Sports

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY – It was beautiful evening for harness racing in Western New York as pacers, trotters, and a sizeable crowd gathered for the first Friday of the meet. Patrons enjoyed a 12-race card with two feature races: the eighth race on the card, a Preferred Trot, with a purse of $9,000 and the eleventh, an Open Trot, with a purse of $7,800.

Trotting to victory in Friday's $9,000 feature was Yonkers invader Heaven And Hall with Ray Fisher Jr. at the lines, doing the mile in 1:59.4. Mighty Looker and Kevin Cummings were in for the place, while Hello Carlo with Jack Flanigen made the $152 trifecta. The fractions were 28.4, 58.4, and 1:29.3, respectively. The early stages of the mile was all Hello Carlo and Jack Flanigen who took on all comers but the race was won at the half when the veteran Fisher Jr. was able to find the 2-hole with Heaven and Hall and they simply bided their time in the pocket until angling out at the top of the stretch to score a one-length win. Kevin Cummings and Mighty Looker threatened along the passing lane but had to settle for second. Heaven and Hall is a 7-year-old gelding by Angus Hall. Mark Ford of Campbell Hall owns him and Steven Weaver is the trainer. The winning price of the eighth race was $5.10.

Flamenco Dancer and Tom Agosti got up at the wire in the 11th race by a head, in this evening’s second featured trot. The time of the mile was 2:00.1. Welding Spark D with Jack Flanigen in the sulky landed the exacta, while Jim and Jim Mc Neight were in for the show. The race unfolded with Welding Spark D taking over command at the ¾ mark and opened up 2 at head stretch but a persistent Flamenco Dancer was able to wear him down and score the narrow win. Flamenco Dancer is a 5-year-old bay mare by Tejano. Benjamin Drongosky of Snyder, NY owns her. Alex Giuliani is the trainer. The winning price was $11.20.

Pick-6 is Hit
Thanks to five winning chalks the pick-6 was hit for the first time this season returning $395. The Saturday night pick-6 pool remains guaranteed at $1,000. The pick-6 wager begins in the 7th race.

Be sure to come out tonight, for the Batavia Downs Casino and New York Sire Stakes Glass Giveaway! The first 750 patrons to swipe their Player’s Club Cards beginning at 5 PM will receive a ticket that is redeemable for a free glass after the 7th race! The 64th season is underway at America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track. Enjoy take every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evening. Post time is 6:40. Racing fans wishing to dine in the Clubhouse should call 585-343-3750 to make a reservation.

Photo courtesy Paul White.

Race fans turned out to enjoy the first Wednesday of the meet at America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track, despite the inclement weather that began the night. The evening’s feature event was the seventh race on the card, an open pace for fillies and mares with a purse of $9,000.

Hitting the wire first in that seventh race, was Southwind Prairie with Jim McNeight at the lines, pacing to the mile in 1:58 for her third win of the 2010 season.

In for the place was Newberry Winner with Jamie Dunlap in the sulky to complete the $26.20 exacta. Ray Fisher Jr. and Overseas Tour came in for the show.

The fractions for the 6-horse field were 28.2, 58.4, and 1:28.3, respectively.

The mile began with Jennifers Major getting the trip, but switched the lead with Newberry Winner and fought to regain it just after the ¼ pole. Tom Agosti and Jennifers Major coasted in the lead through the clubhouse turn of the pay-off half, but began to fade after the ¾ pole as Southwind Prairie and Jim Mc Neight took over on the final turn and through the final stretch to pose in the photo of this evening’s feature contest.

Southwind Prairie is a 6-year-old mare by Bettor’s Delight. Karl T. Schoeffel of Evans City, Pa., owns her. Lisa Lederhouse is the trainer. The winning $2 mutuel price was $7.

The 2010 meet at America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track will continue this Friday and Saturday evenings.

This Saturday, July 31, is the Batavia Downs Casino and New York Sire Stakes Glass Giveaway! The first 750 patrons to swipe their Player’s Club Cards beginning at 5 p.m. will receive a ticket that is redeemable for a free glass after the 7th race!

The Western New York harness racing circuit returned to Batavia Downs Casino on Monday, marking the beginning of the 64th season of live racing.

Race fans lined the apron, filled the grandstand and dined in the historic Clubhouse and Rail Bar to catch all of the action from America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track.

The 3-year-old New York Bred Late Closing colt and gelding trotters enhanced the first program of the meet with two contests, the second and the fourth races, each with a purse of $13,100.

Racing to victory in the first Late Closer was Cider With Ice with driver-trainer Dan Daley in the sulky, trotting the mile in a swift 1.59.1. The quarter times for the field were :27.4, :57.4, and 1:28.1, respectively.

Finishing 2-1/2 lengths behind for the place was Womanizer with Gareth Dowse at the lines. Azad Boko with red hot Jack Flanigen in the driver’s seat came in for the show.

The mile began with Womanizer getting the top, but quickly lost the lead to Cider With Ice after the quarter pole and the 3-year-old colt by Credit Winner was never in any real jeopardy from that point.

Ann-Mari Daley, Richard Lombardo, and Albert Crawford own Cider With Ice, now unbeaten with the addition of trotting hobbles. He returned $4.30 to win.

Taking honors for the second stakes race of the evening was Black Licorice with Brian Mattison at the lines, trotting the mile in 2:02.2. Jack Flanigen and Headingforaruckus were close behind for the place, while MC Thunderstruck with Dan Daley showed up third. The quarter times were :30.1, 1:00.4, and 1:31.4, respectively.

Black Licorice took the early lead but was passed by Headingforaruckus shortly after the quarter pole. Flanigen kept the lead until midstretch when Mattison and Black Licorice squeezed in along the passing lane and charged to the win by two lengths. Black Licorice is a 3-year-old gelding by Credit Winner. He is trained by Paul Kelley and owned by East Pond Stable. The winning mutuel price was $17.40.

Live racing will continue this Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track, with our new post time of 6:40 p.m.

The Clubhouse and Rail Bar is now open all race nights serving fine fare, most notably the all-you-can-eat buffet, complete with prime rib, shrimp and crab legs each Friday and Saturday night! To make a reservation, please call 343-3750.

Saturday, July 31 marks the first promotion of the season at Batavia Downs Casino: A Glass Giveaway, co-sponsored by Batavia Downs Casino and the New York Sire Stakes.  The first 750 patrons to swipe their Player’s Club cards beginning at 5 p.m. will receive a ticket that may be redeemed for a glass in the Paddock Room following the 7th race.

Deacons of First Presbyterian Church Batavia are hosting a golf tournament on Aug. 7 at Batavia Country Club.

It is located at 7909 Batavia Byron Road. Registration for the scramble format begins at Noon. Tee time is 2 p.m. Cost is $65 per person and includes greens fee, cart, lunch and steak dinner.

Shot gun starts at 2 p.m. Indiviuals will be matched with incomplete teams. Hot dogs and drink will be served at the turn. There will be door prizes and a silent auction. Awards will be handed out at dinner.

Proceeds benefit Deacons' local outreach programs. For more information and to receive a registration form, contact the church office at 343-0505.

The Batavia Muckdogs heartily welcome the 3rd Annual Drug-Free Marshals Night at the Ballpark, Friday, July 30. Gates open at 6 p.m. and just before the game starts at 7:05, the entire audience will be sworn in, by Senator Mike Razenhofer, as new "Drug-Free Marshals."

On the field along with Sen. Razenhofer will be Muckdogs players, little leaguers, local officials, local law enforcement and the event planner, Sue Hawley, prevention educator at GCASA Prevention.

“Everyone who participates in becoming a Drug-Free Marshal avows to remain drug-free and also encourages others to remain drug-free as well," Hawley said. "They personally sign a pledge that they bring home to their parents, grandparents or just someone they love, which states they have chosen to, and will, lead a drug-free life.”

When asked at a local park this week why taking drugs is a bad idea, some of the children in attendance replied, “because you can die,” “because they can cause cancer” and “because they can ruin your life."

“Even at such a young age, it shows that these children are well aware of the harmful effects of taking drugs,” said a camp counselor.

Hawley said she always thought that the Drug-Free Marshals program should be brought to this community.

"It is a wonderful program that targets our young children from ages 5 through 13," she said. "Traditionally teenagers are given drug education and a lot of money goes to these programs.

"The mission of Drug-Free Marshals is to talk about this subject to our younger children and have them make a promise to themselves to ‘live a drug-free life’ and ‘show my friends that a drug-free life is my choice and is more fun.'"

For more information about Drug-Free Marshals: Sue Hawley GCASA Prevention, 815-8172, or e-mail: shawley@gcasa.org.

Batavia has been a welcome change for veteran catch driver Jack Flanigen, who has been in the sulky since 1984. After resigning in January from his day job of nine years at the New York State Thruway Authority, Flanigen decided to once again pursue his passion as a reinsman full-time.

The decision has indeed paid off, as Flanigen has tallied up 188 wins and $746,158 in purses at the Buffalo meet this year.

Todd Haight, track analyst at Batavia Downs Casino, is optimistic that Flanigen will continue his success when the 64th Season of Live Racing opens this Monday, July 26.

“Flanigen had an excellent meet at Buffalo," Haight said. "Not only has he clinched leading driver honors, but he's had some nice New York Sire Stakes wins. I believe Jack will have an excellent meet here as well."

Due to his success, Flanigen has attracted many drives from leading trainers at Buffalo Raceway, such as Lisa Lederhouse, Bobbi Martin and Larry Clabaugh.

As mentioned, he's also attracted attention from trainers in the New York Sire Stakes program who are already winning with It’s Only Roni, Tuesday’s With Mom and new Buffalo Raceway track record holder Roadside Delight.  
 
One of the highlights of the 2010 season for Flanigen has been the opportunity to be at the reins for veteran 14-year-old trotter Boomer Berman, who has finished first or second in his last 18 starts.

“He’s unreal," Flanigen said. "To be 14 and this good is amazing, he’s a pleasure to drive."
 
Jack Flanigen has had numerous successes at America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track, including leading driver honors multiple times in the mid 1990s.
 
During his 26-year driver career, Flanigen has won 3392 races and has amassed $8.2 million in purse earnings.

Another season-long line-up of exciting promotions, a new Clubhouse viewing area and an earlier weeknight post time highlight the return of harness racing at historic Batavia Downs Casino at 6:40 p.m. this coming Monday, July 26.

Once again, opening night customers will be treated to free programs while the first 750 race fans on Saturday, July 31, will receive a complimentary New York Sire Stakes/Batavia Downs Casino beverage glass.

The 64th season at The Downs highlights the 30-year anniversary of the great Niatross’ world record when he eclipsed legendary Bret Hanover’s record with a sparkling 1:55 performance.

Over $1 million in stakes money, including eight New York Sire Stakes races, six Late Closer events and the Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace on Oct. 16 are among the 72 racing dates at The Downs this season.

New York Sire Stakes races will be held on Aug. 2 and 18, and Sept. 4, 8, 10, 17 and 18.

Racing will be Monday (except Aug. 30), Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through Labor Day and then Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until closing day Dec. 5 with eight added Tuesday dates from Sept. 14 through Nov. 9 (except Oct. 12).

Post time is now 6:40 each evening and 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 29, Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 6) and Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 11).

The wagering menu has been reformatted with an additional Daily Double, now available on races 1-2, 4-5, 8-9 and 10-11. Also new this season is a Pick Six wager that begins on race seven with a starting pool guaranteed at $1,000.
 
Western New York’s top drivers and trainers return this season. Kevin Cummings will defend his leading driver title with strong challenges expected from Jack Flanigen and Ray Fisher Jr. Trainer Sherry Holliday looks to repeat as the leading conditioner with Ron Beback Jr., Neal Russo and Jim Graham challenging.
 
Visitors to Batavia Downs Casino have made Grandstands Bar and Grille a 7-day-a-week destination. The sports restaurant on the second level has a distinct retro décor and features many historic photos of America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track.

Grandstands Bar and Grille is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with a full menu and wide selection of beer, wine and mixed drinks. It also features self-vending terminals for wagering and 37 high-definition flat panel TVs.
 
Promotional Marketing Specialist Todd Haight has developed an aggressive schedule of compelling promotions, highlighted by Family Fun Day on Sunday, Aug. 29, featuring the always popular Wiener Dog Races.

A first for Batavia Downs Casino this season will be the $7,500 college scholarship race on Sept. 11 when five Batavia-area high school seniors compete at the Genesee County oval.

The complete promotion schedule can be viewed at <http://www.westernotb.com/>  (click on the Batavia Downs icon).

Saturday night, July 31, marks the first big giveaway at Batavia Downs Casino. (Harness racing returns to the Western New York standardbred track for the 64th season on July 26.)

Batavia Downs Casino and the New York Sire stakes are partnering in a Glass Giveaway. This unique beverage glass has all of the Downs 2010 Sire Stakes dates listed on it.

“We’re again pleased to work with Mr. Goold and the Sire Stakes folks on our first major giveaway of the season," said Michael D. Kane, vice president of Live Racing and OTB branch operations. “We’re confident our racing fans we be pleased with this promotion.”

Beginning at 5 p.m., the first 750 racing fans that swipe there Player's Club card will receive a ticket good for NYSS glass that can then be redeemed in the Paddock Room after the 7th race of the evening.

Racing fans are reminded that first race post time is now 6:40 p.m. For a complete list of the August racing promotions, please visit <http://www.bataviadownscasino.com/>.

Batavia Downs Casino will hold its annual Weiner Dog Races and Family Fun Day on Sunday, Aug. 29.

The whole family is invited to visit with Mr. Scribbles, Pringles the Clown, and get free pony rides 2 to 4 p.m. for the kids. Sahlens hot dogs and sodas will be just $1 at the Paddock Room concession stand beginning at noon.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., the Weiner Dogs will take to the track! Petco of Batavia is the official sponsor of the event and will supply doggy bags to the owners of the participating dogs.

This year, six separate heats will be held with the fastest dachshund that dashes down the track in each heat declared the winner. The winners will be given an opportunity to race in the championship following the final heat and compete for prizes. Last year, Jean Smart’s 2-year-old dachshund, “Jake Arnold," was a narrow winner.

If you would like to enter your dachshund, please contact Arna Tygart at 343-3750, ext 437 beginning July 26.