bartlett ended the night with two wins on the card.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 20) at 6:00 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.
Photo by Wendy Lowery
Nolan Sparks 0.22 regular season ERA, along with a 5-1 record, placed him at the top of the class in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.
The Muckdogs' ace was named Pitcher of the Year for the 2022 season after helping Batavia win the Western Division crown.
Sparks led the league in ERA and was second in wins.
With a post-season win, Sparks was 6-1 for the year with a 0.38 ERA. He started nine games, picked up a save, tossed 41 2/3 innings, had 51 strikeouts, and gave up 12 walks and 23 hits.
In seven starts, Sparks didn't surrender a single earned run and in his other two starts, he surrendered only one run.
Sparks is from Aurora, Colo., where he was valedictorian at Cherokee Trail High School. He is entering his junior year at the University of Rochester.
Photo by Howard Owens.
The New York Sire Stakes returns to Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 17) with $114,000 in prize money to be split up in two five horse, $57,000 divisions for 3-year-old pacing fillies and Gotthegreenlight comes in hot and looking for her share.
Gotthegreenlight (American Ideal-Bet On Luck) was the 2-year-old champion of her NYSS division last year and has come back just as good at three. With five wins in only eight starts in 2022, Gotthegreenlight is currently the second highest earning 3-year-old pacing filly in North America behind only Treacherous Dragon. She is the top NYSS earner ($136,660) and points-leader (208) in her category and is as versatile filly as you could find.
She has won on all-size tracks both on the front and from behind, and ran off four straight wins in stakes action before getting beat by only 3-¼ lengths in a 1:49.3 mile after being parked to three-quarters in 1:21.3 in the Shady Daisy at the Meadowlands on Hambletonian Day. Besides already equalling her own career mark of 1:51 this year, Gotthegreenlight also broke the 9-year-old Yonkers track record for 3-year-old pacing fillies with her 1:51.3 effort on July 12. She may do the same on Wednesday to the 11-year-old Batavia standard of 1:52.4 set by New Album in 2011.
Gotthegreenlight has her regular pilot Jason Bartlett in the bike for trainer Nifty Norman and has drawn post five.
Charged with the task of beating the more than certain post time favorite is A Girl That Twirls (American Ideal-Heels On The Beach) who had been racing very well until last week. After reeling off three stakes wins in May and June, A Girl That Twirls was off almost a month but then finished second in NYSS action at Tioga Downs timed in 1:51.3. However last week she made an uncharacteristic break in the first turn at Saratoga and finished distanced as a result. Assuming that was an aberration, post two and Jim Morrill Jr. driving gives A Girl That Twirls the best shot for the upset here for trainer Deborah Daguet.
Lee Loo (Huntsville-Taiya Hanover) is winless in NYSS action this year but has shown ability and speed in winning miles of 1:50.2 in a qualifier and 1:51.2 in an overnight at the Meadowlands. However her best work has not been over a half mile track. Driver Tyler Buter will try to change that for trainer Tony Alagna from post four.
The other division is a very much wide open event with three fillies that can be considered very closely rated.
Kele Kele (So Surreal-Lightning D Dube) is the second highest money ($113,119) and points (161) earner behind Gotthegreenlight in NYSS action and has been on the board 11 of 11 starts this year. Her two NYSS wins both came over half mile tracks including her lifetime best outing of 1:53.1 at Monticello. Matt Kakaley is back in the bike for trainer John McDermott and will leave from post four.
Patsville (Huntsville-Major Master Piece) took a lifetime mark of 1:50.2 at Hoosier Park prior to starting in the NYSS this year and hasn’t missed a check in the series since. That has her listed third for earnings ($84,169) in her division despite only having one win. She was recently race timed in 1:51.1 at Tioga Downs in a third place finish and must be considered a player starting from the pylons. Trainer John Butenschoen has Tyler Buter up once again.
Two Proud (American Ideal-Double Creme) comes into this race with only six lifetime starts, three of which were this year. She has shown much improvement in her two NYSS outings with a 1:51.4 fourth place finish at Tioga followed by a 1:54 second place finish at Saratoga, both with :27 and change final quarters. Two Proud is moving in the right direction and with starting from the middle of this five horse field, she should be in play for the win. Pat Lachance will team for trainer Jeffrey Smith.
The NYSS races are carded as four and seven. There are also two $15,000 Excel “A” series events that will go as race five and eight. Post time for race one on Wednesday is 6 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Fotowon
Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, formerly of the Buffalo Bills, along with his teammates, past NFL football players, and local attendees from all over Western New York, played in the 35th annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic fundraiser Monday morning at Terry Hills golf course in Batavia.
Kelly thanked many sponsors, including volunteers, and "Dennis, Trisha and Ashley," who has been a core trio that has organized the event for the past 25 years. In his kickoff speech, Kelly emphasized "No Mulligans and five total hits," the prizes are serious, and the fun is like "Caddyshack."
Kelly for Kids Foundation raises millions of dollars and gives back to local charities, he said. The "reunion" tournament that many from all over the country come back to annually is what fans, family and friends of #BillsMafia look forward to, support, and have a great time participating in, they say.
"The main reason we came to Terry Hills to start with, is that they have 27 holes. We would have 10 to 12 foursomes on a waiting list that we had to turn away on an 18-hole golf course," Kelly said. "They have built this place into a gorgeous facility, and they take unbelievable great care of us."
Pete Metzelaars
Eric Wood
Former GM Bill Polian
Christopher McDonald "Shooter McGavin"
Bruce Smith and Darryl Talley
(left) John Randle
Joe DeLamielleure
Edward Rutkowski
Bruce Smith at Jim Kelly's press conference
Taking full advantage of post one and a perfect trip, Sanchez Rocks posted his second win in his last three starts at Batavia Downs in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 14).
Sanchez Rocks (Drew Monti) yielded the front to Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) off the gate and then followed him to the top of the stretch. With no pressure from the field, Lunar Credit set tepid fractions of :29.1, :59.4 and 1:29.3 to three-quarters, where he and Sanchez Rocks started to separate from the field. Coming off the last turn, Sanchez Rocks tipped out and trotted alongside Lunar Credit, who dug in and tried to close out his effort. However Sanchez Rocks was in full stride and under minimal urging, trotted past Lunar Credit at the line by a head to win in 1:58.2.
In what is turning into a career year for the winner, Sanchez Rocks scored his sixth win of 2022 and that boosted his bank to $52,947 for his owner Marie Houghtaling. Ron Houghtaling trains the trotter.
Monti finished his card with a hat trick to lead all drivers on Sunday.
The fastest trot of the day came in a $9,500 mid-level condition event where C R Blazin Beauty (Dave McNeight III) dropped down from Open II company, drew pylon position and scorched the track in gate to wire fashion with a 1:57.1 effort that gave the 1-9 shot a new seasonal mark. C R Blazin Beauty ($2.10) is owned by Marissa Russo and trained by David Russo.
McNeight III and Russo both registered doubles on the card in their respective categories.
The Jackpot Super Hi-5 was hit in race 11 and the single unique ticket sold on the combination of 1-7-2-8-5 returned $2107.30 for the 20-cent wager.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 17) at 6:00 p.m. THe New York Sire Stakes will be in town featuring two fields of 3-year-old pacing fillies going for a total of $114,000. 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.
Photo by Wendy J. Lowery
Two Open paces totalling $27,500 in purses highlighted the card at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Aug. 13) and both races provided exciting finishes.
In the $14,000 Open II Handicap, My Money Honey (Kyle Cummings) got away third behind Art Scene (Jim Morrill Jr.) and both sat the trip behind Next Big Thing (Keith Kash Jr.) while he set fractions of :28.2, :58 and 1:25.4 to three-quarters while amassing a comfortable two length lead heading into the final bend. In that turn, Flying Finn N (Shawn McDonough) and Stranger Things (Kevin Cummings) were moving on the outside and that left My Money Honey locked in fifth on the pegs at the top of the stretch. But as the passing lane opened up at the top of the stretch, Art Scene ducked into it and left just enough room for My Money Honey to get between him and the pylons and My Money Honey had the best foot to the line and won by a neck in 1:54.4.
The second win in a row and sixth of the year by My Money Honey ($19.60) pushed his 2022 earnings to $60,734 for the benefit of his owner Kyle Cummings. Tammy Cummings trains the winner.
Then in the $13,500 Open II Handicap, Surfer Beach (Jim Morrill Jr.) left from eighth and dropped in fourth while Daylight Rush (Dave McNeight III) went to the front and took the field to the half in :56.4. It was there that Surfer Beach was first out and rolling up towards the leader in turn three and he continued to cut into the lead heading to the three-quarter pole. By the time they came out of the far turn, Surfer Beach and Daylight Rush were next to each other and as both drivers rocked and knocked down the stretch, Surfer Beach got the advantage and held off a late charging Blue Spanx (Keith Kash Jr.) to win by a neck in 1:53.4.
It was the third win of the year for Surfer Beach ($4.80) who is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Team Rice Racing. Maria Rice was the winning trainer.
Several horsemen had big performances on Saturday. Driver Kevin Cummings had a natural hat trick in races two through four while Kyle Cummings also had a hat trick that included the longest paying horse of the night, Lanas Desire ($106.50). That horse was trained by Jim Clouser Jr. who had two conditioning wins and he was joined by Dave Russo and Darrin Monti.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 14) there will be a $1,519 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 wager in race 11. Post time for the first race is 1:15 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.
Photo by: Wendy J. Lowery
A total of $104,000 was up for grabs for the 10 participating 2-year-old pacing fillies who were on hand for the New York Sire Stakes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday evening (Aug. 10).
The $ 52,500-second division was scratched down to a field of five and Vivians Dream (American Ideal-Sports Chic) put on quite a show.
Vivians Dream (Jordan Stratton) left sharply and grabbed the lead as soon as the gate closed. With Hunting Season (Mark Macdonald) and Rock My Socks (Jason Bartlett) following loosely in second and third, Stratton snugged up Vivians Dream and got away with a very pedestrian :59 half and that strategy ended up paying big dividends.
When the race made its way onto the second circuit, the pace picked up substantially and Vivians Dream was starting to separate from the field. She got to three-quarters in 1:26.4, rounded the last turn and opened up by 3-1/4 lengths at the top of the stretch. From there she blazed home in :27.1 to win easily in 1:54.
It was the fifth win in only six lifetime starts for Vivians Dream ($2.50) and owner Forrest Bartlett. Cory Mumford trains the winner. Vivians Dream was bred at Winbak Farm.
Jordan Stratton ended the night with three driving wins.
In the first $51,500 division, Dame (Dude's The Man-Seat By The Window) made every station a winning one en route to a new lifetime mark.
Luke Hanners held position with Dame from post one and became the commander of fractions after the post time favorite Doing Marvelous (Jordan Stratton) made a break trying for the front. Dame set intervals of :28, :57.4 and 1:27 with no opposition from the single file field in tow. At the top of the lane Dame was under a line drive and cruised home to a 2-¼ length win in a career-best time of 1:55.2.
Dame ($7.40) was bred and is owned by Stephen Richard and is trained by Kelly Hastings.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 13) there will be a $1,405 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 wager in race 13. Post time for the first race is 6:00 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.
Photos courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery
Young golfers got a well-rounded experience at the annual Batavia Country Club Junior Golf Camp, according to Pro Tom Tucker.
The camp for kids 7-10 was July 25 through July 29 and the camp for kids 11-15 to was Aug. 1 through Aug. 5.
Instructors included Tucker, a Top-100 golf teacher, Roxanne Noeth, 14-time Batavia Country Club Women's Club Champion,
and Dominic NiCastro
Tucker said that during the week, golfers competed in various contests as well as team competitions along with their instruction and practice sessions.
"All in all, the kids had great weather, made new friends, and had a great time," Tucker said.
For more photos and information, click here.
Submitted photos.
Top photo: Back row, left to right: Ashton Mapes, Aiden Flaherty, Mike Richenberg, Patrick Casey, Dan Mudrzynski, Hunter Sprague, Nolan Rogers, Joe Wujiec, Joe Mudrzynski, Garrett Morris, Front row, left to right: Dakota Ford, Melina Moscicki, Lena Meyer, Crimson Hurd Alex Tomidy, Luke Mills, Gavin Philp, Jacob Knowlton, Levi Fisher, Absent from photo: Maisse and Delia Yunker
Boys Champion - Brayden Jachimowicz shot a 33 to squeak by Sawyer George and Cody Carlson by one stroke each. Girls Champion - Jada Fite shot a 33 and edged out Brooklyn Jachimowicz (Brayden's sister) by a single stroke in two very exciting finishes.
After coming up a mere neck short of victory in the top class at Batavia Downs last week, Dewey Arnold bounced back and made sure that didn’t happen again with a decisive gate-to-wire romp in track record time in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot on Sunday (Aug. 7). Driven by Kevin Cummings, Dewey Arnold was only one of five winners guided to victory by the red hot reinsman during the afternoon.
Cummings bolted to the lead with Dewey Arnold and maintained a three-length advantage over Keystone Apache (Jim Morrill Jr.) to the quarter in :28.3 and the half in :57.4. Keystone Apache closed the gap slightly as they straightened out for the backside dash, but Dewey Arnold heard hoofprints and trotted on, opening up four lengths at three-quarters in 1:26.1. As they headed into the final bend the field had taken a knee and Dewey Arnold was on his own. He straightened out for the line and trotted home under wraps to a 4-½ length victory in 1:55.1.
The time of 1:55.1 was a new Batavia Downs track record for aged trotting geldings, supplanting the 1:55.2 previously registered by Lutetium in 2015. Trained by David Dewhurst, this is the second trainee of his to set a track record at Batavia over this past year after the Open pacing mare Racine Bell scorched the Downs oval in 1:51.3 on August 4, 2021, setting a new standard for aged distaff side-wheelers. That clocking was also the second fastest pacing mile of all time at Batavia, behind only Aracache Hanover’s 1:51.1 set in 2011.
A 12-time winner of $257,745 in purses last year as a 3-year-old star of the New York Sire Stake circuit, Dewey Arnold ($4.10) has come back at four to be a top Open class trotter with now seven wins and $74,575 earned this year for owners Philip Hale and David Dewhurst.
Along with the feature, the Cummings quintuple was completed by wins with Freaky Flyer (1:59, $3.00), Alexander Hanover (2:01.4, $4.00), Ideal Longshot (1:57.2, $29.40) and Best Brew (1:56.1, $2.20).
The undercard $14,000 Open II Handicap trot went much like the headliner as Lunar Credit led at every station to score an upset in his first win of the Batavia meet.
Jimmy McNeight Jr. went right to the front as All About Thechase (Mike Caprio) tucked and followed in the pocket. With a weak, early outside challenge from Art Of Duty (Mike Baumeister), Lunar Credit proceeded through workman-like fractions of :28.4, :58.1 and 1:27.1 and had a good three-length advantage heading into the last turn. McNeight then line-drove Lunar Credit down the lane and held off late charges by the tripped-out All About Thechase and a fast closing C R Blazin Beauty (Dave McNeight III) to win by 1-¾ lengths in a season’s best 1:57.1.
It was the second win in only six starts this year for Lunar Credit ($29.20) who is owned by his driver and trained by Jim McNeight.
Jimmy McNeight Jr. also had a big day in the bike, scoring the hat trick on Sunday.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 10) with post time at 6:00 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.
Photo courtesy of Wendy J Lowery
Just in case anyone was wondering, Jim Morrill Jr. made it perfectly clear why he is the leading driver at Batavia Downs after putting on a clinic in the sulky Saturday night (Aug. 6). Morrill won six of the 13 races on the card while finishing second and third twice each as well, to end the night with a stellar .648 universal driver rating.
Morrill won both halves of the Daily Double with Amrcanbootscoota A (1:55.2, $2.30) and Finkle Is Einhorn (1:56.2, $13.00), then continued with Ohio Prince (1:55.1, $5.00) and finished his run with a natural hat trick in races 10, 11 and 12 with Drunkonaplane (1:54.2, $4.10), Harry Hoo N (1:56.2, $8.60) and Bali Beach (1:56.3, $3.50).
The win with Drunkonaplane came in the $14,000 Open II Handicap pace where Morrill sent his charge down the road in fractions of :26.3, :56.1 and 1:24.4. Off the turn he sprinted for home and closed out the deal by a length ahead of a wall of five horses to claim Drunkonaplane's seventh win of the year. Vogel & Wags Nags and Team Rice Raing own the Maria Rice-trained gelding.
The one race Morrill didn’t win was the featured $15,000 Open I Handicap pace which went to Stop Action, who scored his second straight top class victory of the Batavia meet.
Stop Action (Kevin Cummings) got away last as Art Scene (Jim Morrill Jr.) went for the lead and was pushed three deep around the first turn heading to the quarter in :26.3. As soon as he settled, Just Plain Loco (Dave McNeight III) pulled first-over from fourth and took the lead from Art Scene in front of the stands. But immediately after he crossed over, Ideal Artillery (Drew Monti) was advancing on the outside towards the leader and there was still a half to go.
Just Plain Loco maintained a length advantage over Art Scene and Ideal Artillery heading up the backstretch and to three-quarters in 1:24.1. At that station, Stop Action was still fifth, but Cummings was revving him up. As the race proceeded into the last turn, Stop Action was tipped three-wide but still three lengths off the lead at the top of the stretch. Cummings kept him highly motivated heading down the lane and Stop Action flew by everyone to win by ½ length in 1:53.2.
It was the 10th win of the year for Stop Action ($8.10) who has now earned $89,581 in 2022 for owner Super Mile. Angelo Nappo trains the winner.
Kevin Cummings ended the night with a hat trick in the bike and trainer Shawn McDonough also claimed three wins for his stable.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 7) with post time at 1:15 p.m. Sunday features $2 Sahlen hot dogs, 12-ounce draft beer and soft drinks, all available at the Homestretch Grill from 12 noon until 4 p.m. Also there is a carry-over of $857 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 wager in the last race on Sunday. 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.
Photo courtesy of Wendy J Lowery
Photos by Philip Casper
Kim Mills, a frequent winner of local 5Ks in recent years, once again had the best women's time in the GLOW Corporate cup, crossing the finish line at 19:31.
Perry MacKinnon, an intern with Farm Credit East, and from Canada, bested the men's field by two minutes with a time of 15:23. Zakariah Jantzi, Bontrager Real Estate & Auction, came in second at 17:24.
Bontrager won the team competition with Zakariah, John Bruggman (17:41 and third overall), and Abby Jantz (19:56, second among women).
In the 50-59 age group, Brian Fraser, 52, came in first at 18:50, and Nathan Balduf, 52, second at 22:14.
For full race results, click here.
UPDATE 5:45 p.m.: Coordinator Steve Tufts reports that there were 760 registered participants and 599 completed the 5K race.
"Yellowjacket Racing – our race management company – tell me that they’ve been seeing 20-25% no-shows since the pandemic," Tufts said. "They added that our 6% increase over last year was good because most races in the northeast this year are down from last year."
There were 50 teams. There was no cost to have a team but each registration was $25. Some employers covered all or some of this expense for their team.
The winner of the team T-shirt contest was U.S. Gypsum Co. They actually repeated from last year. The Merrill Lynch office will donate $500 to their charity of choice in the near future.
There were 8 Gold sponsors at $1,000, 13 Silver sponsors at $500, and 10 Bronze sponsors at $250.
There were 38 corporate tents of various sizes mapped around a stage and numerous more 10x10s were thrown up on the perimeter.
There was a first-time winner this year of the GLOW Corporate Cup: Bontrager Real Estate & Auction. This team competition combines the fastest 3 local employee times of a team and compares that to other teams. The perennial favorite team from Batavia City Schools was second and Intergrow Greenhouse was third.
Early estimates on the net money raised for the GLOW YMCA is around $25,000, Tufts said.
"There was a route change this year in case Richmond Avenue was impassible due to road construction," Tufts said. "We probably could have run the original course, but a lot of work went into designing a different way to safely get runners and walkers around this city at the tail end of rush hour on a hot August night. Starting at the south side of Centennial Park allowed us to close off traffic to the section of Park Avenue nearest State Street. It was fun running down State, turning left onto Washington Avenue, and left again onto Bank Street. Two huge water stations were necessary this year along with a misting tent at the finish line."
We will update this post with more information from the organizers when it is available.
Perry MacKinnon
Zakariah Jantzi
Team WBTA
Grillin' in the Upstate Toyota tent.
Liberty Pumps tent.
The Blueways Band provided the soundtrack for the race afterparty.
UPDATE:
Here are a couple of additional shots of one of the water stations by Jim Burns.
The New York Sire Stakes made their third visit to Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Aug. 3) and featured the 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings who competed for a total of $107,000 in purses. The highlight of the night was when Human Cocktail (Huntsville-Losta Matzah) rallied late to win the second $53,500 division in 1:53.3 and set a new Batavia Downs track record for 2-year-old pacing colts.
Kid From The Bronx (Mark Macdonald) left hard and led by a gapped three length margin through panels of :27.1 and :55.3 with Human Cocktail (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Its A Me Mario (Jason Bartlett) trying to keep pace. Moving past five-eighths Its A Me Mario came with a rush and took the lead from Kid From The Bronx at three-quarters but the race was far from won.
Around the last turn Kid From The Bronx fought back and as the two were stacked up, forced Human Cocktail to go three-wide heading into the stretch. As Kid From The Bronx and Its A Me Mario began to tire, Human Cocktail rolled past them both in the middle of the track and pulled away to a ½ length victory over the fast closing Thunder Hunter Joe (Austin Siegleman) in 1:53.3, which was also a new lifetime mark.
After moving up from Excel "A" action, it was the first NYSS win for Human Cocktail ($3.90) and owner Stephen Demeter also bred the winner along with Blue Chip Bloodstock and Daniel Zucker. Gareth Dowse trains the colt.
Earlier there was a major upset in the first $53,500 split as Huntinthelastdolar (Huntsville-Eighthunrddolarbill) upended the 1-9 favorite American Fling with a strong stretch finish.
American Fling (Jason Bartlett) went right to the front while Huntinthelastdolar (Doug McNair) settled in second for a perfect trip. American Fling went :27.4 and :58.3 on top by three lengths at the half where Johnny Sack (Mark Macdonald) pulled first-over and tried to move into contention.
With the added pressure from the outside American Fling sped up the third panel and Huntinthelastdolar started gapping in the hole, but that all changed again in the last turn. Johnny Sack began to fade and Huntinthelastdolar was tight again on American Fling's back. When the passing lane opened, McNair dipped into it with Huntinthelastdolar and paced away from the tiring American Fling to win by 1-½ lengths in a lifetime best 1:55 1.
It was the first lifetime start and NYSS victory by Huntinthelastdolar ($19.20) for his owners Steve Heinbacker and Gregg McNair, who also trains the colt. Crawford Farms bred Huntinthelastdolar.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 6) with post time at 6:00 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.
Photo courtesy of Wendy J Lowery
In battle of two great teams the Muckdogs came up short on their quest for a PGCBL title last evening at Dwyer stadium.
In the third inning, the Mohawks took advantage of Muckdogs errors and grabbed a 3-0 lead.
That drove frustration on the West Division champions' bench through most of the game and the team struggled to right the ship.
The Mohawks added another run in the seventh and three runs in the eighth inning to take a 7-0 lead.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, a bit of spark came when Jerry Reinhart got a single RBI to left field, bringing home Levis Aguila.
Tyler Cannoe bopped a home run in the bottom of the ninth to make the game 7-2 Amsterdam, and that became the final score.
With the crowd, community, and fans supporting the team throughout the season the owner Robbie Nichols was greatly appreciative.
Many fans and supporters of the game sent positive notes and remarks from the stands after the game. Players exchanged hugs, positive words and memories will not be forgotten during the season.
A message from the Muckdogs organization was on Twitter today and can be read here.
To view or purchase photos, click here.
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Batavia Muckdogs started out Wednesday with great home vibes and three runs on two doubles in the third inning to take a 3-0 lead.
Mohawks scored a homerun in the fourth inning to bring Batavia’s lead to two.
Bottom of the fifth, a costly error for the Mohawks allowed Tyler Cannoe to reach first, and Kyle Corso to come home. That brought made it 5-1 for the Dogs.
Fleming scored his second homerun of the playoffs and brought in Alex Torres, and a lead for the Dogs 7-1 in the sixth inning.
An RBI double for Levis Aguila scored for Daniel Burroway, putting Muckdogs in the eighth. With no change in the ninth, Batavia won 8-1 to force a game three of the PGCBL championship round, which was to begin at 8 p.m.
Winning pitcher Julian Pichardo pitched six innings and allowed only one run.
To view or purchase photos, click here.
Photos by Steve Ognibene
$107,000 is the targeted prize for 14 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings when the New York Sire Stakes makes its third stop of the year at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Aug. 3) and American Fling comes in undefeated in this series and is entered in the first of two $53,500 divisions.
American Fling (American Ideal-Feeling You) is currently the second richest 2-year-old pacing male in North America and is a perfect four-for-four in the NYSS. And he is only a nose away from being undefeated for the year as he finished second in his only non-winning start. He took a lifetime mark of 1:53.1 in NYSS action at Tioga Downs in June and followed that up by setting a new track record of 1:55.1 for age, gait and gender at Buffalo Raceway in July. Given his 1:53.2 victory at Saratoga last week, the Batavia Downs track record of 1:52.4 for a 2-year-old pacing gelding is not out of reach.
Jason Bartlett will drive for trainer Ed Hart, starting from post two.
Looking to prevent a fifth straight win by the probable favorite is Johnny Sack (American Ideal-Worldly Treasure) who is winless this year but not for lack of performance. In his last two out of three starts he cut the mile and just got caught to finish second twice in NYSS action while also finishing third at the Meadowlands in an overnight race, timed in 1:51.1.
Also Bandito Joe (Roll With Joe- Blind Faith) has good gate speed and an inside post, giving him a great chance to position himself strategically for this contest. His lifetime mark of 1:54.4 at Yonkers and speedy :27.4 last quarter last week at Saratoga shows he is capable of upsetting in this race.
Mark Macdonald will drive Johnny Sack from post five for trainer Ray Schnittker and Austin Siegleman will team Bandito Joe from post three for trainer Travis Alexander.
In the second $53,500 split, Its A Me Mario (American Ideal-NF Salsa) has made four straight NYSS starts, finishing second in three of them. All three times were against American Fling who is in the other division Wednesday. Last week It's A Me Mario drew post seven and chased a fast last half, and still was only beaten 2-¼ lengths for the win. With an inside draw here and his recent nemesis absent from the field, this looks like a good spot for him to grab his first win of the year.
Lauren Tritton drives for trainer Shane Tritton from post two.
Human Cocktail (Huntsville-Lotsa Matzah) likes to be near the front and brings his best game on the point. With a post one start here and coming off his fastest race time to date, it would appear that despite moving up from Excel “A” competition he will dictate the pace and be the one to catch coming home.
Also Ben Solo (Huntsville-Leah) won his last start which was in NYSS competition in 1:55 at Saratoga Raceway with a snappy :27.2 final quarter. He likes to come from off the pace and with a lot of early speed inside him, will get the opportunity to finish strong again.
Jim Morrill Jr. will drive Human Cocktail for trainer Gareth Dowse and leave from post one while Jason Bartlett will steer Ben Solo for trainer Steven Finkelstein from post five.
There are also two $15,000 Excel “A” series events carded as race four and eight. Post time for race one on Wednesday is 6 p.m.
Photo of American Fling lifetime mark courtesy of Fred Brown
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