harness racing

Brett Beckwith, who ended the 2023 season as the seventh winningest driver in North America, is rolling again in 2024 and strutted his stuff at Batavia Downs on Thursday afternoon (Jan. 25) by winning five races on the card. “Brett The Jet” won with Why Tomorrow Ray (1:56.1, $2.80), Rosey Time (1:56.3, $4.40), One Night Fury (2:02.1, $9.40), Rock A Honey (1:58, $25.80) and Silver Buckeye (2:04, $6.40). Beckwith also scored three seconds and two-thirds during the card, giving him a .524 UDR for the session.

Thursday’s card had a triple feature on the track as a $15,000 Open Handicap for fillies and mares, trotters, and male pacers were all held over a sloppy track amid heavy fog as a January thaw was in full effect.

The distaff pace was won by Way Too Sweet (Jim Morrill Jr.) who sat second behind A Black Diamond (Kevin Cummings) until the top of the final turn. There, Morrill tipped the mare three-deep around Mcnatural L (Dave Mcneight III) and thundered down the center of lane to win by a length in 1:58.4.

Way Too Sweet ($3.50), who was a six-time winner last year, got her first victory of 2024 for owners George Tackley and Wendy Storrier. The mare is trained by Andy Gardner.

The top trot went to Special Prosecutor (Kevin Cummings) who led the field to the quarter in :28.4 before watching Esa (Jim Morrill Jr.) brush from third to take control in turn two. Special Prosecutor then sat chilly in the garden spot through the second circuit until the top of the stretch, where he tipped and ran down the leader to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:58.1.

It was the first win in three 2024 tries for Special Prosecutor ($10.80) who is owned by Philip Hale and David Dewhurst, who also trains the gelding.

Then in the Open pace, Sounds Good (Billy Dobson) was sent off at 40-1 and got away seventh, as Better Take It (Kevin Cummings) and Rock N Roll Runa A (Larry Stalbaum) traded leads to the half. At that station, Twin B Tuffenuff (Brett Beckwith) pulled first-over to engage the leader, and Sounds Good followed right behind with his cover. Rock N Roll Runa A held a clear lead heading into the final bend, but the field bunched at the top of the lane with Sounds Good widest of all. Dobson rocked and knocked Sounds Good all the way to the wire and was the best by a neck in a four-horse photo, stopping the clock in 1:56.1.

Sounds Good ($82.00) is owned by Michael Sergi and Sam Sergi and was the second training win for Andy Gardner.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 29) at 3 p.m. and will feature the second round of the Western New York Trackmaster Series for pacers.

Free full 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.

The track was fast for the Monday afternoon (Jan. 22) card at Batavia Downs, and so was the pace at which money flowed through the windows from all outlets as the track handled $509,180, setting a new all-time one-day betting record on live racing at the track and marked the first time ever that the Downs handled in excess of one-half million dollars while under the ownership of Western Regional Off Track Betting.

This is the third time this meet – that has only raced four days so far – that the track has set a new standard for handle. The high water mark on Monday came in the fifth race where $69,298 was bet on that single event.

Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs, said “This is definitely historic for the track, something that has never been done before. And it speaks volumes for the competitive racing our horses and their connections put on the track every race day. Our customers recognize that and want to bet on it and we are grateful to be in this situation. It’s a total team effort to make these races a success and everyone associated with the track shares in this achievement.”

Monday also marked the beginning of the Western New York Trackmaster Series for pacers, an event that was responsible for setting betting marks during the 2023 winter meet. These races were once again very exciting on Monday but saw two drivers win nine of the 15 carded events.

Jim Morrill Jr. won five races during the afternoon, four of which were from his regular connections, trainer Sam Smith and owner Mike Torcello. Morrill scored with Road Map (1:57, $2.50), Mister J R (1:57.3, $2.60), Stonebridge Hypnos (1:59, $2.40) and Authentic Hanover (1:59.1, $9.00). His fifth win was behind Mississippi Rabbit (1:58, $3.20) who is owned by William Mac Millan and trained by Joe Skowyra.

Brett Beckwith was right behind Morrill in the win column as he registered a grand slam of his own. He won with Surfers Paradise (1:58.2, $8.60), Weekend Atnannies (1:58.1, $3.90) and Thatmomentinlife (1:57.3, $7.80) who were all trained by Mark McDonough, and also with Long Train Runnin (1:57, $2.70) who was trained by Jim Clouser Jr.

When Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Jan. 25) at 3 p.m. there will be a $532 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 in the 15th race. Thursday will also host the first round of the Western New York Trackmaster Series for trotters.

Free full 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.

The nearly week-long winter storm that has gripped western New York and necessitated the cancellation of live racing at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 15), has once again forced track officials to cancel live racing at The Downs for Thursday (Jan. 18) due to the ongoing effects of the extreme weather conditions. Simulcast at the track will remain open.

Live racing will resume as scheduled at Batavia on Monday (Jan. 22) at 3 p.m. 

As a result of the crippling winter storm western New York has experienced over the past 48 hours and the expected continuation of snowfall and dangerous road conditions through tonight, Batavia Downs has canceled live racing for Monday (Jan. 15) out of an abundance of caution for the safety of the horses, horsemen and woman and fans.

Live racing will resume as scheduled on Thursday (Jan. 18) at 3 p.m.

A sloppy track combined with heavy snow that started to fall after the third race provided some messy going at Batavia Downs on Thursday afternoon (Jan.11), but it didn’t take away from competitive racing and several very close finishes.

The features were a pair of $15,000 Open I Handicap races that were written for each gait.

First in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot, despite coming up only a neck short in his first start in the top class at Batavia last week, Comeonover Hanover was dismissed by the betting public at 9-1 and made them pay after making a late rush to victory.

Blogmaster (Jim Morrill Jr.) led to the half in a soft :59.2 when Big Box Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) moved first-over and pushed the issue to three-quarters. At that station, Comeonover Hanover (Billy Dobson) was still sixth, but out and moving third-over. After coming out of the turn, Big Box Hanover took the lead from Blogmaster and Special Prosecutor (John Cummings Jr.) had moved into third. But it was Comeonover Hanover who was barrelling down the center of the track and took the lead at the wire to win in 2:00.4.

Comeonover Hanover ($20.60) is owned by Perry Elkins and trained by Andy Gardiner.

Then later in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace, Lanjo Lee took no prisoners and could not be caught as he easily put away the competition in the stretch.

Lanjo Lee (Kyle Cummings) took the lead and cut quarters of :28.2 and :58.2 before Alta Engen A (Jim Morrill Jr.) pulled first-over from third. As they paced up the backside on the second circuit, Alta Engen A tried hard but could not get alongside Lanjo Lee and by three-quarters, his challenge had ended. This left Lanjo Lee two lengths ahead of the pocket-sitting Dontholdanythinbak (Keith Kash Jr.) and looking very much like a winner. When they straightened for home, Lanjo Lee bolted for the line under a line drive and won by 1-¾ lengths in 1:55.2..

Lanjo Lee ($8.40) is owned by Gordon Swift and trained by Jeff Sorenson.

In the day’s 14th race, driver Brett Beckwith made a three-wide move in the last turn with All About Lynx and caught the front-running Examiner Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) at the wire to win in 1:59 and blow up the tote board at 53-1. All About Lynx returned $109 for the win and sparked a 7-4-5-2 superfecta that returned the handsome sum of $3,253.80 for a 20-cent wager.

Drew Monti and Billy Dobson both scored driving hat tricks on Thursday while the day's top trainer Chris Petrelli sent two from his stable to the winner’s enclosure for pictures.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 15) at 3 p.m.

Free full 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 opened their 2024 winter meet last Thursday (Jan. 4) and celebrated with a new all-source handle record of $390,922. Now only four days later on Monday (Jan.8), the second session of racing for this early season has again recorded a new high after $421,221 was wagered on the afternoon card. The increase is the latest jump in this upward handle trend at The Downs that began last winter and has continued ever since.  

“It’s good to see the interest our product has continued to draw over this long period of time. We have picked up new customers this past year and clearly they have been supporting us through the windows. We are currently on a great trajectory and we certainly hope it continues,” said Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs.

Bettable races and quality horses have been key and Monday’s feature race was just one example. The $15,000 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares was won by Australian expat Magical Maya A, who notched her second North American victory in only her fourth attempt after she cruised gate to wire at The Downs.

Driver Larry Stalbaum left and meandered his way to the front with Magical Maya A, taking that position as Imprincessgemma A (Brett Beckwith) released her approaching the quarter. Once in command, Magical Maya A stopped the clock in :28.2, :58 and 1:26.3 with only Imprincessgemma A staying close. After rounding the turn, Imprincessgemma A dipped inside of Magical Maya A and made up some ground as they paced towards the wire. But Magical Maya A was game and hung onto the lead by over a length in 1:56.1.

It was the 10th lifetime win for the 6-year-old Magical Maya A ($7.60) who is owned and trained by her driver, Stalbaum.

After winning the eighth race on Monday, the 12-year-old Santana Beach (Jim Morrill Jr.) hit a career milestone by notching his 50th lifetime win. Trained by Andrew Torre, who co-owns with Kristen Torre, Santana Beach has now earned $333,569 from his efforts in 297 career starts.  

John Cummings Jr. was the driving leader on Monday as he registered four winners during the afternoon. “Junior” won with BJ Lorado (2:00.1, $3.40), Shadow One (1:57.2, $3.50), So amazing (1:57.2, $3.40) and Jumpinthejailhouse (2:01, $7.00). Trainer Brianne Sinclair sent Cummings first two winners to post before adding her third win of the day with Windemere Ryan (1:57.4, $7.60) who was driven by Drew Monti. Sinclair ended up batting 1,000 as she only had three horses entered on Monday.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 8) at 3 p.m. and there will be a $1,422 carryover in the Pick 5 wager that starts in race one.

Free full 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.

The 2024 winter meet kicked off at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Jan. 4) and the wagering success the track realized last year picked up right where it left off as a new single card handle record was set during opening day. Betting from all sources totalled $390,922 and that easily topped the old record of $348,205 set last February.

“We had great weather for the opener and featured a very competitive group of horses on the track, making the card very bettable and that was a recipe for success. The track was in great shape, as was our facility to host our live crowd. It was a total team effort and I thank everyone for their support,” said Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs.

The track was definitely fast and was that evident in the co-featured $15,000 Open I Handicap pace where Twin B Tuffenuff ($7.70) flexed his muscle on the point to turn in the fastest mile of the incipient meet.

Jim Morrill Jr. sent Twin B Tuffenuff to the front and he was quickly joined by Lanjo Lee (Kyle Cummings), who would then be parked out for the rest of the mile. The two paced side by side through quarters of :28.1, :55.3 and 1:24.2 when Lanjo Lee finally tired, leaving Twin B Tuffenuff to open up around the last turn. Twin B Tuffenuff pulled away by three lengths in the stretch before Morrill wrapped him up and crossed the line in 1:54.2.

Twin B Tuffenuff is owned by Patrick Morris and trained by John Hallett.

Hallett and Morrill also won the fastest trot of the day with Esa ($2.30), who schooled a full field of mid-level conditioners by pulling away to a 11-¼ length victory in 1:55.4.

Morrill ended up taking a six pack home after he won four more races with Friday Night Blues (1:55.3, $4.60), Dark Matter (1:57, $4.20), Blogmaster (1:57, $7.80) and Timeto Communicate (1:56.2, $6.10).

The co-featured $15,000 Open I trot was won by Big Box Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) who led from the gate to three-quarters where Comeonover Hanover (Billy Dobson) had pulled from fifth and was even with the leader heading into the final bend. The two then trotted tumultuously around that last turn and then all the way to the line where Big Box Hanover gained a neck advantage and won in 1:56.3.

Big Box Hanover ($2.60) is owned by his driver Stalbaum, who also trains the trotter.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 8) at 3 p.m.

Free full 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.

Although the summer/fall meet at Batavia Downs concluded less than four weeks ago, the new year brings a new season of harness racing at the oldest lighted harness track in North America as The Downs kicks off their 2024 winter race meet on Thursday (Jan. 4) at 3 p.m.

This is the second straight year Batavia Downs has offered live winter racing action and if last year was any indication, the track could be in for some big betting numbers once again.

“On opening day last year, we had a great live crowd on hand and all sources pushed $257,510 through the windows which at that time, was the best one-night handle at the track since 2019. Then on two successive Mondays (January 30 and February 6) we really knocked it out of the park by handling $340,602 and $348,205,” said Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing at the track.

“I hope we can pick up where we left off and the weather continues to cooperate. If that happens, I look forward to another strong meet.”

Hoover went on to point out that the track crew and their equipment are ready to take on any weather conditions to keep the track safe and fast and hopes to get through the next two months without any interruptions from Mother Nature.  

The opening day card features 14 races and the draw box yielded a large number of entries from Saratoga Raceway trainers as that track is currently dark until February.

One of those trainers is Larry “The Bomber” Stalbaum, who won five races on opening day of the winter meet last year. On Thursday, Stalbaum has entered eight horses from his own stable and is driving a total of nine during the day, so he will have the opportunity to duplicate that effort.

Other horsemen and women making the 90-West trek from The Spa include drivers Shawn Gray and Billy Dobson along with trainers Alicia Gray, Amanda Kelley, Lisa Zabielski, Jaymes Mcassey, Bret Derue, John Hallett, Andy Gardner, and Dale Lawton.

All the top Batavia regulars will also be returning on opening day to try and enforce their home-field advantage and keep the bulk of the $153,000 in purses that are up for grabs in western New York.

Last year’s top drivers Jim Morrill Jr., Kevin Cummings, Dave McNeight III, Kyle Cummings, and Jim McNeight Jr. will all be in action Thursday while leading trainers Sam Smith, Shawn McDonough, Jenn Giuliani, Tammy Cummings, and Jim Rothfuss all have horses entered.

Batavia Downs will race every Monday and Thursday through February 26 and post time will be at 3 p.m. daily for all race cards.

With the books now finalized after the last live card of racing took place on Saturday (Dec. 9), Batavia Downs saw a major growth in handle that started last January during their first winter meet in 20 years and ended the year showing a 75% increase in wagering over the track’s previous record high.

The total all-source handle for the entire 67 days of live racing conducted at the Downs in 2023 was $15,414,846, which easily eclipsed the old record high of $8,779,409 established in 2019 over that 63-day meet, and set a new all-time high wagering mark during Western Regional Off Track Betting’s 21-year tenure as owner of the track.

Breaking down the numbers further, the average daily all-source handle of $230,072 bested the old mark of $146,987 set in 2021 (for a full-year schedule) by 57%. The average daily handle in 2020 was $170,268, but it was during a Covid-shortened meet that ran only 42 days.

Another number that saw an uptick at the Downs in 2023 was the total on-track live handle of $935,790, which rose 2.5% from the $912,822 wagered last year.

“The momentum in the handle started during our winter meet when we set several daily records and picked right back up when we returned in July. I am very happy that the wagering support from our customers, both remote and live, carried over to our regular meet,” said Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs.

The momentum Hoover eluded to started on Monday (Jan. 30) after bettors came out in force to pump $340,602 (from all sources) through the windows to set a new all-time single card mark at Batavia Downs. That total was the largest handle recorded since WROTB reopened the Downs in 2002, and surpassed the old mark of $339,000 which occurred during the 2019 New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions finals.

Then only a week later on Monday (Feb. 6), that record was broken again after $348,205 was wagered on the very competitive third leg card of the Western New York Pop-Up Series.

The healthy daily average handle for the short 14-day 2023 winter meet was $238,895, and compared to $227,742 for the 53 day summer/fall meet, remained almost identical all year despite increased competition by the greater number of tracks that raced live later in the year.

Batavia Downs will once again host a winter meet in 2024 and it begins on Thursday (Jan. 4) with 16 dates that run through Monday (Feb. 26). Post time for every race day will be 3 p.m.

Dominance by a pair of horsemen was center stage on Saturday’s (Dec. 9) closing night card at Batavia Downs as driver Kevin Cummings and trainer Sam Smith put forth a pair of relentless efforts that yielded some very lofty numbers.

Coming into the final night of the meet, Smith was tied with fellow trainer Shawn McDonough for the dash title of the summer and fall stanza and it didn’t take long to see that Smith was ready to serve notice. Smith sent five consecutive stablemembers to the winner’s enclosure to start the night and later added one more to grab a six-pack and claim the training title and the hardware.

Smith trainees won races one through five and included Pepin Coolie (1:57.1, $8.70), Ys Lotus (1:54.1, $3.10), Poets N Pirates (1:58.3, $5.00), Just Don’t Wait (1:56.3, $13.20) and Blogmaster (1:56, $3.50). He then later won with Johnny Boy, who captured the co-featured $15,000 Open I Handicap trot to get to six.

Johnny Boy left from post five and led every step of the race. After setting fractions of :28, :58.1 and 1:27 with no one close enough to challenge him, Johnny Boy turned for home and bolted to a 2-½  length win in 1:56.

It was the 10th win of the year for Johnny Boy ($4.50) who is owned by Mike Torcello, and who also owns Smith’s other five winners.

Smith also had one second from his nine starters to post a stellar .728 UTR for his work on Saturday.

Kevin Cummings drove three of Smith’s winners but also added five others to finish the night with a total of eight wins, which is just one shy of the track record of nine set by Jim Morrill Jr. only three weeks ago.

Besides the aforementioned Pepin Coolie, Poets N Pirates and Johnny Boy, Cummings also won with Remember The Beach (1:55.4, $35.20), Special Prosecutor (1:58, $6.80), McBardle (1:55.2, $2.60), Life Master (1:55, $3.90) and Stranger Things, who won the co-featured $15,000 Open I pace on the night he was named Pacer of the Meet for the second consecutive year.

Stranger Things got away fifth as Virgil N (Drew Monti) led to the half in :56.2. As they passed that station, Alta Engine A (Jim Morrill Jr.) pulled first-over and Stranger Things followed in stride. Virgil N succumbed to the pace at three-quarters allowing Alta Engine A to take the lead heading into the last turn. Stranger Things continued to pace alongside the leader and began to accelerate when they hit the stretch. Stranger Things gained ground with every stride and passed Alta Engine N by a length at the line in 1:53.

It was the third straight win and 10th of the year for Stranger Things ($4.60) who is owned by Kathy Schoeffel, Virginia Schoeffel, and James Reuther and trained by Angelo Nappo.

Cummings also had two seconds among his 15 starts to realize a stout .622 UDR for the night.  

The management and staff of Batavia Downs would like to wish all their patrons a very happy holiday season and look forward to welcoming everybody back on Thursday (Jan. 4) when the 2024 winter meet kicks off its 16-date run through Monday (Feb. 26) pending New York State Gaming Commission date approval. Post time for every race day will be 3 p.m.

The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs have announced the top driver, trainers, and horses from the summer and fall live racing meet who will be honored for their efforts during the Night of Distinction awards presentation that will be held on closing night at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 9). Post time for the first race is 6 p.m.

Jim Morrill Jr. will receive the Driver of the Year Award after he notched his fifth driving title at Batavia Downs. This meet, Morrill had 429 starts with 138 wins, 81 seconds, and 58 thirds that produced earnings of $1,217,071 and a UDR. of .472. Those earnings set a new all-time track record for purses collected in a single meet at Batavia, breaking the mark he set just last year ($1,115,951). Morrill is also only one of two drivers (Kevin Cummings) to ever earn in excess of $1 million at Batavia Downs in a single meet and now both have done it in consecutive years.

Overall in 2023, Morrill has started 1,020 times with 295 wins, 184 seconds and 148 thirds with $2,567,305 in earnings and a UDR of .438. That UDR rating has him sitting in first place among all drivers in North America for percentage performance.

The Trainer of the Year has yet to be decided as Sam Smith and Shawn McDonough are currently tied after Wednesday’s card with Smith showing 43 wins and McDonough posting 43 wins as well.

To this point in the meet, Smith has 242 starts with 43 wins, 42 seconds, and 35 thirds with earnings of $401,222 and a UTR of .322. For the year he has 648 starts with 109 wins, 94 seconds, and 91 thirds with earnings of $988,750 and a UTR of .296. All these numbers are career highs for Smith.

McDonough’s Batavia meet tally shows 276 starts with 43 wins, 42

 seconds and 29-thirds that banked $346,692 and provided him a UTR of .275. His totals for all of 2023 showed 598 starts with 96 wins, 83 seconds and 76 thirds, earnings of $764,240 and a UTR of .280.

The top trainer will be named Saturday night as Smith will start 10 horses and McDonough will start eight and it could come down to the 15th race on the card before it’s decided.

Driver Kyle Swift, who was named the track's Rising Star for 2023 earlier this week, will also be presented his award on Saturday.

The top equine athletes will also be lauded and here is the list of award recipients for this meet.

Pacer of the Meet - Stranger Things (Western Terror-Southwind Prairie)

Kathy Schoeffel, Virginia Schoeffel and James Ruether, owners - Angelo Nappo, trainer.

Stranger Things had 17 starts with 6 wins, 1 second and 3 thirds that earned him $52,000 in purses, which was the most won by any pacer competing at the Downs this meet. Stranger Things competed against some of the best pacers on the grounds all season and could be counted on to show up week in and week out. For the entire year, Stranger Things won nine races and $71,590 in purses. Stranger Things will be on hand to close out his meet on Saturday night in the featured 9th race.

Trotter of the Meet - Lougazi (Lou’s Legacy-Winning Blade)

Mary Warriner, owner - Ryan Swift, trainer.

Lougazi is a multiple winner of this award and rightfully so, as this 9-year-old war horse has been battling the best at Batavia for six years. In 2023, Lougazi had 16 starts that yielded him four wins, four seconds and four thirds with $54,600 in purses that made him not only the richest trotter of the meet, but the richest horse of either gait overall as of this writing. Overall in 2023 Lougazi had eight wins and $91,295 in earnings.

Mare of the Meet - Louie The Lilac (Sweet Lou-Pineapple Hanover)

Michael L. Torcello, owner - Sam Smith, trainer.

Louie The Lilac started the meet in the non-winners classes and worked her way up to the Open I where she found success twice. She has faced some very tough competition from top flight ship-in mares in her 16 starts this year, yet came out on top seven times during the meet while earning $49,105 in purses. For the entire year, Louie The Lilac has won a total of nine races while putting $69,968 in the bank.

Claimer of the Meet - A Black Diamond (Betterthancheddar-Tricky)

LAV Racing Stable, owner - Russell Bratt, trainer.

Although winning her first race at Batavia in a conditioned event, A Black Diamond made her living in the claiming ranks all year after that and totaled eight wins for the meet, making her the winningest horse of either gait or gender at Batavia Downs this year. And she ended the year stronger than ever, winning five out of her last six starts including four straight in that stretch, earning $48,620 this meet. For all of 2023 A Black Diamond won 13 races and $82,852 in purses.

These awards will be presented trackside in the winner's circle between the races throughout the night. 

The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs has announced that driver Kyle Swift will receive the 2023 Rising Star Award during the Night of Distinction awards presentation that will be held at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 9).

After driving at fairs and in qualifiers for two years, the 18-year-old Kyle Swift earned his provisional license in June of this year and has really become a presence on the harness racing scene in western New York ever since. After scoring his first pari-mutuel win with Big Place only a month later, Swift emerged as one of the top drivers at the current Batavia meet.

In 219 starts, Swift has won 14 races, finished second 26 times, and third another 27 times, which were numbers good enough to put him on the top 10 list among all drivers racing at Batavia this meet. And his $151,294 in purses from those starts has him seated 13th for total bank.

Overall this year, Swift has 17 wins 30 seconds, and 31 thirds with $181,130 in earnings.  

Swift is a third-generation horseman on both sides of his family. His father Ray Fisher Jr. has been a leading reinsman at Batavia for years and is approaching 5,000 career driving wins while his mother Ryan Swift annually finishes among the best trainers competing in western New York.

Kyle Swift is an energetic and enthusiastic personality who is 100% committed to harness racing and who works very hard to improve his skills on a daily basis. His steadily rising numbers and increased multiple listings on the daily draw are a testament to that and prove why he was chosen to receive this award.

The Night of Distinction card Saturday (Nov. 9) has a 6 p.m. post and all the awards will be presented trackside in the winner’s circle between the races.

After three unsuccessful starts in the track’s top class for female pacers, Mcnatural L got the job done at long odds in her fourth attempt in the $15,000 Distaff Open I Handicap on Wednesday night (Dec. 6) at Batavia Downs.

Dave McNeight III put Mcnatural L in the pocket behind Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) who was busy on top stepping quarters of :28.3, :57.4 and 1:26, basically unchallenged the entire time. Mcnatural L continued to draft Won Surreal Deal around the last turn but when they hit the stretch, she sprung into action. McNeight popped the deuce and heavily urged Mcnatural L past Won Surreal Deal and hit the line first by three-quarters of a length in 1:55 to spring the upset.

Mcnatural L ($19.60) registered her eighth win of the year for owner El Dorado Stable and trainer Amanda Arrigenna.

The Downs top two trainers entered Wednesday’s card tied with 41 wins apiece and they have been so hard to pull away from each other of late, they even had a dead heat in the fourth race. Sam Smith started Authentic Hanover and Shawn McDonough had Thatmomentinlife and after battling for the last three-eighths of the mile, both hit the wire together in 1:57.2. Authentic Hanover (Kevin Cummings, $2.10) is owned by Mike Torcello and Thatmomentinlife (Brett Beckwith, $2.10) is owned by Ben Ortiz.

Smith also won with Mcdelicacy (1:58, $107.50) and McDonough won with Imprincessgemma A (1:55.3, $2.90) so they remained tied for the training crown heading into the final night.

Last year’s trotter of the meet at Batavia Downs was CR Blazin Beauty and she hit two major milestones after winning the sixth race on Wednesday. It was the 9-year-old mare’s 60th lifetime win and it pushed her over a half-million dollar mark in career earnings, now boasting $500,805 in the bank. CR Blazin Beauty is owned by Marissa Russo and trained by Dave Russo.

Kyle Cummings led all drivers on Wednesday with three wins while trainer Chris Petrelli joined Smith and McDonough with two wins of his own.

The final night of live racing of the 2023 meet at Batavia Downs is Saturday (Dec. 9) and that is when live action will resume with a big 15 race card with a $1,031 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in that 15th race. And since Saturday is the final night of the meet, both the Pick-5 in race one and the Hi-5 in race 15 will both be “must pay” wagering events. All the racing action starts at 6 p.m.

Saturday is also the Upstate New York  Chapter of the United States Harness Writer’s Night of Distinction awards presentation that will take place trackside between the races.

Free full 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.

Persistent rain and a sloppy track set the stage for racing at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Dec. 2) but the inclement conditions didn’t prevent Ricky B Sharp from excelling in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature.

Credit List (Kyle Cummings) grabbed the first lead before relenting to Staghouse (Ray FIsher Jr.), who pulled past the eighth to take the front before the :30.2 quarter. As they moved into the stretch for the first time, Kevin Cummings moved Johnny Boy early from fifth and was flying on the outside, catching Staghouse in turn three. Staghouse then made a break and caused interference with trailing horses including Ricky B Sharp (Mike Baumeister) who was fifth at that point.

Johnny Boy opened up a 2-¼ length lead over Credit List approaching three-quarters while Ricky B Sharp extricated himself from the road trouble, moved into third and gained ground with every stride. The top three separated from the field while tightening up between themselves and rounded the last turn in a pack. Johnny Boy took his diminishing lead into the stretch while Credit List and Ricky B Sharp continued to gain ground with every pylon. The three crossed the wire together with Ricky B Sharp getting the nod by one-half length in 1:59.2.

It was the fifth win of the year for Ricky B Sharp ($10.80) and owner Jennifer Signor. Ron Baumeister trains the winner.

The top pace was an upper-level conditioned event that went for $12,500 and Stranger Things claimed his ninth win of the year after closing late with enthusiasm.

JMs Delight (Greg Merton) was commander of fractions to the half but Alta Engen N (Kyle Cummings) came first-over at that station and took the lead midway up the backstretch from the fading JMs Delight. Now on the point, Alta Engen N was under duress from Stranger Things (Kevin Cummings) who had shadowed the leader since the half. Stranger Things drew alongside Alta Engen N midway through the last turn and the two pacers duked it out from there. The pair stayed even until halfway down the stretch where Stranger Things imposed his will and pulled away to a 2-½ length victory in 1:55.1.

It was win number nine this year for heavily backed Stranger Things ($2.60) who is owned by Kathy Schoeffel, Virginia Schoeffel, and James Reuther and trained by Angelo Nappo.

Driver John Cummings Jr. led all drivers on Saturday with a grand slam in the bike. He won with J-S Swanman (2:02.1, $4.30), Bluesville (1:56.3, $4.40), Win Not Lou (156.2, $8.50) and Third Edition (1:56.4, $3.20).

There are only two days of live racing left in the 2023 meet at Batavia Downs and the action resumes on Wednesday (Dec. 6) at 6:00 p.m. with a $786 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.

For the second time this meet, Jim McNeight Jr. visited the winner’s enclosure five times during the Wednesday night (Nov. 29) card at Batavia Downs to further enhance what has been a career year for the 27-year-old reinsman. His first foray with five came on Oct. 6.

McNeight won with Mach Of Shame (1:59, $6.90), Fear Her Touch (1:57.2, $13.80), Chipper Daisey (1:57.1, $6.50), Ariyana Star (1:58, $118.00) and Red Hot Sun (1:59.1, $11.00). McNeight is currently the fourth leading driver of the Batavia meet with 57 wins, but his numbers for the year are what really stand out. He has 124 wins, $1.06 million in earnings, and a UDR of .241, all of which are career highs by a great margin.

The one race McNeight didn’t win on Wednesday was the $15,000 featured pace for fillies and mares where Ray Fisher Jr. steered Summer Slash to her first victory after a two-month layoff.

Summer Slash was third and eight lengths off the pace of Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) who skated through quarters of :27.2 and :57. Summer Slash made up the deficit by the five-eighths and Fisher pulled the mare heading up the backstretch. As the race moved past three-quarters, Summer Slash moved into second place and under a line drive by Fisher, ran down Won Surreal Deal in the stretch to win by 1-¼ lengths in 1:55.

It was the ninth win of the year for Summer Slash ($8.30) who is owned by Ilovemyharnesshorsesummer and trained by Ryan Swift.

In the $11,500 conditioned pace for fillies and mares, A Black Diamond (Dave McNeight III) won her 13th race of the year, eight of which came at Batavia Downs. After leaving from post one, A Black Diamond led every step of the mile and won by three-quarters of a length over the tripped-out Imprincessgemma A (Brett Beckwith) in 1:55.4. A Black Diamond ($2.40) is owned by Lav Racing Stable and trained by Russell Bratt.

Jim Rothfuss had two training wins to lead all conditioners on Wednesday.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 2) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $519 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.

After bouncing back from an untimely break last week and despite a jump in class for this start, Johnny Boy got back in the win column by taking the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Nov. 25).

Kevin Cummings sent Johnny Boy to the front, grabbed the lead past the quarter and then controlled the race every step from there. After reaching the half in :58.4, Makadushin N Cheez (Jim McNeight Jr.) rolled up first-over on the rim and remained a player until three-quarters. His bid fell apart at that point, forcing Gracious Triumph (Jim Morrill Jr.) three-wide into the last turn. Meanwhile Johnny Boy had opened up a two length advantage before turning for home and was driven confidently to the wire on top by 1-¼ lengths in 1:57.2.

It was the ninth win of the year for Johnny Boy ($17.80) who is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.

In the co-featured $15,000 Open I Handicap pace, Lanjo Lee (Kyle Cummings) was by far the best horse in the race and finished his mile with an exclamation mark. After leading the field by a gapped margin through quarters of :27.4, :57.4 and 1:25.1, Lanjo Lee extended his lead around the last turn and bolted home under wraps and on top by 3-¾ lengths in 1:53.3.

Lanjo Lee ($3.50) scored his seventh win of the year for owner Gordon Swift and trainer Jeff Sorenson.

After setting the track record for wins on a single card (9) last Saturday at Batavia, driver Jim Morrill Jr. was back at it again this week and posted five more wins during the program. He won with Mugshots Bro (1:58.1, $3.50), Stop Action (1:56, $4.50), Virgil N (1:54.2, $3.30), BJ’s Smitty (1:57.4, $8.90) and Mighty Santana N (1:54.2, $2.70). Morrill also finished second four times out of his 12 drives giving him a .602 UDR for the evening. Morrill is currently the leading percentage driver among all other drivers in North America with a .438 UDR for the entire year.

There was a big payout in the final race of the night when the Jackpot Hi-5 was hit. The single unique combination of 1-4-9-5-7 returned $4,671.30 for a 20-cent wager.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 29) at 6 p.m.

Free full 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.

After a convincing victory off class relief last week, Louie The Lilac moved back to the feature race and won again in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Nov. 22).

Kevin Cummings fired Louie The Lilac to the front and led every step of the way. After setting the pace at :28.1, :58.2 and 1:26.3 with Xenia’s Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) trying to match steps in the pocket, Louie The Lilac turned for home and bolted to the line on top by three lengths in 1:55.3.

It was the ninth win of the year for Louie The Lilac ($3.90) who is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.

Cummings ended the night with three wins to lead all drivers.

In the $11,500 mid-level conditioned event for distaff pacers, The Stunning Nun N (Jim Morrill Jr.) made her first start back since September a winning one after she led from gate to wire in 1:57.2 by an easy 2-½ lengths over A Black Diamond (Dave McNeight III).

The Stunning Nun N ($7.70) is owned by her trainer Mike Deters, in partnership with Joel Warner, John Manning, and Barbara Jensen.

Deters along with Sam Smith and Mike Ohol all had two training wins on Wednesday.

The $10,000 guaranteed Pick-5 was hit on Wednesday. The combination of 5/3/1,8/1/3 returned $408 for a 50-cent wager. The carryover was $3,035 and the guarantee generated $13,907 in new money.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 25) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $3,080 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.

With no winner of the Pick-5 last Saturday (Nov. 18), there is a carryover of $3,035 for that wager on Wednesday (Nov. 22) and Batavia Downs will be offering a $10,000 guaranteed Pick-5 pool. This is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and free program pages courtesy of Trackmaster will be available on the USTA’s website under the Handicapping/Strategic Wagering links.

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, the pool will be carried over to the Pick-5 wager on the next day of racing.

Free full card program pages for Wednesday and every live racing night at Batavia Downs can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab and you can watch all the action free and live on the track’s YouTube Channel.

Post time for the first race on Wednesday is 6 p.m. 

Jim Morrill Jr. put on a driving clinic at Batavia Downs Saturday night (Nov. 18) winning nine of the 13 races on the card. Morrill’s run included a natural hat trick in races two through four, a natural grand slam in races seven through 10 and victories in both feature races. Morrill also had one third and posted an unbelievable .778 UDR for the night.

Morrill broke his own single night win record of eight that he set back in 2005 at Batavia and was tied a year later by John Cummings Jr.  

Morrill won the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot with E Street, who ran his own personal win streak to four. E Street sat in the pocket behind Crazy Ritz (Jim McNeight Jr.) through quarters of :28.4, :59.3 and 1:29, and then continued to follow until the top of the stretch. It was there Morrill dipped into the passing lane and let E Street sprint to the line with no urging to win in 1:58.2.

E Street ($3.70) is owned by Elite harness Racing and trained by Rachelle Mungillo.

Morrill’s other feature win was with Venier Hanover in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace. Morrill put Venier Hanover on the point and dominated the field from there. After getting to the half in :56.3 with Parmesan N (Austin Sorrie) and Stranger Things (Jim McNeight Jr.) trying to keep pace, Morrill gave Venier Hanover his head and scorched a :27.3 third panel that put four lengths between him and the rest of the group. Venier Hanover then rounded the last turn and scooted home, wrapped up in 1:54.3.

It was the 52nd career win for Venier Hanover ($4.50) who is owned by Monique Cohen and trained by Shawn McDonough.

Morrill completed his nonagon with BJ’s Smitty (1:58.3, $14.00), Virgil N (1:54.1, $4.70), Play The Field (1:56.2, $5.50), Prairie Panther (1:55.4, $2.70), Credit List (1:58.2, $3.60) Rebellious (1:56.2, $2.20) -- who registered his 70th lifetime win -- and Vulcan Star N (1:54.4, $9.80).

Morrill started the night as the leading driver at the current Batavia meet with 147 wins, but just four ahead of Kevin Cummings (143). Now Morrill has a double-digit lead after the dust settled Saturday as he now has 156 wins to Cummings 145 (Cummings won two races as well).

Morrill also started the night with the second-highest UDR among all drivers in North America with a .436, just .001 behind J. Brandon Campbell (.437). Morrill may move into first place after Campbell registered a win and two seconds (.704 UDR for the night) in three starts at the Century Mile today in Edmonton, Alberta.

Mike Deters was the top trainer at Batavia on Saturday with three winners, all driven by Morrill.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 22) at 6 p.m. and there will be a $2,113 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.

It’s been seven weeks since Louie The Lilac had her picture taken at Batavia Downs, but that all changed on Wednesday night (Nov. 15) after she easily handled a group of mid-level conditioned mares in the $11,500 feature race.

Kevin Cummings got away fifth with Louie The Lilac as Isla Seelster (Drew Monti) led at the half in :58.1. Bet I’m Lucky (Jim McNeight Jr.) pulled first-over at that station and was followed closely by Louie The Lilac. Bet I’m Lucky grabbed the lead at three-quarters but Louie The Lilac was next in line for the top and took it midway through the last turn. From there, Louie The Lilac paced away to a 3-¼ length victory in 1:55.2.

It was the eighth win of the year for Louie The Lilac ($2.60) and owner Mike Torcello. Sam Smith trains the winner.

Kevin Cummings and Dave McNeight III were the top drivers on Wednesday with three wins each while Sam Smith, Dave Russo and Shawn McDonough all registered two training wins apiece.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 18) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,559 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.