harness racing

(Cobble Beach with reinsman John Cummings Jr. / Photo courtesy of Paul White)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

John Cummings Jr. bought a ticket to ride and he didn’t care while winning the $9,500 Open pace feature with Cobble Beach ($6.80) at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Aug. 15).

Cobble Beach flew off the wings and took the top before the quarter while post time favorite, Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) took to the wood. After the leader passed the quarter in 27.1, Caprio wasted no time getting Fireyourguns in gear as he moved him to the outside in pursuit. Although it seemed like a good move in theory, the exercise was futile because there was no catching Cobble Beach tonight.

Cummings Jr. had the best view of the proceedings as his charge flew by the half in 55.3 and three-quarters in 1:23.2. Then he raised the lines, laid back in the bike and with a swish of the whip opened up four and was looking for more. The pair then proceeded to pace away to an impressive 1:52.1 win.

James Clouser Jr. owns and trains the 5-year-old altered son of Artiscape and his evenings efforts increased the horse’s annual earnings to $51,440.

Drivers scoring multiple victories on the card included Kevin Cummings and Dave McNeight III with three and Jim McNeight with two. Trainer Dave McNeight also registered a double.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 16) with a matinee card starting at 1:15 p.m.

(Lutetium and reinsman Kevin Cummings; photo courtesy of Paul White)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

He’s three-for-three at the current meet and continues to win at will. Lutetium wired his foes on Friday night (Aug. 14) in the $10,000 Open trot feature at Batavia Downs.

Once again leaving from the widest post in the draw (7), Lutetium (Kevin Cummings) made quick work of taking the lead before setting-down for the mile. However this week his main rival BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) decided to leave as well and tucked in third for the trip.

The field was led to a soft half in: 58 when the tempo picked up on the backside. Lutetium tripped the three-quarters in 1:26.3 with BZ Glide on the outside, closing in for the chase. As the race hit the top of the stretch, Lutetium’s 2-length advantage was dwindling and continued to do so as the sparring pair drove to the wire. But when they hit, the 8-year-old gelded son of Credit Winner mustered just enough to gut out a head victory over the fast closing BZ Glide.

It was the seventh win in 21 starts for Lutetium ($7.60) and pushed his earnings to $48,331 for owner Colleen Girdlestone and trainer Mark Laidlaw.

Five drivers were seeing double on Friday as Kevin Cummings, Shawn Gray, Dave McNeight III, Ray Fisher Jr. and Jim McNeight all scored two wins on the card. Shawn Gray, Jim McNeight and Carl Smith also tallied a pair as trainers.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 15) with post time set for 6:35 p.m.

(Photo of Ugly Betty and reinsman John Cummings Jr. by Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Ugly Betty returned to Western New York after a quick trip to Northfield Park and wasted no time dominating the local mares once again in the $9,500 distaff Open at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Aug. 12).

In her normal style, Ugly Betty (John Cummings Jr.) went right to the front and led by two through quarters of 27.3, 56.4, 1:25.3 before coasting home to a one-length victory in 1:55.3. Eyemajet (Shawn Gray) came up the rail for second and All About Boyz (Dave McNeight III) rallied from last to finish third.

It was the 10th win in 25 start this year for Ugly Betty ($3.80), boosting her pocketbook to $62,505 for owners Margaret Payne and Jennifer Falcone. Rex Clabaugh trains the winner.

Drew Monti scored a driving triple on the night with VT’s Gold Key ($12.00), Climate Hanover ($3.40) and September Hall ($5.70). Kevin Cummings and John Cummings Jr. both registered driving doubles. Trainer Rex Clabaugh also sent two winners postward.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 14) with post time set at 6:35 p.m.

(Red Doll driven by Kevin Cummings.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Batavia Downs hosted two divisions of the $108,000 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Sunday (Aug. 9) and a locally owned, trained and driven colt won the first division going for a $54,500 purse.

Red Doll who is owned by John Sixt of Chaffee, NY, trained by Judy Blaun of Elba, NY and driven by Batavia Downs defending driving champion Kevin Cummings, went gate to wire, scoring a measured one-length victory over the heavily favored Autotune Hanover.

Red Roll shot right to the lead as Autotune Hanover (Tyler Buter) had trouble navigating the first turn before making a break. While Cummings piloted the leader to a pedestrian 59.3 half, Buter had settled Autotune Hanover before pulling the colt around gapped horses in an attempt to mount another attack at the front.

After looking rough again in the clubhouse turn, Autotune Hanover made quick work of the back stretch and got within a length of the leader. But after tucking to the pylons behind Red Roll in 1:28.4, Cummings started rocking and knocking the leader and got away from the pack by three lengths at the head of the lane before bringing Red Roll home victorious in 1:57.2.

“I drove him at Buffalo last month so I knew the horse. I took a shot, went to the front and was able to cut the mile I wanted. He was good the whole race” said Cummings in the winner’s circle.

Overlooked in the betting, Red Roll returned a healthy $23.00 for the win.

It was the first win of the year for Red Roll and thus also his lifetime mark. Despite only one win so far, the horse has not missed a check in NYSS action all year and that has put his earnings at $59,117.

(Joe Larry N Curly with leading NYSS driver Jim Morrill Jr.)

In the second division, morning line co-choice Travel Playlist scratched sick and that cut the field down to five pacers. But there was no “stoogery” in post time favorite Joe Larry N Curly’s performance as he was all business, pacing his fastest mile ever over a half-mile track.

Leading NYSS driver, Jim Morrill Jr., got away third with Joe Larry N Curly as Carlos Danger (Kevin Cummings) cut the quarter in 28.4. But as soon as they passed that station, Morrill pulled the 1-9 favorite and methodically moved to the front by the head of the stretch.

The field remained unchanged until Joes On A Roll (John Cummings Jr.) came first over to challenge the leader at the five-eights. But before he could mount any kind of serious threat, Morrill popped the ear-plugs and then held on tight as Joe Larry N Curly switched into overdrive and paced away from everyone. He came home in a brisk 28 flat to stop the timer in 1:56.2 and win by four lengths.

After the race, a visibly pleased Jim Morrill Jr. said “I couldn’t be happier with the way he raced. I pulled the plugs at the three-quarters and he took off like a rocket. I should have left them in! He won easy; he was simply awesome."

It was the third win of the year for Joe Larry N Curly ($2.30) and increased his earnings to $82,794. The colt is trained by Mark Harder, who co-owns him with Joe Jannuzzelli and Dawn Colucci.

There were also two divisions of the NYSS Excelsior “A” series on the card.

The first $15,000 division was won by 1-9 favorite, Craftship (Art Major-Capri Hanover) who was driven by Jim Morrill Jr. Craftship ($2.20) is trained by Tony Alagna for owners Crawford Partners, J. Fodera N M Frank Stable, Joe Sbrocco and Craig Henderson.

The second $15,000 leg was won by KJ Erich (Roll With Joe-Michelle’s Scooter) in 1:59.2. The colt was driven by John Cummings Jr. for trainer Gary Messenger. KJ Erich ($7.20) is owned by Scott Woogen, Brenda Messenger and Phillip Shapiro.

Driver Jim Morrill Jr. was as hot as the western New York weather Sunday, winning five of the 12 races on the card. He scored with the aforementioned Craftship ($2.20) and Joe Larry N Curly ($2.30) as well as Lucky Pablo ($7.40), If It Rains ($2.90) and Zipnthruthehall ($2.60).

Morrill is currently the third leading driver in North America for UDR with a .383. only .002 out of the second place George Napolitano Jr. He is 14th in North America in earnings with $3,123,201, but number one in NYSS competition with $920,602.59, more than three times more than his nearest competitor.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 12) at 6:35 p.m.

(Youwillwishyouhad and reinsman Kevin Cummings. Photo courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

The $10,000 Open pace feature at Batavia Downs was up for grabs for most of the race. But a patient drive by leading reinsman Kevin Cummings proved valuable as Youwillwishyouhad ($7.70) won his first race for his new connections on Saturday night (Aug. 8).

It was a cavalry charge off the gate as Ponyta Boy (Shawn McDonough), Beachfront (Dave McNeight III), Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) and Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) all had sights on the lead. The field momentarily settled behind the still battling Ponyta Boy and Beachfront, who eventually got the front. As they passed the quarter in 27.1, Fireyourguns pulled from fourth and took the front by the top of the stretch. He then led the group to the half in 56 as an outer flow began.

Now in two rows heading up the backside, Elite Awards (Drew Monti) tipped three-high with fresh legs as they breezed by three-quarters in 1:25. At that point, Youwillwishyouhad snuck off the rail from his perfect trip and into contention outside of the charging Elite Awards. At the top of the stretch, Fireyourguns ran out of ammunition and it became a two-horse race. Elite Awards tried hard to hang on but Youwillwishyouhad wore him down and powered on to win by two lengths in 1:54.

It was the third win in a row and eleventh win in 20 starts for the 4-year-old Artiscape gelding and the win brought his 2015 bankroll up to $60,178. Youwillwishyouhad is trained by J.D. Perrin for Mark Jakubik and Tessa Roland, who just claimed him last week for $31,250.

Kevin Cummings, Drew Monti and Jack Flanigen all scored driving doubles on the card.

(Lutetium (Kevin Cummings): Photo courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

It was business as usual Friday night (Aug. 7) for one of the best resident trotters to ever ply his trade at the historic Genesee County oval. Lutetium (Kevin Cummings) led from gate to wire for the second week in a row and captured the $9,500 featured Open trot at Batavia Downs.

Leaving sharply from post six, the 8-year-old gelded son of Credit Winner went right to the front and set fractions of 28.2, 59.1 and 1:28.2 before closing out the deal in 1:57.3. Cummings rated the horse perfectly and had no problem holding off a late charge by post time favorite, BZ Glide (Mike Caprio).

It was the sixth win in 20 starts this year for Lutetium ($5.50) and the proceeds raised his annual earnings to $43,331 for owner Colleen Girdlestone. The winner is trained by Mark Laidlaw.

Batavia Downs leading driver, Kevin Cummings, and Dave McNeight III both scored driving triples on the night.

Shawn Gray made his return to the sulky a winning one after taking the second race with Four Starz Trump ($3.20). Gray had been sidelined for just over three weeks after being involved in an accident at Buffalo Raceway on July 15.

Racing resumes tonight (Aug. 8) at Batavia Downs with post time set at 6:35.

(Dayson (Conway Hall-Nervey’s Taurus): Photo by Paul White.)

By TIm Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

He’s yet to taste defeat and judging from his performance on Wednesday (Aug. 5) at Batavia Downs, it might be quite some time before that happens.

Dayson (Conway Hall-Nervey’s Taurus) simply obliterated the competition in his $55,500 leg of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings and set a new lifetime mark in the process.

When Dante (Ake Svanstedt) shot to the front for the early lead, Southern Palms (Marcus Miller) made a break and caused momentary confusion to the horses behind him in the first turn. Dayson, who was trotting on the outside at the time, was taken three-deep around the commotion by driver Jeff Gregory and motored to the front to take command.  

At that point, for all intents and purposes, the race was over.

Dayson was a gapped leader for the rest of the contest with Dante and Reve Royale (Chris Lems) chasing, more than following. After setting fractions of 29.2, 59.4 and 1:29.3, Gregory laid the whip on his shoulder and enjoyed the ride home as Dayson opened up four and tripped the timer in 1:59.1, which was his new personal best.

“Dayson has been a pleasure to drive this year and he was very strong tonight,” said Jeff Gregory after the race.

Dayson is now a perfect four-for-four in 2015 with $91,556 in earnings for Howard Okusko and owners Margaret Butler and Amy Butler. The winner returned $3.40.

(Allerage Echo (Conway Hall-Echonomical))

In the second $55,500 NYSS division, Allerage Echo (Conway Hall-Echonomical) took advantage of post one and a perfect trip to score his second victory of the campaign.

Chargin Cadet (Ray Schnittker) flew off the wings and crossed over to the lead before the group straightened up the backside. The rest of the field fell in line in post-position order and followed the leader past the half. But even though Schnittker set tepid fractions of 30.1, 1:01.3 and 1:32.1, the race was far from over.

Credevie (Trond Smedshammer) pulled from third to try and challenge the leader, leaving Allerage Echo (Chris Lems) sitting chilly in the garden spot. But at the top of the stretch, that bid failed and Chargin Cadet again looked solid. But Allerage Echo was relentless, digging all the way to the wire and eventually getting up for the win in 2:01.1, with a 28.3 final quarter.

“He got a very good trip. And even though they backed down the third quarter, I thought I could get up down the lane,” said driver Chris Lems, who did just that.

It was the second win in four starts for Allerage Echo who paid $10.80. The winner’s share increased his earnings to $58,381 while the time was a new lifetime mark. The gelding is trained by George Ducharme for owner Ken Jacobs.

There were also three divisions of the NYSS Excelsior A series that went for $15,000 each.

The first went to Cashuz (Cash Hall-Sister Shuzy) and driver John Cummings Jr. in 2:00 flat. Cashuz ($8.20) is trained by J.D. Perrin and is owned by Tessa Roland and Lesa Peters.

The second division was won by Gremlin Wilson (Sand Vic-Savannah Montana) and driver John Cummings Jr. once again in 2:03. Meghan Wilson trains Gremlin Wilson ($9.60) for Cummings Jr. who also owns the colt.

The final leg saw Kaylon’s Prayer (Prayer I Am-Kaylon) victorious for Downs leading driver, Kevin Cummings, in 2:03.4. Dennis Laterza trains Kaylon's Prayer ($8.50) for owner Roy Dobbins.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 7) with post time at 6:35 p.m.

(Dayson photo by Steve Roth.)

(Reve Royal photo by Melissa Simser.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

When the 2-year-old colts and geldings converge on Batavia Downs for the $111,000 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) on Wednesday (Aug. 5), an unstoppable object will face an immovable force to lay claim to being the best in the state for this sex and gait.

The first division of the $55,500 stake features Reve Royale (RC Royalty-Dream Street) lining up against Dayson (Conway Hall-Nervey’s Taurus) in a contest that will see one of them suffer their first defeat of the year.  

Reve Royal is a perfect three-for-three and just took his lifetime mark of 1:56.3 at the Meadowlands last week. He is a perfect two-for-two in NYSS action this year, including a very impressive 1:59.4 win at Saratoga Raceway that saw him trot a 58.4 back half over the half-mile oval.

He is trained by George Ducharme, who conditioned the 2013 Hambletonian winner, Royalty For Life, and will be driven by Chris Lems. Reve Royal has been listed as the morning line favorite and will leave from post 5.

Dayson is also undefeated with three consecutive wins and has been trotting away from his competition in all of his races. His fastest outing to date was at Saratoga on July 2; a win in 2:00.1. But his best effort may very well have been last week at Buffalo Raceway.

After making a break after the start, Dayson and driver Jeff Gregory spotted the field 16-lengths at the quarter pole. Gregory then gathered his horse together and rallied for a one-length victory in 2:02.2; last half in 59.2, last quarter in 28.4.

Dayson and Gregory will team up once again to see if they can get another tally from post six for trainer Howard Okusko. Okusko is hot right now having just won the Adios Pace this past Saturday (Aug. 1) with Dude’s The Man.

It’s interesting to note that Reve Royal is a colt and Dayson is a gelding, so there is a chance that one of two track records could be rewritten in this race, depending on who wins. The Batavia Downs record for a 2-year-old trotting colt is 1:58.4 set in 2010 by Dejarmbro and the 2-year-old trotting gelding mark is 1:58 set just last year by Buen Camino.

The second $55,500 contest has the three perceived favorites lining up from the three inside posts as mirror images of each other. All are geldings, have comparable earnings, have one NYSS victory and are all coming off lifetime marks.

Credevie (Credit Winner-Fleur De Vie) drew post seven in his last start at Yonkers Raceway but overcame it with style. Trainer/driver Trond Smedshammer left and tucked third before pulling at the three-quarters to gain a close victory in 2:00.3. Credevie did not compete in the NYSS leg at Buffalo last week so he has not raced in three weeks.

Andrew Goldstein (RC Royalty-Final Time) had post five at Yonkers and left for position. He eventually sat the pocket trip for trainer/driver Kim Crawford, before pulling away to an easy four-length win in 2:00.4. Andrew Goldstein also did not compete in the NYSS leg at Buffalo last week so he too has not raced in three weeks.

Allerage Echo (Conway Hall-Echonomical) did race at Buffalo last week and did it well. Trainer George Ducharme had driver Chris Lems cut the mile and that allowed Allerage Echo to walk away with an easy five-length victory in 2:03.3. The horse could have obviously gone more but it wasn’t necessary as he had the race well in hand.

Credevie has post three and is favored at 2-1. Andrew Goldstein has post two and is 5-2. Allerage Echo starts from thepylons and is listed at 4-1.

There are also three divisions of the NYSS Excelsior A series that will split a total of $45,000.

Post time for the first of the 12-race card at Batavia Downs is 6:35 p.m.

Mosquito Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

The mutuel payouts may have been small, but the purses were spread around in the 3-year-old filly pacing division of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 2). A different sire, driver and trainer won each leg of the series as they represented the best New York State has to offer for this sex and gait.

In the first $39,200 division, Mosquito Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) left the gate and took a methodic path to the front in 27.4. Leading the single-file group and still unchallenged to the half, Morrill kept a tight grip on the filly with an eye on closing out the deal. When they rolled towards three-quarters, Morrill popped the plugs and Mosquito Blue Chip responded in kind, quickly pulling away to a four-length advantage. With Morrill stretched out like he was in a recliner, the pair scurried home in 28.2 with no one even close, to win in 1:54.2.

“She felt like her old self today. She was on cruise control the entire mile,” said driver Jim Morrill Jr. of the filly who is now two-for-two lifetime at Batavia Downs.

Mosquito Blue Chip (Bettor’s Delight-Sandfly Hanover) was sent off the prohibitive 1-9 favorite and paid $2.30 for the win. Paul Jessop trains and co-owns the filly with Our Three Sons Stable and Donato Falcicchio.

Band Of Angels (Matt Kakaley)

As most expected in the second $39,900 leg, Band Of Angels (Matt Kakaley) and Moremercy Bluechip (Andy Miller) left from post three and four respectively and got away 1-2 before sauntering to a pedestrian 29-second first quarter. With the rest of the field still in post-position order behind the two favorites, Kakaley continued to grab leather in an even slower 29.4 second panel.

From there it was all Band Of Angels who was given her head and quickly opened up a five-length lead before Kakaley lowered the lines and stored the whip. Band Of Angels ($2.50) paced the back half in 56.2, winning in 1:55.1 with Moremercy Bluechip closing ground on the wrapped-up winner to finish second.

After the race, winning driver Matt Kakaley pointed out “She did it as easily as a horse could do it and had plenty left coming down the stretch."

Band Of Angels (Rock N Roll Heaven-Time N Again) is conditioned by North America’s leading trainer, Ron Burke for owner W.J. Donovan.

Jag Out (Andy Miller)

The final $39,900 split featured a speed duel between two unrelenting contestants and it started as soon as the gate pulled away.

As the field headed into the first turn, they were spread three-wide across the track; Jag Out (Andy Miller) on the pylons, Nippy W Hanover (Jim Morrill Jr.) in the middle and Artiawitchtoyou (Doug McNair) out widest of all. Off the turn, Nippy W Hanover settled in second but Artiawitchtoyou opted to go on. As she drew next to Jag Out at the quarter in 27.1, it was clear the leader had no intentions of giving up that spot.  

As they contentiously passed the half in 55 flat, Jag Out and Artiawitchtoyou were seemingly pacing in tandem heading into the third turn, but then Artiawitchtoyou had taken all the air she could and by the 1:24.3 three-quarter split, started to show the effects. As she started to fade off, Jag Out continued to drive on to an impressive two-length victory in the fastest time of the day (1:53.4). The winner paid $8.

“She was awesome! I know we went fast early but she's that good,” said driver Andy Miller about the speed duel between his charge and Artiawitchtoyou.

Jag Out (American Ideal-Impertinent) is trained by Erv Miller, who co-owns her with Paymaq Racing and Mystical Marker Farms, LLC.

There were also two divisions of the NYSS Excelsior A series on the card for $30,000 in purses.

The first went to Yes You Can (If I Can Dream-Cantbuymehappiness) went gate to wire in 1:56.2 for driver Jim Morrill Jr. and trainer Heidi Rohr. Yes You Can, who paid $2.40 is owned by the Holland Racing Stable.

The second division was won by Hey Kobe (Bettor’s Delight-American West) who also led the entire mile for driver Mark Macdonald and trainer Marthe Drolet. Hey Kobe is owned by Stephen Schneider and William Siegel. The winner returned $4.

Driver Jim Morrill Jr. notched four victories on the card with Kevin Cummings adding two more wins to his meet-leading total.

Racing resumes on Wednesday at Batavia Downs when two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings go postward for a total of $110,000 in purses. Post time is set for 6:35 p.m.

(Photos courtesy of Paul White.)

(Drew Monti courtesy of Monti and Jeff Zamaiko.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Batavia Downs is pleased to announce that popular local reinsman, “Driving” Drew Monti, will be featured as a bobble head to be given away on Saturday Sept. 5.

"When we first started discussing this project last year, we spoke with our customers to see who they would like to see used as the focus of this promotion and the overwhelming response was "Driving Drew" said Todd Haight, general manager/director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs.

"He started driving here at 18 just a few years ago but his career has taken off and he has obviously become a fan favorite. And as popular as bobble heads are in the sport right now, we are very excited for this promotion."

The 20-year-old Monti came on the driving scene in 2013, scoring his first pari-mutuel win in April of that year. He was the top first-year provisional driver in North America in 2013 and he has progressed at a torrid pace ever since.    

Last year Monti won 170 races, $886,461 in purses and hit the board over 40% of the time. So far in 2015, he is on pace for career high numbers all around as he already has 146 wins and $753,078 in purses through Wednesday (July 29).

During his short three-year career, Monti has amassed 393 wins and $2 million in earnings with a combined year-to-year UDR of .252. He is definitely poised to make a run at the driving title at Batavia Downs this meet.  

One of the more popular young drivers in social media and chat in the Harness Racing Fan Zone, Monti is an example of what the next generation of horseman is all about. While balancing his racing career and education at the same time, Monti will be entering his fourth year at Canisius College this fall as he pursues his BA in business.

The “Driving” Drew Monti bobble heads are sponsored by TAG Jewelers (www.tagjewelers.com ) of 936 Dick Road in Cheektowaga, NY. TAG Jewelers has been Western New York’s most trusted fine metals broker since 1977.

Tony Gruppo is the owner of TAG Jewelers and has been and owner and strong supporter of harness racing in the Western New York region for decades.

"I can remember coming to Batavia Downs with my friends on the weekend's while attending nearby Brockport State College over forty years ago" said Gruppo.

"The track has always been a part of my life, so when Todd (Haight) approached me about this promotion it was a natural fit for me. Drew Monti is a rising star and a fine young man. I think you will be seeing more of him on a bigger stage in the near future."

Distribution of the “Driving” Drew Monti bobble heads will begin immediately after the seventh race on Saturday (Sept. 5) in the Paddock Room. There is a limit of one per person and are available while supplies last. You must be a Players Club member to receive this premium.

Fans wishing to get their bobble heads signed by Monti are urged to bring them back to the track the following day during the Labor Day matinee. Driving Drew will be trackside for an hour before the first race to greet his fans and sign the statuettes.

This is the third bobble head issued by Batavia Downs. Previously, perennial New York Sire Stakes leading driver Jim Morrill Jr. was honored as was NFL Hall of Famer and Buffalo Bills great, Thurman Thomas. Thomas is featured in Batavia Downs “34 Rush” sports bar, which is located on the gaming floor.

(Bobble head photo courtesy of Batavia Downs.)

(Photo courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

It seemed like a stroll in the park on an 86-degree summer night for Kellys Cross as she totally overpowered a solid field of Open II pacing mares in Wednesday night’s (July 29) feature at Batavia Downs.

As the wings closed, the speedy Voltina (Jack Flanigen) bolted to the lead, but not before getting rimmed to the quarter by rail-rider Real Joy (Drew Monti) in 27.4. After she took, Real Joy came right back at her and the two continued to argue to the half.

At that point, Downs defending driving champion, Kevin Cummings pulled Kellys Cross from third and circled the dispute as the girls passed the three-quarters. From there the pair opened up a six-length advantage and coasted home in 29.1 with the victory never in doubt.

Kellys Cross tripped the timer in 1:55.1 and paid $11.40 to her backers. It was the fastest win time ever over a half-mile track for the 4-year-old Royal Mattjesty progeny. It was also the fifth win of the year for the mare that competes under the guidance of trainer John Mungillo for owner Frank Spagnolo.  

Drivers scoring doubles on the card included Jim McNeight (who registered the natural daily double in races one and two), Kevin Cummings, John Cummings Jr. and Dave McNeight III.

Batavia Downs also hosted its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night in conjunction with the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, NY (bccr.org ). Each of the eleven races was sponsored by groups who made donations to the fund and presented blankets to the winners after each race. There was also a silent auction and raffle that was held during the night, with winners announced before the last race.

The effort raised $5,200 that will go to BCCR to help find a cure and eradicate this scourge to women everywhere.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (July 31) night at 6:35.

(Harness driver Shawn Gray)

By Tim Bojarski, president-UNY USHWA

Akron, NY---Harness driver Shawn Gray was spotted at Plainridge Park, just south of Boston on Monday (July 27), but he wasn’t there plying his trade. Instead he was in the grandstand with friends, watching the races and working on getting better.

Gray made the stop on his way back home to Maine where he planned to spend some time recuperating from a racing accident that occurred earlier this month.

In the last race at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday (July 15), Gray was sitting fourth at the rail just past the quarter when the horse in front of him made a break. Gray grabbed the mare he was driving to go around, but she also ran and then stuck her toes. This caused trailing horses to pile into Gray, who eventually got thrown to the ground.

When the dust settled, several other drivers were shaken up, but Gray laid unconscious on the track. He was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and placed in ICU for three days.

“I had a pretty good concussion; my brain was bleeding. They monitored it every day to make sure it was under control and it was just wait and see for a while. My memory has been really messed up ever since. I don’t remember the accident or anything that happened before it” Gray said. “The only thing I do remember is waking up in the hospital and wanting to get the heck out of there.”

Gray was kept in ICU under observation from Wednesday until Saturday, when he was put in a regular room. Although his head injury was the most serious, Gray also suffered general bruising over his body, a broken knuckle on his right hand, a leg injury from being stepped on and he bit his tongue.   

“Even though I have been getting better over the last week, I still have a problem thinking of people’s names; even people that I’ve known for 20 years. It just takes a second” Gray explained.

“Yesterday (July 27) was the best day I’ve had since the wreck, but today was not quite as good as yesterday, but not bad. The best way I can describe the way I feel right now is like a real, real sharp hangover. Kind of dizzy, my head hurts and my balance is not 100 percent.”

Gray’s next doctor appointment is Monday (Aug 3) to determine the progress he has made towards returning to work. The hope is to get cleared to start back jogging and eventually get back behind the gate. But Gray remains guarded, saying he’ll know when the time is right.   

“We’ll see what the Doc says Monday; I can’t do anything until I get the green light from him. But even if he did say I was alright to go right now, I just wouldn’t feel comfortable driving.”

Gray’s plans are to race at Batavia Downs when he returns and for the foreseeable future. His horses are there being trained by his crew under his watchful eye. Everyone in the business who knows Shawn Gray is looking forward to him getting well and getting back in the bike soon.

“I just want to say that I really appreciate all the calls and texts I have gotten from everybody since this incident happened. I haven’t answered all of them because I just haven’t felt like talking a whole lot until a couple of days ago” Gray concluded.

Shawn Gray finished third in the driver standings at Buffalo Raceway with 123 wins, even though he missed the final two weeks of racing due to the accident.

(Posterity (Lucky Chucky-Vintage Ship))

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Four divisions of New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) 2-year-old trotting fillies went postward on opening night (7-27) at Batavia Downs and as a result the first record of the season just missed being broken. The track proved lightning fast as three of the four divisions set lifetime marks.

Posterity (Lucky Chucky-Vintage Ship) took full advantage of an early break by favored Winning Princess (Jim Morrill Jr.) to wire the field and post a 1:59.1 victory, which was only one-fifth of a second off the track record set by Dreamy Dawn in 2010.

Charlie Norris, who both trains and drives the filly, left sharp and set even fractions en route to an easy three and one-half length decision. The winning time was a new lifetime mark and the second win in three starts this year for Posterity, who paid $7.

Posterity is owned by Carrie Norris, Janine Zito and Jerry Buck Sprinkle.

(Lima Playtime (Credit Winner-Pacific Legacy))

In the first division, Lima Playtime (Credit Winner-Pacific Legacy) was an easy coast to coast winner who led the field by open lengths the whole race. Driver Rick Zeron seemed to have a gas pedal at his disposal after they passed three-quarters in 1:32.1; that’s when the mare sped away from the group to come home in an impressive 28.3 and take a new lifetime mark of 2:00.4. The even-money favorite returned $4.20.

Zeron trains and co-owns Lima Playtime with Millar Farms, James Walker and Paul Fisher.

The second division saw a dominant winner displaced due to interference by her coupled entry.

Goosebump Hanover (RC Royalty-Good Common Cents) and Jim Morrill Jr. wasted no time getting the lead before setting speedy fractions of 28.4, 58.4 and 1:29.4 into the far turn. The entry on the ticket, Steel Wheels (Lucky Chucky-Some Girls) and Gates Brunet pulled off the rail from third to take a shot at the leader. But shortly after that move, she made a break and interfered with trailing horses.

After the heavily favored Goosebump Hanover pulled away to an easy five-length victory, the inquiry sign went up, and the winner came down due to the interference by the coupled horse. Second place finisher, Credit To Thelimit (Credit Winner-Prize Angie) and driver Sam Schillaci were then declared the winner ($23.80).

Credit To Thelimit is also trained by Schillaci for owners Matthew Bencic, Peter Barbato, Sam Bova and Jodi Schillaci.  

(Dizzy Broad (Broad Bahn-Portia))

In the final split, Dizzy Broad (Broad Bahn-Portia) proved last week’s win was no fluke as she set a new lifetime mark of 2:00.4 while registering a four-length decision over her six competitors.

Lindylicious (Credit Winner-Scrumptious Lindy) flew off the wings for Chris Lems and went right to the front before leading for almost three-quarters of the race. But when the field was headed up the backside, driver Kevin Cummings pulled Dizzy Broad from third and appeared to fly past Lindylicious to take the lead. From that point on the only thing in question was how much the filly would win by.

Dizzy Broad, who is owned and trained by Noel Daley, returned $9.10 to her backers.

There were also two divisions of the NYSS Excelsior A series on the card and the both also proved to be career best efforts for the winners.

Take The Cash (Cash Hall-Take The Lid Off) driven by Jim Morrill Jr. scored her first career victory in 2:01.4 and returned $4.60. Take The Cash is trained by Perry Simser, who co- owns the filly with Clifford Morcom, Richard Kaplan and Salvatore Corcione.

In the second leg, Barn Diva (Conway Hall-Misty Ridge) captured her second straight career win while also stopping the timer in 2:01.4. The winner, who returned $4.30, is trained and co-owned by Steve Pratt with Nancy Pratt and the Purple Haze Stable.

Racing resumes tonight (7-29) at Batavia Downs with the first post set for 6:35.

Press release from Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations:

As the Western New York harness racing scene switches back to the oldest lighted harness track in America today, Batavia Downs wasted no time welcoming back the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) to its schedule.

Post time for the first race is 6:35 p.m. Opening night at Batavia Downs also features free programs and free magnetic schedules to all fans attending the races live (while supplies last).

The series makes the first of eight stops at the Genesee County oval with a group of lightly-raced state bred 2-year-old trotting fillies who will compete in four divisions, vying for purses totaling $109,500.

The first leg is led by Dolly Drama PV (Lucky Chucky-Massive Drama) from the Mark Harder stable. This filly has made two starts this year, finishing third and first respectively while banking $16,241. Last week at Buffalo Raceway, she left sharply to gain early position and then trotted home in a snappy 29.4 to win by two-lengths in a lifetime best 2:03.4. Dolly Drama PV is 5-2, leaves from post two and will be driven by local favorite Jeff Gregory.

The royally bred Pampered Winner (Credit Winner-Pampered Princess) ships in from the Meadowlands to make her first NYSS start for Hall of Fame trainer Jimmy Takter. After qualifying three times at the iconic New Jersey track, she made her first lifetime start there in a juvenile overnight event where she finished five and one-half lengths off the pace in 1:59.3. Pampered Winner is the track handicapper’s selection at 2-1.

The second split features Goosebump Hanover (RC Royalty-Good Common Cents) who won the fastest (2:01.4) of four divisions at Buffalo last week for the top money-earning trainer in North America, Ron Burke. After getting away second, she went to the front past the quarter and then led the rest of the way for an easy one and one-half length victory. Jim Morrill Jr. picks up the lines for this week’s outing.

Steel Wheels (Lucky Chucky-Some Girls) made an unfortunate break at the start of her race last week that took her completely out of contention. That, after posting a win through disqualification at Monticello Raceway in an Excelsior A level race the week before. Steel Wheels, who is trained and driven by Gates Brunet, is coupled as a betting interest with Goosebump Hanover and they go postward as the morning line favorites at 2-1.

Royal Encore (RC Royalty-Spin The Planet) sat out last week after posting a solid second-place finish at Monticello on July 3. Now ready to make her second lifetime start, Royal Encore looks to improve for trainer-driver Trond Smedshammer. They leave from post four and are listed at 5-2.

Ron Burke’s Winning Princess (Credit Winner-Cabaret Princess) is the 2-1 early choice in the third division and looks to get back to her winning ways. She made a break at Buffalo last week that she couldn’t overcome after posting two convincing wins prior. In those starts she was victorious in 2:00.2 and 2:00.3 by a combined 10 lengths. Jim Morrill Jr. is back in the bike for the third consecutive time.

Winning Princess starts from post 2, and is coupled as a betting interest with Starlingmoon (Prayer I Am-Meadow Dion) who leaves from post 7 with Brett Miller aboard.  

Posterity (Lucky Chucky-Vintage Chip) looks to pose the greatest threat to the favorite after having scored a first and second place finish in NYSS action this year. Charlie Norris both trains and drives Posterity who leaves from post three as the 5-2 second choice.

In the final leg, Lindylicious (Credit Winner-Scrumptious) is moving up from Excelsior A action after two solid wins over that group to take on the top level trotters here. Her 2:01.2 win at Buffalo last week was actually faster than the fastest NYSS leg which was won by Goosebump Hanover (2:01.4). She has proven to be a versatile performer; racing both on top and from off the pace, and her gate speed will suit her well this week as she leaves from post six.

George Ducharme, who won the 2013 Hambletonian with Royalty For Life, conditions Lindylicious and her regular driver Chris Lems is back up for the ride. They are rated as a 5-1 shot to win.

Dizzy Broad (Broad Bahn-Portia) is coming off a NYSS win in her first lifetime start at Buffalo last week. It was a convincing victory, but also the slowest of the quartet that day (2:05.1). Western New York’s leading driver, Kevin Cummings, will be aboard the 5-2 handicapper’s choice for the second time.

Love Crazy Love (Crazed-Love U Overandover) drew the rail for the second straight week and has one win in NYSS action this year for trainer-driver Gates Brunet. She is a solid competitor that is listed at 3-1 morning line.

There are also two divisions of Excelsior A action that offer $30,000 in purses and two divisions of Excelsior B horses that will go after their share of $13,500.

For more information on all the events at Batavia Downs this year, log on to www.bataviadownsgaming.com . There you can get full race schedules, entries, results as well as watch all the race replays immediately after each race is declared official. Live streaming video of all the races is available by becoming a member of Bataviabets.com

Batavia Downs Gaming is pleased to announce that Brittney Ohol will go to post as the new parade marshal for the upcoming summer-fall meet.

Ohol grew up around harness racing while being raised by her grandparents (Mike and Brenda Ohol) who both competed on the Western New York circuit for more than 30 years. The 21-year-old Lockport High School graduate attended Medaille College for vet tech before deciding to return to harness racing as a full-time career.

After getting her trainer’s and qualifying driver’s licenses, Ohol started her own stable and now owns and races three horses. Besides conventional competition, she has also been involved with racing under saddle (RUS) in New York State.

Ohol started to learn the art of outriding from Wendy Ross at Tioga Downs in 2011 and has now worked with her on and off for over four years. In 2014, Ohol took the position full time at Rosecroft Raceway in Maryland. But after the meet ended there, she returned home because it was too far away from family.

When the job at Batavia Downs came available this year, the call went out to Brittney Ohol because she was a natural fit and the timing was right for her as well.

“I love having the opportunity to take this position at Batavia Downs. It’s close to my family and my home base where I know everybody so it makes it so much easier. I want to remain in the business as long as harness racing is around,” Ohol said. “I have two good horses named Paco and Cody and they allow me to do my job as well as I can. I am really looking forward to the upcoming meet to get started.”

“Brittney Ohol has a harness racing pedigree and has been a part of the racing community here at the Downs since she was a child,” said Todd Haight, director/general manager of Live Racing at Batavia Downs.

“Her abilities as a horsewoman combined with her passion for the sport makes her the perfect fit for this job and ensures high-quality assistance to all the horsemen who race here every night. We are very happy to have her on board.”

The 69th season of live harness racing at America’s oldest lighted harness track begins on Monday, July 27 with a 6:35 p.m. post time.

Press release:

Horsemen should be advised that stall applications for the 69th season of live harness racing at Batavia Downs Gaming are now available at the track’s Web site (http://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/live-racing/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Batavia-Downs-Stall-Reservation-Form-2015.pdf) or can be picked up in person at the second floor reception desk inside America’s oldest lighted harness track. All stall requests must be received by July 10.

For the convenience of western New York horsemen who are currently racing at Buffalo Raceway, these applications are also available at the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association office located on the backstretch of that track.

The 2015 Batavia Downs season features 70 race dates and includes eight matinee cards. The annual summer-fall meet commences on Monday, July 27 and concludes on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Live racing will be presented on a Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night basis except for Saturday Oct. 31 (Breeders Cup day) when racing will be conducted at 1:15 p.m.

Aside from that three-day rotation, five Sunday afternoon programs will be held beginning on Aug. 2 and continuing through the end of the month.

Monday racing includes opening night and holiday programs on Labor Day and Columbus Day.

Tuesday racing begins Sept. 15.

The season begins with evening post times of 6:35 p.m. and matinee post times of 1:15 p.m.

New this year, Tuesday post time moves to 4:30 p.m. while beginning on Oct. 21 all evening programs for the remainder of the season go off at 6:15 p.m., with an anticipated extra race each night being carded.

Stall applications can be mailed to the race office at 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020, Attn: Joe Zambito or faxed to 585-343-2451.

The backstretch opens for tack on July 19. Horses may begin arriving in the barn area on July 21.

From Tim Bojarski:

The Railbird Recognition voting for Racing Moment of the Year will conclude tonight (Wednesday, Dec. 31) at midnight, so this is your last opportunity to cast your ballot to express your opinion as to your choice for the most memorable racing moment of 2014. Voting takes place on the USTA homepage.

With voting for the Horseperson of the Year having already concluded on Dec. 19, both categories will have now been completed.

The results of the fan voting will be announced on Thursday (Jan. 8) and both awards will be presented to their respective winners during the Dan Patch Awards Banquet in Orlando, Fla., on Sunday (Feb. 22).

The Railbird Recognition Awards were created for the fans to have a way to express their opinions about who they think are the best the sport has to offer and are the only fan driven award in the industry. The voting is run by the United States Harness Writers Association in conjunction with the United States Trotting Association.