Photo of Up Helly Aa courtesy of McKenna Dziemian.
It was another cold and windy evening in Genesee County with snow bands that increased in intensity as the card rolled on. But the real storm on Thursday (Jan. 23) afternoon at Batavia Downs came from drivers Brett Beckwith and Kevin Cummings, who each won four races during the program.
Beckwith’s big win came in the co-featured $13,000 Open Handicap trot that went to Up Helly Aa, who led at every station before pulling away to a gapped-length victory.
After several horses left, Johnny Boy (Kevin Cummings) took the lead before Beckwith and Up Helly Aa roared forward in the breeze to claim the top at the :28.2 quarter. After crossing over, Up Helly Aa settled in and marched off back-to-back :29.4 quarters before heading into the final bend on top by 2-¾ lengths. When he entered the stretch, Up Helly Aa had no imminent threats from behind and just kept on going to eventually win by 3-¼ lengths in 1:58.4.
Up Helly Aa ($11.40) is owned by Ian Fromowitz and trained by Jaymes Mcassey.
Beckwith also won with Venier Hanover (1:58.4, $2.90), Admiral Hanover (1:58.1, $4.50) and Six Degrees (1:57.3, $3.40).
Kevin Cummings' four wins came with Silvershoe Halie (2:00.4, $15.20) along with Hp Running Mass (2:01.4, $34.20), Famous Dan (2:00, $4.60) and Yo AJ (1:59.3, $8.40), all of whom were trained by Sam Smith, who topped all conditioners for wins during the proceedings.
Both Beckwith and Cummings drove a total of 13 races each and posted identical numbers of four wins, three seconds and two thirds, giving each one of them a lofty UDR of .487 when the day was done.
The other feature race was the $13,000 Open Handicap pace, where Primo Uomo had absolutely no competition whatsoever as he won his second straight top-class pace at the Downs with a very convincing gate-to-wire romp.
Joe Chindano Jr. rocketed off the gate and to the front with Primo Uomo, who opened up a 2-¾ length gap as he cruised past the quarter in hasty :27.3. Chindano then downshifted quarter two, but got right back to business on the second circuit. Primo Uomo stretched out to a three length lead at three-quarters in 1:26.1, rounded the last turn and then bolted away to a nine-length victory in 1:54.4, setting a new seasonal mark.
Primo Uomo ($2.70) is owned by Chris and Dale Lawton and trained by David Dewhurst.
Chindano added wins with Thinking Of Slim (2:01, $11.20) and Mauries Bonus A (1:58.3, $4.50) to grab a hat trick of his own.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 27) at 3:00 p.m. and there will be a carryover of $1,012 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Timothy Callan during Thursday's Western Regional OTB meeting. Photo by Howard Owens.
During his years in Congress, former Texas representative Ron Paul, a medical doctor by trade, gained the nickname "Dr. No" for his propensity to vote against nearly every bill that came before him.
Might the Western Regional Off-Track Betting board of directors have its own "Dr. No"?
Erie County's representative, Timothy Callan, does have a Ph.D, but, in fairness, he more often than not votes yes on board motions. When he does vote no, though, he is typically the lone dissenting voice on a board that, though made up of Republicans and Democrats from large and small jurisdictions, often hues toward unanimity.
When Callan, deputy comptroller for Erie County, votes no, the motion before him typically deals with financial expenditures.
That was the case Thursday when Callan voted against motions authorizing the OTB to hire a temporary general counsel while the board seeks a new staff attorney and voted against authorizing expenditures for advertising on Buffalo and Rochester broadcast media. He also voted against a $10,000 pay raise for the executive office manager, an apparent correction to her employment agreement.
Callan said he is concerned about the seeming rise in payroll for executives at OTB. He raised concerns in October when he voted against a reorganization plan that, as he sees it, created three new jobs. He's more concerned now, he said, because of current financial trends.
"I think that we should be much more judicious about our spending," Callan told The Batavian after Thursday's board meeting.
In July, the OTB board voted to buyout the contracts of CEO Henry Wojtaszek, CFO Jackie Leach, and VP of Operations William White.
Wojtaszek earned $299,000; Leach, $244,000; and White, $160,000 (Leach's contract was amended on Thursday to extend her employment with OTB a short time to help with the ongoing transition in her department).
Former Buffalo mayor Byron Brown replaced Wojtaszek as CEO in October at a salary of $295,000.
In October, the OTB board reorganized the executive staff, creating a chief of staff position and a director of communications position. Steve Casey was hired as chief of staff at a salary of $190,000 and Michael DeGeorge became the director of communications at an annual salary of $130,000.
Ryan Hasenauer, former marketing director, was promoted to the new position of VP/Business Development and Danielle Fleming was named VP/Human Resources as part of the reorganization.
What the reorganization plan didn't address was the need to replace Wojtaszek in his secondary role as the agency's general counsel, a position he held before taking on the primary role of CEO.
Callan said he learned for the first time on Wednesday that Brown intended to hire a staff attorney with an anticipated salary of $160,000 to $180,000 annually, plus benefits.
"I was under the impression and led to believe that Judge (John) Owens was hired as an external vendor -- he's not an employee of the corporation, but he has been serving as legal counsel for the Corporation since May or April of 2023," Callan said. "I've interacted with him last year, when I joined the board last January, and found him to be very reasonable and competent."
Callan said he is under the impression that the retainer fee for the firm that employs Owens is being increased by $25,000, but at the same time, OTB, Callan said, is paying out "hundreds of thousands of dollars" for outside counsel on a variety of legal issues facing the agency.
While Callan believes executive salary expenditures are up significantly, Brown told The Batavian in a separate interview on Thursday that "it's a wash from what it was previously."
"When you look at the top executive positions, there is no material difference in the spending," Brown said. "With the legal counsel, we were outsourcing a lot of that legal work previously, and my goal is to bring more of that work in-house and create a more competitive environment and how law firms are selected when we do have to outsource legal work."
Brown said he believes it is important for the corporation to have legal counsel on staff, available on a day-to-day basis.
"There are a lot of legal matters that come before the corporation all the time, and so for the corporation to operate more efficiently, for the corporation to save money on legal expenses, having an in-house counsel that is available daily, I think, will make the operation of the corporation even more efficient," Brown said.
Callan was appointed to the board as a result of legislation pushed by Democratic Sen. Timothy Kennedy, representing Erie County, making spurious claims about corruption at the agency, to fire all of the board members serving in 2023 and giving the larger jurisdictions among the 17 owner-municipalities greater weighted voting. This g was expected to shift the controlling interest of the corporation away from Republicans and to Democrats.
Wojtaszek is a Republican and often the target of attacks by Erie and Niagara county politicians.
In relation to Callan's assertion that executive expenses are going up in the wake of Wojtaszek from the agency, The Batavian asked Callan about the apparent "unintended consequences" of "pushing out" Wojtaszek.
Callan said he was as surprised as anybody when he learned before the July board meeting that Wojtaszek was seeking a buyout of his contract.
"That was news to me," Callan said. "I've not heard anybody say Henry was pushed out. I don't know if Henry thinks he was pushed out, but everything I was told by Henry, by our chairman, and by other colleagues here is that Henry chose to leave and wanted a buyout. I wasn't told he was pushed out. So I don't know where that sentiment would come from."
As for advertising spending, the board approved the expenditure of up to $1,155,000 for advertising at 14 broadcast outlets in Rochester and Buffalo.
That doesn't mean OTB will spend that amount, just that marketing staff can make ad buys up to the amounts specified for each individual outlet, ranging on an individual outlet basis from $15,000 to $250,000.
Callan said he isn't convinced the corporation has a good metrics system to ensure each outlet delivers results.
He said that during the advertising committee meeting on Wednesday, he asked colleagues to cut the authorization in half, perhaps covering only six months.
"Let's, as a board, understand the analytics behind why you're paying this TV station this amount, why this TV station in Rochester is getting this amount," Callan said.
(Disclosure: Batavia Downs has been advertising with The Batavian for about a decade but never in the amounts disclosed in the resolutions approved by the board.)
Callan said he's previously raised the question in internal meetings but has never found the answers satisfactory. He said he wants to know if an ad can be linked to betting, to meals, to track attendance, remote betting, or hotel stays.
"How do we track and know who these people are and how they came here? In other words, how do we know that a TV ad is running in Buffalo every five minutes -- it seems like -- I live in the Buffalo area -- and every five minutes on one of the TV stations I see a Batavia Downs ad," Callan said. "How do we know the effectiveness of this? How do you track people who watch Channel 2, the NBC station in Buffalo? What's the bang for the buck that -- you know, they're advertising the most, they are getting the most money in the resolution -- that's driving people to want to come here?"
Brown said Thursday's resolutions were based on an advertising budget that was passed as part of the operational plan in December.
"I was able to share with board members that my management team and I have already reduced some of the marketing spending, but it's critically important to market Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel to keep people coming to the property, using the property, being aware of the property, so that we can continue our success in this very competitive industry," Brown said.
As for analytics, Brown said he agrees with Callan that measuring results is important.
"We want to analyze our spending," Brown said. "We want to be able to track the impact of our spending and make sure that we are spending money on the market and in other areas most intelligently and efficiently."
He said, in fact, there is already tracking in place.
"I think we have to do a better job of sharing that tracking and those analytics, and we will certainly do that," Brown said. "But already in the first part of this year, we've demonstrated to the board that we have reduced the amount of money we spend on marketing while still expanding our marketing reach."
Byron Brown at a recent OTB board meeting in a file photo. Photo by Howard Owens.
First-year Western Regional Off-Track Betting CEO Byron Brown has a four-point legislative plan he's pursuing in Albany in his attempt to grow the business and generate more revenue for the 17 municipalities that own the organization.
The top priority is reducing OTB's tax rate from 49% to 44%. That five percentage point drop would increase revenue for Batavia Downs by $4.5 million.
"We propose to use that revenue to increase disbursements to the 17 member municipalities, which would certainly make 17 governments in Western New York financially stronger," Brown said. "We would also look to provide raises to our hard-working employees, and you know that would certainly go back into the economy of Western New York, and finally, our interest would be to reduce what our employees pay for their family health insurance."
The reduction would make the OTB's tax rate more equitable with Hamburg Gaming and Vernon Downs.
"This would not affect either of those operations," Brown said. "Of course, gaming is a very competitive industry. This would make us more competitive in the industry, and these revenues would go to 17 municipalities and to the employees who work here."
Brown noted that WROTB is unique in that it has 17 member-owners and distributes revenue to 17 municipalities. No other gaming operation in the state has as many stakeholders receiving revenue from the operation.
"Suffolk OTB, for example, has one municipality to which they provide resources," Brown said. "In our case, we have 17. So this has a positive financial impact on 17 different municipalities in Western New York. This is also the fifth largest employer, with roughly 420 employees, in Genesee County, and 52% of those employees are unionized employees."
Brown is also aiming at ensuring WROTB gets a piece of the action if iGaming is approved by the state, a project favored, Brown said, by the chair of the Senate Committee on Racing, Wagering, and Gaming.
iGaming means online gambling, which includes casino games, sports betting, and online poker.
There are statutes in New York that also require, besides the tax, OTBs to pay fees to the gaming commission. Brown is seeking a reduction in those fees.
The fourth item on his legislative agenda is to extend the boundaries for WROTB's E-Z Bet machines. Right now, they can't be placed more than 40 miles away from the track. That leaves out portions of Erie County.
These are the sort of issues board members expected Brown to tackle when they approved his employment contract. As a former mayor and former state legislator, he has a lifetime of political connections in Albany.
But that doesn't mean winning support for these initiatives will be easy.
Annual budget planning starts in June, and Brown started his new position in October, so that's a challenge for Brown to overcome, but he's working at it, he said.
"We're a little behind where we would like to be in terms of our legislative agenda, but we have hit the ground running," Brown said. "I've been to Albany talking to state legislators and the governor's staff and others. You know, the last trip to Albany was just another step in that process. I attended the governor's State of the State speech. We requested a number of meetings with members of the Assembly and with the Governor's staff, and all of the meetings that we requested were granted. So we feel that we're being listened to, that we're being heard, and people have been very receptive to our concerns and our needs."
First race of the 2025 winter meet at Batavia Downs. File photo. Photo by Howard Owens
After The Batavian's Jan. 7 article about the opening of the winter racing season at Batavia Downs, one reader raised questions -- well-informed questions -- about just how well the winter meets are doing for the race track and casino.
On Thursday, Don Hoover, director of live racing for Western Regional Off-Track Betting, sat down with The Batavian to address the issues raised by the reader.
First, the history of the winter meet at Batavia Downs The meet is in its third season. Before 2023, the race track in Buffalo hosted a three-month winter meet but the storms of 2022 distributed the season, causing several race-day cancelations. Buffalo decided to compress its racing schedule into a season that starts in March.
The horsemen are accustomed to year-round racing, and for many of them, their income stream depends on it, Hoover said.
"Now we're faced with the possibility of no racing in Western New York for three months," Hoover said. "That leads to the question of whether some would have to get out of the business. Would they ship to another racetrack and maybe stay there?"
The horseman's association approached management at Batavia Downs and proposed a January and February racing schedule, promising to cover any losses incurred by the track.
The horsemen promising the track wouldn't lose money on the races is a key point, Hoover stressed.
"We have a shared agreement that benefits both Batavia Downs and the local horsemen so that they can maintain their racing without much interruption and we can provide a venue for them without incurring any significant cost," Hoover said.
The agreement covers direct costs related to each race, not other ongoing operational costs, such as the salaries of permanent staff who might work during the events.
Is keeping winter racing a good business decision? "I have personally wrestled with that question because it's not really in monetary terms, and the angst that it just brings about naturally due to the constant question of -- are you racing? Are you not racing? Are you racing? Are you not? Is it too cold? Is it a safe track? Those items are hard to wrestle with on a daily basis," Hoover said. "If we look at it as a pure business decision -- I guess, what we would have to do now since this is our third winter -- I guess what we would have to do now is sit down and get the food and beverage revenue and see if we can see a pattern. We know that we do more business on Mondays and Thursdays when we race because otherwise, the clubhouse wouldn't be open.
"The clubhouse is open. We have food specials. People come and attend the races there and eat and drink. So we would have to try to analyze exactly what we could put in dollars and cents as to what ancillary income we get derived specifically by racing in the winter."
What Hoover calls "ancillary income" doesn't count against direct racing expenses.
Even so, it can be hard to separate additional revenue on race days when Batavia Downs has other promotions going on throughout the winter, such as hotel specials, concerts, and group events, "all the things we do here as a corporation to drive people to the property."
He does believe, he said, that racing does get extra people to the track, though attendance is much, much smaller than the regular meet.
"It's logical that we would get extra people to the property by holding racing," Hoover said. "They are people who are harness racing fans, and they wouldn't be here except for that fact."
Is there enough attendance to justify opening the clubhouse?
"It's a work in progress where we look to see how to do that without losing money," Hoover said. "We have one bartender. People order drinks. We've paired down what foods are available. It used to be that they could order food and it would be brought up to them. Now we just have specials for right there. So we've tried to look at all the numbers on it and come up with a specific plan where we won't lose money by having the clubhouse open."
Our reader thinks attendance would be better on another weekday than Monday, such as going to two days, perhaps Tuesday and Thursday or Wednesday and Friday. "Well, Mondays happen to be our biggest handle day," Hoover said.
During the regular meet, the first post time is 6 p.m., giving people who work, especially in Rochester and Buffalo, time to get off work and make it to the track.
In winter, with lower attendance, it puts more of a strain on staff expense to have a later post time. The 3 p.m. post time in the winter also eliminates going head-to-head against racing at Monticello.
"The staff doesn't have to go home and come back," Hoover said. "The staff doesn't have to accrue extraordinary overtime. It's not dark yet. We have the track crew still here. We don't have to send them home and bring them back in, so we thought the combination of all those things regarding staffing, overtime, and the time of day was beneficial for us to make that schedule for the three o'clock on Mondays and Thursdays."
Why is Monday your biggest handle day? There is less competition on Mondays, Hoover said. That is primarily important for off-track betting.
For the live handle, there isn't much difference between Monday and Thursday.
Is it correct that the off-track handle generates about 2% in revenue for OTB and the live-track revenue is about 20%?
Yes and no, Hoover said. When you factor in BataviaBets.com, phone bets, and OTB's own branches, the off-track handle increases to about 2.6%.
What is the typical revenue for a winter race? Hoover said it is currently about $7,500 to $8,000. That doesn't include anything from food and beverage or what might be spent by race attendees on the casino floor.
Later on Thursday, The Batavian spoke with CEO Byron Brown, who said winter racing is important to the operation of OTB.
"Winter racing really helps to strengthen the relationship between Batavia Downs and the horsemen," Brown said. "Also, as we work to make this a premier entertainment destination in New York State, it's just another reason for people to come to Batavia Downs."
Wind, snow and single-digit wind chills set the stage for racing at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 20) afternoon. But despite those conditions, Magical Mistress delivered the goods in the $9,500 featured pace for fillies and mares.
Magical Mistress (Kyle Cummings) got away second behind the 49-1 Hurrikane Msrodine (Denny Bucceri) who left from post eight and led the field to the half in 1:01. Legal Jeopardy (Dave McNeight III) moved first-over and joined the fray at that point and momentarily took the lead at three-quarters, but never crossed over. At that same station, Magical Mistress vacated the pegs and followed Legal Jeopardy around the last turn, before tipping clear at the top of the lane. There, Magical Mistress dug hard and passed three peers in deep stretch to win by three-quarters of a length in 2:01.3.
Magical Mistress ($4.40) is owned by Michael Milazzo and trained by Candace Brandstatter-Hall, who also won with Flames Of Fire (2:02.2, $4.20) later in the card.
Drivers Brett Beckwith and Drew Monti and trainer Rachelle Mungillo all registered three wins apiece on the card during the proceedings.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Jan. 23) at 3:00 p.m. and there will be a carryover of $696 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th race.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown announced today that Batavia Downs will hold several events across Valentine’s Weekend, February 14 – 16, including Valentine’s Day specials inside of Fortunes Restaurant, the Brew Fest on Saturday, and a special Sunday Brunch inside of the Genesee Room.
On February 14 and 15 Fortune’s Italian Steakhouse will feature a Dinner for Two special that includes $80 in Free Play and choice of several Prime Rib and Seafood combos. Drink Specials, A la carte entrees, and appetizers will also be available. Full menu can be found on the Batavia Downs website or Social Media pages. Reservations are highly recommended by calling 585-FORTUNE (367-8863).
Also on Saturday the 15, the 6th annual Batavia Brew Fest, presented by Genesee Brewery and Rohrbach Brewing Company, will run from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. For $30, attendees receive 2 and a half hours of beer sampling from many WNY breweries along with light snacks and $15 in Free Play. Hotel packages that include tickets are available as well. Tickets are available now at BataviaConcerts.com and the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop located in the lobby of the main entrance of Batavia Downs.
Finally, on February 16, Valentine’s Ballads and Brunch at Batavia Downs will be held inside of the Genesee Room with seatings at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Brunch will consist of a live omelet station, Breakfast Buffet and a complimentary Mimosa for those 21+. $5 Bloody Marys will also be available for purchase. Light Music will be provided by Matt and Mandy. Full Menu can be found on the Batavia Downs website or Social Media pages. Cost is $25 per person with each person receiving $15 in Free Play when a reservation is made. Walk-ins will receive $10 in Free Play. Please call (585) 344-6143 to reserve your spot.
Although he was a seven-time victor last year, Primo Uomo hasn’t visited the winner's enclosure since October 26 at Vernon Downs. But that all changed on Thursday (Jan. 16) at Batavia Downs as he lived up to his name as was truly the best man among his male pacing peers in the featured $13,000 Open Handicap feature on a night that was hampered by cold temperatures and heavy snow.
Those intense winter weather conditions would continue throughout the night and necessitate the cancellation of racing after the sixth race, out of extreme caution for the safety of the horses and participating horsemen and women.
Primo Uomo (Joe Chindano Jr.) got away seventh while Runrunjimmydunn N (Kevin Cummings) led the race and reached the half unchallenged in 1:00.4. Lip Reader A (Drew Monti) then came first-over from fifth and drew alongside Runrunjimmydunn N at three-quarters after a brisk :28.3 sprint up the backstretch, while Primo Uomo was tracking from fifth, third-over in the breeze.
With the leaders battling for control, Primo Uomo continued to gain ground in the final turn and was third and closing fast at the top of the stretch. As the race straightened for home, Runrunjimmydunn N and lip Reader A were still nose to nose, but Primo Uomo found room in the middle of the lane and powered by them both to win by 1-¾ lengths in 1:58.
It was the 25th career win for Primo Uomo ($14.20), who is owned by Chris and Dale Lawton and trained by David Dewhurst.
In the fourth race, the 13-year-old pacing gelding Silverhill Blaze (Dave McNeight III, $21,80) notched the 55th win of his career after crossing the line in 2:00 flat. That win was one of three wins on the abbreviated card for driver Dave McNeight III, who registered a natural hat trick in races two, three and four.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 20) at 3 p.m.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Gary Levine and Brett Beckwith courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Saratoga Raceway-based horsemen have been making their presence felt at Batavia Downs since the 2025 winter meet began and Monday (Jan. 13) was no exception after driver Brett Beckwith and trainers Jaymes Mcassey and Gary Levine all posted noteworthy performances.
Beckwith won five races on the card including a victory in the night’s feature race. He scored with Justine (2:01, $10.60), Takemetochurch Deo (2:03.1, $5.80) and Samosa Hanover (2:00.4, $5.30) along with Maggie Bell and Mary Kat, who will be covered in more depth.
Despite moving up in class after a convincing victory at The Downs last week, Maggie Bell bounced right back with another impressive win in the $11,000 featured pace for fillies and mares at Batavia on Monday afternoon, where heavy snow squalls were a factor for a majority of the program.
Beckwith pushed Maggie Bell to the front and took the lead from Mcvera (Shawn McDonough) as the race passed the quarter. Once on the point, Maggie Bell backed the half down to a comfortable :59.1 before encountering a challenge from Penthousepalace (Joe Chindano Jr.), who was pacing first-over in the breeze as the group traversed the backstretch for the second time.
Penthousepalace got the lead at three-quarters but was unable to cross-over, as Maggie Bell stiffened up and came back along the pegs to reclaim control at the top of the stretch. Scenic Adventure (Kevin Cummings), Oaxaca Dream N (Drew Monti) and the pocket-sitting Mcvera all came into play as the girls made their way towards home and the trio was in hot pursuit of Maggie Bell. But Maggie Bell refused to lose and was never headed, crossing the line first by three-quarters of a length in 1:58.2.
It was the second straight win and fourth victory in the last six outings for Maggie Bell ($6.40) who is owned by Delpozo Scwartz Paoleti and trained by Jaymes Mcassey. The win also pushed Maggie Bell’s lifetime bank over the $300,000 mark, as she now sits at $300,398.
Then later in the fifth race, Beckwith drove the pacing mare Mary Kat to a one-length, 1:59.3 victory to give Gary Levine his 1,100th career training win. Levine, who owns the winner, also has 1,078 seconds and 1,001 thirds from his 7,663 career starts and they have earned his connections $7,632,934 in purses.
Beckwith was just named the 2024 Dan Patch Rising Star by the United States Harness Writers Association and will be honored at the Dan Patch Banquet on Sunday, February 23 at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida.
There was a major upset in the second race after 77-1 shot Blazin Chally (Kyle Cummings) raced the entire mile parked-out, before closing late to win by a nose in 2:02.3. Owned by Doug and Tyra Ackley and trained by Tammy Cummings, Blazin Chally returned $157.00, $56.50 and $33.60 across the board.
Shawn McDonough and Jim Clouser Jr. both had two training wins during the card to lead all their peers on Monday.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Jan. 16) at 3:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,056 carryover in the Pick Five wager in race one and a carryover of $274 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th race.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Joe Chindano Jr. courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Even though the weather was ice cold, driver Joe Chindano Jr. was red hot at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Jan. 9) afternoon as he won a total of six races on the card, including a natural hat trick in races 13, 14 and 15 to close out the day’s action.
Chindano scored with Lyons Johnnyjnr (1:58.1, $4.50), Communion Money (1:58.3, $5.00), Littelbitaswagger (1:57.3, $7.00), Da Ghetto wizard (1:56, $4.80), Flames Of Fire (2:00.2, $3.70) and Legal Bettor (1:56.3, $9.60). Chindano also had a second and a third from his 11 drives, giving him a stellar .626 UDR for the program.
Chindano’s first, fourth and fifth winners were trained by Candace Brandstatter-Hall, who led all trainers for the day with her triple.
Two races Chindano did not win were the pair of feature races that had solid miles turned in by both winners, despite the winter conditions.
The pacers lined up first in their $13,000 Open Handicap and Melanion N (Drew Monti) picked up where he left off at Batavia last December, which was in the winner’s enclosure, after returning from a short, unsuccessful excursion to Ohio before Christmas.
Melanion N got away last off the gate while Mach Le More A (Dave McNeight III) dashed to the half in :58.3 on the point. Heading onto the second circuit, Primo Oumo (Jim McNeight Jr.) moved first-over from fourth and Monti followed with Melanion N, one out and one back in fourth. Approaching three-quarters, Melanion N was sent three-deep to the front and took that position into the stretch. As the race was heading for home, Melanion N bolted away by 2-¼ lengths to win easily in 1:55.3.
Melanion N ($2.70) is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Dr. Michael Miller and trained by Maria Rice.
Monti and Rice also scored with Lip Reader A ($4.10) for Vogel and Wags Nags and Team Rice Racing in the $11,000 upper-level conditioned pace in 1:55.2. Monti finished the night with a total of three wins.
Later in the card, the trotters lined up for their $13,000 Open Handicap tilt and the Saratoga Raceway invader, Malibu Kid (Larry Stalbaum), took a lot of air before firmly planting his flag at the finish line.
Johnny Boy (Kevin Cummings) was the commander of fractions from the start, going :28.4 and :59.3 to the half with Discus Hanover (Drew Monti) drafting in the garden spot. Stalbaum had Malibu Kid out and rolling from fifth before that point and was now third on the outside heading into turn three. Malibu Kid continued to grind in the breeze and made his way to second at three-quarters as Johnny Boy clung to the front heading around the last bend. When they straightened for home, Johnny Boy, Malibu Kid and Discus Hanover were all within a length of each other and it was a cavalry charge to the line. As they entered deep stretch, Malibu Kid got up in time and claimed a measured 1-¼ length victory in 1:58.1.
Malibu Kid ($4.80) is owned by Shark Racing and trained by his driver, Stalbaum.
The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in race 15. The single unique combination of 2-1-3-6-9 returned $1,866.80 for a 20-cent wager.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 13) at 3:00 p.m.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced its event lineup for the first 3 months of 2025.
ABBAMANIA returns to Batavia Downs on Friday, February 7. Doors are at 6:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. ABBAMANIA will take you back in time to when ABBA was on stage, live in concert. ABBAMANIA performs 22 songs of ABBA in their two-set show with costume changes, choreography, comedy, and a great concert sound. Tickets start at $15, and guests get $10 back in Free Play. Tickets are available now on BataviaConcerts.com.
The first ever Batavia Downs Meat Raffle to benefit Roswell Park will take place at Batavia Downs on Saturday, February 8. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first spin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and attendees receive complimentary draft beer, soda and water along with $15 in Free Play. Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center will receive 100% of the proceeds from the tickets and raffles. Penny auctions for baskets and merchandise will also take place.
The 6th Annual Batavia Brew Fest, presented by Genesee Brewery and Rohrbach Brewing Company is back on Saturday, February 15 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. For $30, attendees receive 2 and half hours of beer sampling from many WNY breweries. Early bird tickets available until January 29 for just $25. Light snacks will be served and attendees will receive a commemorative plastic sampling mug along with $15 in Free Play. Hotel packages that include tickets are available as well.
Returning again after several years of sold out shows is Music of the Stars on Saturday, March 22. Doors are at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. The high-energy seven-piece band pays tribute to internationally famous artists, including Tom Jones, The Bee Gees, Neil Diamond, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Gary Puckett, Elvis, The Beatles and many more. Tickets start at $15 and guests get $10 back in Free Play. Tickets are available now on BataviaConcerts.com. Hotel packages that include tickets are available as well.
On Sunday, March 23, the Record Riots Vendor Show, a vinyl record and music memorabilia event will run inside of the Park Place Events Center 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With 40 dealer tables and more than 10,000 LPs in the room, attendees will be sure to have a great time browsing a wide variety of music while connecting with fellow music lovers. Details can be found online at: https://www.recordriots.com/. $15 Early Admission Tickets or regular $5 admission tickets can be purchased at the door. Each ticket comes with $5 in Free Play for the gaming floor.
“We are looking forward to supporting Roswell Park for this Meat Raffle fundraiser, “said Byron Brown, President & CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “It’s something we’ve never done before, but we’re now looking to expand our offerings and try new things to go along with our guest’s favorite existing events.”
Tickets are available now on BataviaConcerts.com and the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop located in the lobby of the main entrance of Batavia Downs. Hotel Specials for select events are available on the Hotel Deals tab on BataviaDownsGaming.com.
Other events scheduled for the 1st Quarter of 2025 at Batavia Downs include the return of live racing Mondays and Thursdays through February, The Experience Psychic Fair January 17 through 19 and the Legends & Stars Sports Expo on the February 22 and 23. Batavia’s Thursday Concert Series tickets are already on sale. Information on all events can be found in the coming weeks on the Batavia Downs Facebook page.
Fresh off a solid 1:52.3 win at Harrah’s Philadelphia the week before Christmas, Ambushed shipped-in to Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 6) for her 2025 debut and scored a second consecutive win in the featured $13,000 Open Handicap pace for fillies and mares, the race that headlined the opening card of the winter meet at the Genesee County oval.
Driver Joe Chindano Jr. got away last with Ambushed while Waitforever N (Brett Beckwith) took the lead from Oaxacan Dream N (Dave McNeight III) passing the :28.1 quarter, and then marched to the half in a middling :59 flat. Chindano then pulled Ambushed past that station and methodically made their way to the lead at the five-eighths pole. Moving up the backside, she crossed over to the pegs at three-quarters and then separated from the field in the final turn. Ambushed entered the stretch with a 1-½ length lead and rebuffed a late bid from Waitforever N to win by one in 1:57 flat.
Ambushed ($6.70) is owned by D Racing Stable and Donald Mac Rae and trained by Hunter Oakes.
Ambushed capped off a natural hat trick for Chindano in the sixth, seventh and eighth races, and was one of four victories he registered during the night. Those other three victors were Headline Maker (2:03, $50.00), Lydias Liberty (2:00.1, $12.20) and Shoreview (1:59.3, $10.40).
A similarly impressive mile on Monday, given the biting cold temperatures and snowglobe atmosphere the races were held in, was turned in by Maggie Bell (Brett Beckwith) in the mid-level $9,500 pace for distaff participants.
Maggie Bell sat second behind Hurrikane Msrodine (Kevin Cummings) until the quarter, where she pulled and took command at the top of the second turn. From there, Maggie Bell paced unfettered fractions of :58.3 and 1:27.4, and entered the stretch with a 1-½ length lead. From that point she scooted home on top by two in 1:57, matching the time of the feature race.
Owned by Del Pozzo Schwartz Paoleti and trained by Jaymes Mcassey, Maggie Bell returned $14.00 for the win.
Maggie Bell was one of three wins for Beckwith during the proceedings.
Other horsemen who had notable nights included driver Kevn Cummings and trainer Sam Smith, who teamed up to cross the line first with three of their starters and Shawn McDonough, who was responsible for two driving wins and with three training victories.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Jan. 9) at 3:00 p.m. and there will be a $430 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th race.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Sub-freezing temps, a slight breeze, and a dusting of snow seemed to somehow add to the live racing ambience at Batavia Downs as the track opened on Monday for its third consecutive winter racing season.
Winter racing has its disadvantages and advantages, Don Hoover, director of live racing at Batavia Downs, told The Batavian prior to Monday's first post time at 3 p.m.
The obvious disadvantage is adverse weather.
"It has its own challenges because from time to time, you're on edge, whether you're going to have to cancel the races or not, depending on weather, and that's something that you need to do in a timely manner to avert having many of the people ship in and be caught in bad weather," Hoover said.
On the plus side, racing fans around the country have few other options if they want to play the ponies remotely.
"We have lost much less competition in the simulcast area," Hoover said. "Today, for example, only three or four tracks are racing nationwide, and that will afford us, hopefully, a very, very substantial handle. Last year, we went over half a million dollars three times, which was unheard of in the era since OTB has owned the racetrack."
While the winter racing crowd is small at the track — and cozy in the warm clubhouse with food and beverages available — winter racing, Hoover said, has helped lift the profile of Batavia Downs for race fans across the country.
Hoover said there is also an advantage to winter racing for the horsemen.
"Because it's a Western New York circuit where typically they race in Buffalo and Batavia, but with Buffalo being much closer to the lake than we are, Buffalo opted not to race in January and February a couple of years back," Hoover said. "In an agreement with the horsemen, we were able to pick up those dates. It keeps them where there's one month off out of 12. It keeps them from shipping to continue to ply their trade."
This year marks the 85th year since harness racing started at Batavia Downs, but since some seasons were missed over the decades, Hoover estimates its actually the 79th year of live racing at the track.
"As everyone's well aware, there have been many, many changes in the landscape of racing over the last 50 years," Hoover said. "We don't get as many on-track customers as we used to because of the availability of wagering from the comfort of your home, your phone, and even your car. There's also been a proliferation of casino gambling in the state, so the picture is different. But the good thing about it is that we still have racing purses that are such that people can make a good living."
There is still clearly an interest in live racing, which the total handle live racing generates proves, Hoover said.
"The one thing that we would like to see happen, and we hope it can happen, is to raise the on-track handle and the on-track attendance here at Batavia Downs," Hoover said. "They (the Western Regional OTB board) put money into racing. They renovated the clubhouse recently. Many tracks in the state don't even have an open clubhouse. So we try to draw people here, and that's one of our goals."
UPDATE: Don Hoover reports that the opening day of the 15-day winter meet was a success. He states, "As compared to last year’s opening day we showed an increase in both live and total handle. The live handle was $7,330 yesterday as compared to $6,803 last year ( a 7.7% increase), and the total handle was $465,558 as compared to $390,922 ( a 19% increase) and was the 4th highest handle since WROTB acquired Batavia Downs."
On Sunday January 5 at Batavia Downs, Thurman Thomas will host his final regular season Tailgate Party at 34 Rush for the Bills-Patriots game.
There will be 3 drawing for Playoff tickets at halftime and at the game's end. You can receive free entry at Players Club starting at 11 a.m. You MUST be present to win.
Fans also have the chance to win Bills merchandise and also get a photo with Thurman Thomas.
There will also be samplings by Genesee Brewing Company and food/drink specials. Come on in and cheer Buffalo onto a victory!
Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown reminds New Year's Eve revelers that Batavia Downs has a full line-up of free activities to ring in the new year that includes music, fireworks and a balloon drop.
The night starts with DJ Eddie Woo live inside 34 Rush at 8 p.m. that includes music and dancing, and is free and open to the public.
That will be followed by a live Fireworks show, by Youngs Explosives of Rochester, that will start at 10:30 p.m. on the outdoor track area. Patrons can view the fireworks show from the enclosed second floor grandstand area.
And then at the stroke of midnight, a balloon drop inside 34 Rush to celebrate the start of 2025.
Batavia Downs President and CEO said, "Batavia Downs has become a destination spot not just in Genesee County but in Western New York. With all we have to offer from almost a thousand gaming machines, a fabulous hotel, great dining options and of course live racing, that’s why people love coming here. And Batavia Downs will be the place to be on New Year's Eve with shows, restaurants, fireworks and much more."
And the action continues at Batavia Downs in 2025 with the start of the Live Winter Racing Season on Monday, January 6th. Racing will be Mondays and Thursdays until February 24th with post time at 3 p.m.
Byron Brown, president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, announced the 2025 Rockin' the Downs concert season flanked by Ed Morgan, vice-chair of the OTB board, and Chairman Dennis Bassett. Photo by Howard Owens.
Press release:
Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown has announced the eighth Rockin’ the Downs concert series lineup. The shows, eight in all, will be held on Friday nights outside in the middle of the Batavia Downs horse racing track. Concerts will start in June and run into August of 2025.
Kicking off the series on Friday, June 20, will be Queensrÿche. With over 30 million albums sold worldwide, Queensrÿche continues to tour the globe to sold-out audiences. The band has earned multiple Grammy Award nominations and consistently delivers high-octane live shows, combining the hungry fire of a new band with the tempered experience of master showmen. Hear songs like the #1 chart-topping hit Silent Lucidity, Queen of the Reich and Eyes of a Stranger.
Making their Summer Concert Series debut on Friday, June 27, is the Allman Betts Band. Devon Allman and Duane Betts, the sons of Allman Brothers co-founders keyboardist Gregg Allman and guitarist Dickey Betts, have formed a supergroup anchored by sharp songwriting, fiery fretwork, and a historical legacy. Having toured all over the United States, they’ve created a new soundtrack for the American South, blurring the lines between genres. Come hear great original songs, along with some made famous by their fathers.
After a one-week break for Independence Day, the concert series continues when Almost Queen, a tribute to Queen, takes the stage on Friday, July 11th. Experience Queen's magic comes alive with stunning four-part harmonies and electrifying precision. Donning authentic costumes, they'll transport you back to Queen's glory days with every legendary hit. Don't miss this spectacular return to our concert series.
On Friday, July 18, Batavia Downs welcomes back America’s top Pink Floyd Show, The Machine. Over 30 years, they have extended the legacy of Pink Floyd while creating another legacy all their own. Over the years, The Machine has touched the hearts and souls of many with its stellar musicianship, dramatic lighting, lasers and video performances.
On Friday, July 25, Batavia Downs welcomes Little River Band. Formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1975, this blend of musicians achieved success with good songwriting, powerful vocals, and guitar harmonies. They immediately claimed their place as one of the great vocal bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Hear their hits like Take It Easy On Me, It’s a Long Way There, Help Is on Its Way, Happy Anniversary, Lonesome Loser, and more. The opening will be the American Rock Band Ambrosia, playing hits like How Much I Feel and Biggest Part of Me.
On August 1st, Batavia Downs proudly welcomes Rochester Native and 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Lou Gramm. The Grammy-nominated original voice of Foreigner has brought his amazing voice to the rock scene for more than 40 years. With Gramm at the helm, Foreigner's first eight singles cracked the Billboard Top 20, making them the first band since The Beatles to achieve this. Come hear the hits he made famous, like Hot Blooded, Feels Like the First Time, Cold as Ice, Double Vision, Head Games, Juke Box Hero and more.
Legendary Motown artists, The Commodores, roll into Batavia Downs on Friday, August 8th. With over 70 Million Albums sold, including 7 #1 hits, these Pop and Motown Icons will surely delight. One of the most successful vocal groups of all time, The Commodores continue to thrill audiences with their Greatest Hits Tour. Be sure to hear hits like Easy, Three Times a Lady, Sail On and Brick House among many others.
The legendary rock band Kansas will be closing out the concert series on Friday, Aug. 15. With a legendary career spanning five decades, KANSAS has firmly established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands. This "garage band" from Topeka released their debut album in 1974 and have gone on to sell more than 30 million albums worldwide. Kansas has played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan. Their iconic hits include Carry on Wayward Son, Point of Know Return, Dust in the Wind, and many more.
“I’m excited about the 2025 Summer Concert Series at Batavia Downs, especially with legendary bands like Kansas and the Commodores coming here for the very first time,” said Brown. “The Concert Series at Batavia Downs has quickly become a Western New York summertime destination. I want to thank the Board of Directors for approving the concert series and I look forward to seeing all our fans starting in June.”
“As Chairman of the Board, I’m thrilled with the eight concerts that will be coming to Batavia Downs this summer,” said Dennis Bassett, Chairman of the WROTB Board of Directors. “As a Rochester resident, I’m especially happy that Rochester native Lou Gramm will be returning to perform at Batavia Downs in August.”
“I want to thank the great staff here at Batavia Downs for creating such a great line up in 2025,” said Ed Morgan, Vice-Chairman of the WROTB Board of Directors. “I look forward to seeing record crowds this year.”
Tickets for all eight concerts will be available only at www.BataviaConcerts.com beginning on Friday, Dec. 20 at 1 p,m. All tickets can be redeemed at Player’s Club at any time in the three days following the concert for $10 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 920+ gaming machines.
Season Tickets are also back and will also go on sale for General Admission and VIP Sections. A Season pass for General Admission will be $145 (a savings of $20) Season Passes for VIP tickets are $220 (a savings of $20). Season passes may ONLY be purchased online.
The 17 municipalities that co-own the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. can expect a payout of $7.8 million in 2025, according to an operational for the new year approved by the board of directors on Thursday.
If the 2024 estimate of $7.4 million holds, that's a $400,000 increase, but it still falls far short of 2023's record of $10,255,058.
The plan projects a net gaming win of $90,495,000.
Of that, close to $45 million will be paid to state agencies by statute.
The total operating expenses for all operations will exceed $38.6 million. Batavia Downs will account for $33 million of these expenses. This is an increase of $1 million.
Net earnings (profits) from all operations are expected to exceed $8.8 million, with branches generating more than $500,000 in surcharge revenue, losing more than $1.5 million, leaving municipalities the anticipated $7.8 million payout.
Branch operations continue to be a financial drain on the organization, with revenue steadily decreasing every year.
The anticipated handle for branch operations is projected to be $38.8 million in 2025, down from the planned handle of $43.9 million in 2024. OTB will earn more than $8 million on commissions, with other revenues exceeding $1.8 million. Statutory payments will be more than $4.7 million. Operating expenses will grow by more than $100,000 to $5.6 million.
There are eight branches within WROTB, 28 EZ-Bets sites(including four expected to start in 2025), plus online and telephone wagering.
The plan calls for Batavia Downs to operate 939 gaming machines, with a win per terminal per day of $267.17 for a total net win of $90.5 million.
Food and beverage revenue is expected to exceed $5.6 million with operational earnings exceeding $1.1 million.
The Rockin' the Downs concert series will return in 2025 with eight concerts, including a promise of some bigger name acts. Projected revenue from all sales is expected to approach $1 million. Net earnings will be less than $100,000. The plan does not project an increase in hotel and gaming revenue associated with the concerts.
Projected revenue for the hotel in 2025 is $2.9 million with a profit of $780,000.
At the track, between the summer-fall season and the winter season, there will be 71 racing dates. The anticipated handle is $968,200.
Administrative costs is projected to exceed $8.2 million, an increase of $1 million. The increase is related to ongoing demand for new and upgraded computers and software, legal services, and retirement benefits (including one buyout), plus the increased cost in health insurance.
The 2024 racing season wrapped up at Batavia Downs last Saturday (Dec. 7) night and that also closed the track’s books for the year. After all the paperwork was finalized, the bottom line showed that the business of harness racing at Batavia Downs is operating at a record pace.
The overall handle at Batavia Downs for both the winter and summer/fall meets came in at $16,826,483, which is a 9.2% increase over 2023 that saw a total handle of $15,414,846. Plus this year’s handle was the highest recorded at the track since Western Regional Off Track Betting began running the racing operation in 2002.
That 9.2% increase is quite notable on its merits alone, but it also stands out in the crowd in a year where the overall handle at harness tracks across North America is down a collective 6.66%.
Don Hoover is the Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs and he was very satisfied with the results, and was quick to mention everyone whose hard work made it happen.
“2024 was another record handle year for Batavia Downs and ended up surpassing our previous record set just last year. Once again, it was a total team effort from the entire staff at Batavia Downs with special thanks going to the live racing staff, track maintenance, simulcast, group sales, marketing, track management and of course, the horsemen and horse women who put on the show every night. They provided very competitive racing and proof of that was favorites winning only 44.5% of the time, which rates among the lowest in the industry at any half mile track in North America. Back to back record years is noteworthy, but so was the all time record $75,000 guaranteed pool we had on Nov. 13 that also produced a record payoff. Plus the track distributed over $7 million in overnight purses to our owners, trainers and drivers this year,” said Hoover.
There will be only a short amount of time for the track to sit on this year’s laurels as the break in the action at the Genesee County oval will be brief. Live racing returns to Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 6) for the start of the 15-day 2025 winter meet, the third consecutive overcoat session the track has hosted. Racing will be held every Monday and Thursday through Monday (Feb. 24) with all cards having a 3 p.m. post.
Jason Ostrowski pays tribute to Elton John in a concert at Batavia Downs in 2022. He returns on Feb. 27. File photo by Howard Owens.
Press Release:
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that tickets are now available for several indoor concerts in the Park Place Event Center on Thursdays throughout the upcoming Winter and Spring months.
All events will have General Admission tickets, and some will have VIP tickets. All tickets include $10 back in Free Play to be redeemed at Player’s Club. These shows will all begin at 7 p.m.
“As Batavia Downs continues to grow with weekend events, we’re excited to introduce a brand new Thursday night concert series that stretches from mid-December to mid-May, “ said Byron Brown, President & CEO of Batavia Downs. “With a wide range of musical acts, including Polka, Rock, Comedy and Country, we’ve got something for everyone.”
On December 19, Batavia Downs welcomes Terry Buchwald as Elvis Presley. This acclaimed musical experience showcases Terry Buchwald's talents, as he has done for many years, performing “The King” Elvis Presley’s greatest hits throughout the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. This show will have GA ($10) and VIP ($15) seating.
On January 9, WBBZ’s Polka Buzz returns to Batavia Downs. Listen to polka music from the New Direction Polka band while Ron Dombrowski hosts WBBZ’s weekly show. You may even see yourself on TV. This show will have $10 GA seating.
On January 16, “Band on the Run Live”, a Tribute to Sir Paul McCartney, will rock the Park Place Event Center stage at Batavia Downs. Take a trip through Paul’s music throughout his iconic and award-winning artistic career with the Beatles, Wings, and as a solo artist. This show will have GA ($10) and VIP ($15) seating.
On February 27, Jason Ostrowski will return to Batavia Downs to perform the greatest hits of piano-rock legends Elton John and Billy Joel! Enjoy back-to-back hits from the Piano Man and the Rocket Man live inside the Park Place Event Center. This show will have GA ($10) and VIP ($15) seating.
On March 13, 2025, Batavia Downs welcomes Frank Spadone's comedy. Frank has been featured at comedy festivals in Australia and South Africa and is a regular face at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, Canada. His movie credits include “Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle,” and he has appeared in several television series. This show will have both GA ($10) and VIP ($15) seating.
On April 10, 2025, following their acclaimed set during the Rockin’ the Downs Summer Concert Series, Tiny Music Band will grace the Park Place stage to perform a standing-room-only show. This tight, talented group will showcase their skills playing crowd-pleasing party hits throughout the night. This show is FREE. There will NOT be seats, but an ADA-seated section will be available for those who need it.
And finally, on May 22, 2025 the popular Zach Brown Tribute Band (ZBTB for short) will close out the Thursday concert series with a bang, playing a mixture of Zach Brown Band hits alongside country and rock classics. Known well throughout the area, this band is sure to please music fans of all genres. All tickets for this show are $15. This show will NOT be seated (ADA ticketed seats will be available).
General admission tickets are now available on BataviaConcerts.com, and the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop is located in the lobby of the main entrance of Batavia Downs. VIP tickets will be available exclusively at BataviaConcerts.com. Hotel Specials for select events are available on the Hotel Deals tab on BataviaDownsGaming.com.
Batavia Downs’ Summer Concert Series announcement will take place later in December.
Photo of Dougadougadew courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Even though it was getaway day at Batavia Downs as the curtain came down on the 2024 summer/fall meeting on Saturday (Dec. 7) night, the competition was fast and furious during a card that saw drivers Kevin Cummings and Dave McNeight III win five races each while trainer Sam Smith sent four from his stable to the winner’s enclosure on a night he was awarded as top conditioner of the meet.
Cummings winners included Runrunjimmydunn N (1:55.2, $6.30), Out On Bail (1:55.2, $3.50), Johnny Boy (1:58.1, $14.00) and Famous Dan (1:58.3, $3.20), all of which were trained by Smith, and Crystal Beach (1:57.4, $48.20).
McNeight’s successful contingent was made up of Our Night Fury (1:59.2, $6.70), Skyline Blue Chip (1:58.3, $3.20), Mach Le More A (1:56.2, $36.20) who will be covered more later, Shipsaway (1:57, $2.50) and Mason Street (1:59.2, $12.60).
There were co-featured $14,000 races on the closing card and the trot was won by another award winner.
After going 0 for 8 last year in a less than memorable season, Dougadougadew did a complete 180 and capped-off 2024 with his 12th win of the year while matching his career best time in the Open Handicap trot on the night when he was named the Trotter of the Meet at Batavia Downs.
In a very typical start for the chestnut trotter, Dougadougadew (Kyle Cummings) got away last by 10 lengths as El Toro Loco (Kevin Cummings) parked out the visiting Big Box Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) in fast fractions of :28.1 and :57 through the cold, blustery night. As the race headed onto the second circuit, Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) made a first-over move and Dougadougadew was happy to take the cover, one out and one back.
As the race headed towards three-quarters, Big Box Hanover succumbed to the overland grind, forcing Biscoe and Dougadougadew three-wide into the final bend. Biscoe crossed over and Dougadougadew drew alongside and the final furlong became a match race. Biscoe was maintaining his lead, but Dougadougadew kept digging and getting closer with every stride and four pylons from the line, Dougadougadew edged ahead and won by a neck in 1:57.1, tying his lifetime mark.
Dougadougadew ($7.80) made it an even dozen victories and pushed his seasonal bankroll to $85,877 for owners Doug and Tyra Ackley and trainer Tammy Cummings.
Then in the Open Handicap pace, Mach Le More A upset the field in a blanket finish at 17-1.
Mach Le More A (Dave McNeight III) got away sixth as Virgil N (Mike Baumeister) got the field to the half in a tepid :58.4. Bet On Blake (Kevin Cummings) moved into second from a first-over move in turn three while Mach Le More A drafted, fourth on the outside. Positions remained unchanged to three-quarters and Virgil N even started to pull away from the group in the last turn. But Mach Le More A, who was still fourth and three lengths from the leader, had different ideas as he tipped to the middle of the track and mowed down the competition at the wire where he won by a head in 1:56.2 in a photo that saw a mere length separate the top six finishers.
It was the second straight win and ninth of the season for Mach Le More A ($36.20) who pushed his earnings to $91,580 this year for owner Marissa Russo and Fac Racing. Dave Russo does the training.
The $10,000 guaranteed Jackpot Hi-5 pool with an end of season must-pay in the 15th race produced an outstanding payoff to those who caught the number. The 9-1-3-5-2 combination returned $2,120,20 for a 20-cent wager.
As alluded to earlier in this report, meet ending awards were presented by the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs during their Night of Distinction ceremony. Longtime Batavia blacksmith Ray Cable received a Lifetime Achievement Award, Drew Monti and Sam Smith were named driver and trainer of the meet, Dougadougadew was trotter of the meet and Won Surreal Deal was pacer of the meet. All awards were presented trackside to the respective recipients and their connections.
Although the 2024 meet has ended, the track won’t be dark for long as live racing returns to Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 6) for the start of the 15-day 2025 winter meet. Racing will be held every Monday and Thursday through Monday (Feb. 24) with all cards having a 3 p.m. post.
Photo of Mach Le More A courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
