horse racing

The last time she was at Batavia Downs in 2021, Racine Bell set the track record of 1:51.3 for aged pacing mares after destroying her competition by eight full-lengths. On Wednesday night (August 23), the million-dollar mare returned to the Downs and won again in the $15,000 fillies and mares Open Handicap pace. 

Anne Bonney N (Cory Kreiser) took an early lead while Racine Bell (Kevin Cummings) rolled three-wide at the eighth pole on her way to the front at the :27.1 quarter. After crossing over, Cummings settled Racine Bell down and backed off the middle half to a tepid :58.4 as Oaxacan Dream N (Matty Athearn) and Waitforever N (Jim Morrill Jr.) were one out and one back in the breeze. Waitforever N made a three-wide move in turn three and found herself only a length behind the leader as they made their way around the final bend. But that was as close as she'd get as Racine Bell maintained that margin all the way to the line under Cummings urging to win in 1:55.1. 

It was the 33rd lifetime win in only 89 lifetime starts for Racine Bell ($3.40) and owners Chris Lawton and Dale Lawton. David Dewhurst was the winning trainer. 

Besides Racine Bell, Kevin Cummings also won with Tullow N (1:57.1, $2.60), Confidence Man (1:57.1, $9.40), Louie The Lilac (1:55.1, $4.30),

 and Pepin Coolie (2:01.2, $4.90) to round out his five bagger on Wednesday. 

Earlier in the $13,000 fillies and mares Open II Handicap, Diamondtequilashot (Jim Morrill Jr.) sat the pocket behind American Jazz (Denny Bucerri) through quarters of :28, :57.1 and 1:26 while Bet I’m Lucky (Jim McNeight Jr.) and Mcdelicacy (Kevin Cummings) pushed the issue on the outside from the half to the top of the stretch. It was there that  Diamondtequilashot found the passing lane and paced by them all to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:56. 

Diamondtequilashot ($2.60) got her 49th lifetime win and third of the year for owner Rick Senger and trainer Bill Rhoades.

Jim Morrill Jr. also won with TImeless Virgin (1:58.1, $2.50), Kandy Sweet (1:58.4, $2.20), and Mildrix (1:56.2, $3.00) to complete his grand slam. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 25) at 6 p.m. there will be a $6,582 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race. 

On Saturday (Aug. 26), Batavia Downs will host the richest card of racing in 2023 when a total of $450,600 in purses will be up for grabs. The program features both colt and filly divisions of New York Sire Stake and Excelsior 3-year-old trotters with total purses of $305,100 and the $75,000 Kane Memorial Invitational Pace, which is Batavia Downs signature race. 

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 was the fourth different track that the recently landed Australian import Mirragon A has competed over since starting his North American career in June, but it didn’t dissuade this Aussie from winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace on Saturday night (August 19).

Despite being assigned the outside in the field of six, Jim Morrill Jr. wasted no time pushing Mirragon A off the gate and to the lead, a position he controlled at the :27.2 quarter. With the field in single file, Mirragon A took the group to the half in :56.3 and three-quarters in 1:24.2 without any challenges to that point. But trouble was coming and his name was The Longest Yard (Kevin Cummings), who had pulled from fifth at the five-eighths and was making up ground very quickly heading into the final turn. As they entered the stretch, Mirragon A was in control by 1-¼ lengths and The Longest Yard was still over three lengths behind, but he persevered and kept closing the gap as the wire drew near. Not giving into the pressure, Mirragon A maintained his lead while holding off The Longest Yard and a late-charging Stranger Things (Shawn McDonough) to win by one-quarter length in 1:53. 

It was the fourth win in only seven North American starts for Mirragon A ($13.00) who is owned by his trainer Mike Deters, in partnership with Joel Warner and John Manning. 

Morrill ended the night with a driving grand slam after also winning with Rock N Blue (1:55.3, $2.30), Reggiano (1:56.3, $4.20), and Just A Wrangler (1:57, $3.20). 

The $13,000 Open II pace provided the biggest upset of the day when the overlooked Sporty Deal took full advantage of a class drop to score his sixth win of the year and reward his backers with a premium payout. 

Sporty Deal (Keith Kash Jr.) was almost 10 lengths off at the quarter while Passe-Grille Beach (Ray Fisher Jr.) skated unabated through quarters of :27.1, :55.3, and 1:24.4. It was at that last station where Kash tipped Sporty Deal three-wide from sixth, circled the field and took the lead just as they hit the turn. Kash high-lined Sporty Deal and tried to put some real estate between themselves and the competition and it worked. Sporty Deal hit the stretch and paced away to a convincing 1:54.1 victory, which was a new seasonal mark. 

L’Emmur Stable owns Sporty Deal ($43.20) who is trained by his driver, Kash. 

Kash had a training/driving double as he also won with Starsnstripes GB (1:55.4, $7.10).  

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (August 23) at 6 p.m. there will be a $5,601 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race. 

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 3-year-old filly pacing division of the $114,000 New York Sire Stakes put on quite a performance at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (August 16) and the star of the show was Rec Time (Huntsville-Ms. Malicious) who stalked a torrid early pace before setting a new track record in victory. 

In the first $57,000 division, Rec Time (Jason Bartlett) got away third as Vivians Dream (Jim Morrill Jr.) seated Southwind Bella (Jack Pelling) at the :26 flat quarter before rolling to the half in a blistering :53.3. The field was in single file and somewhat gapped as they motored up the backside where Southwind Bella pulled the pocket once again approaching three-quarters. That allowed Rec Time room to advance along the pylons, putting the top three in tight quarters rounding the last turn. Vivian’s Dream held sway to the head of the stretch, but that’s where Rec Time found the passing lane and bolted to the lead and a 2-½ length win in 1:52.3.

The time was a new track record for 3-year-old pacing fillies and supplanted the 12-year-old standard of 1:52.4 set by New Album in NYSS action back in 2011. 

It was the fifth win of the year for Rec Time ($20.20) who is owned by D Racing Stable and Jason Osullivan. Deborah Daguet trains Rec Time who was bred by Fair Winds Farm, Mark Mullen, and Steve Jones. 

Then in the second $57,000 split, Earthwindfire (American Ideal-Road Bet) remained undefeated in 2023 after winning her seventh consecutive race in a hard-fought battle. 

Jack Pelling wanted the front with Earthwindfire, but Marcus Miller made him earn it as Turn On The Charm parked the pair in :27.1 before releasing them to cross over. Earthwindfire finally skimmed the cones in the turn and carried the girls to the half in a geared-down :56.1 half. With no imminent threats looming, Pelling continued to grab leather and put up another pedestrian :30.1 panel before Rock My Socks (Jason Bartlett) moved first from fourth and drew alongside the leader before the turn. Positions remained unchanged until the top of the stretch where Earthwindfire was flanked by Turn On The Charm to her left and Rock My Socks to her right. However, Earthwindfire kept looking forward and closed out the mile with a 1:54.1 score by a neck. 

With the win, Earthwindfire ($3.20) boosted her 2023 earnings to $215,416 for owners Melvin Segal, Kentuckiana Racing Stable, and Tulip Racing. Brett Pelling is the winning trainer of Earthwindfire who was bred by Stephen Dey III. 

There were also two $20,000 Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Sweet Cheyanne (Huntsville-Ever After) in 1:55.1 for driver Marcus Miller, trainer Erv Miller and owner Douglas Overheiser. And the second went to Light And Tight (American Ideal-Don’t Point At) in 1:55.1 for driver Kevin Cummings, trainer Nifty Norman and owners Pinske Stable and Hoese. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (August 18) with post time 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.

A stout Saturday night (August 12) card at Batavia Downs was highlighted by a pair of $15,000 Open Handicap races that were divided by gait, and the winner of each needed a season’s best effort to get the job done.

In the top trot, Lougazi started slow but finished fast to take the winner’s share of the purse. 

Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) got away sixth while Johnny Boy (Kevin Cummings) wrestled with Dewanslittlelorie (Joe Chindano Jr.) for a good portion of the mile. While Mr. Contestant (Keith Kash Jr.) watched the mayhem from the pocket, Lougazi and Dewanslittlelorie matched strides through quarters of :27.4, :57 and 1:26.1 with no one cutting any slack. At that three-quarter mark, Lougazi was out and rolling fourth, while also going three-deep around the fading Dewanslittlelorie. As they made their way around the last turn Johnny Boy continued to trot in command, but his lead was diminishing as they reached the top of the stretch. Johnny Boy had Mr. Contestant closed along the pylons, but Lougazi was also trotting up a storm in the middle of the track and blew past them both to win by one-half length in 1:56.4. 

It was the 55th lifetime win for Lougazi ($6.10) who is owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift. 

Fisher led all drivers on Saturday with three wins while Swift was the top trainer after claiming two victories of her own.

Then in the premier pace, Villiam got his second straight win after a hard-fought battle. 

Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) tucked away fourth as Sporty Deal (Keith Kash Jr.) parked out Soul Assassin (Jim Morrill Jr.) right off the bat. In a heated duel, Sporty Deal and Assassin went at it in :28, :56.3 and 1:25.1 before Villiam went three-deep around them, and The Longest Yard (Kevin Cummings) went four-wide around Villiam. While pacing through the fourth bend, Villiam, and The Longest Yard overtook the top two positions and broke away from the pack before Villiam gave The Longest Yard the slip at the top of the stretch. Then under a highly animated drive by Chindao, Villiam paced away to a 1-½ length victory in 1:53.3.

Villiam ($17.40) got his sixth win of the year for owner Anthony Evgenikos. Chindano also trains the winner.   

Chindano had two driving wins during the proceedings on Saturday along with Jim McNeight Jr. and Jim Morrill Jr. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (August 16) at 6 p.m. there will be a $3,385 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th race. Also on Wednesday, two divisions of the New York Sire Stake 3-year-old filly pacers will be on hand to compete for a total purse of $114,000.  

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 winningest driver of 2022 is on a mission to repeat this year and Kevin Cummings substantially added to his numbers on Wednesday night (August 9) by winning six races on the card including a natural hat trick right out of the box in races one, two and three. 

The biggest win of the six came in the featured $15,000 fillies and mares Open Handicap pace where after coming up short in her first two tries at the Downs this season, Imprincessgemma A finally closed the deal.

Similar to her initial pair of outings, Imprincessgemma A was sent to the front by Cummings and then led for the duration. After getting to the half in a pedestrian:58.2, Imprincessgemma A was met by a challenge from Bet I’m Lucky (Jim McNeight Jr.) who came first-over from fourth and was only a length behind the leader in the breeze at three-quarters. But that was as close as Bet I’m Lucky would get because Imprincessgemma A was on a mission and pulled away to an easy 1-¾ length victory 1:55.2. 

Imprincessgemma A ($4.80) got her seventh win of the year for owner Elite Harness Racing and trainer Shawn McDonough. 

Cummings also won with Sevenare (1:58.1, $3.30), R U Talkin (1:56.3, $4.40), St Lads Maggie Mae (1:56.1, $3.70), Alexander Hanover (2:01.2, $13.40) and Xenia’s Chip (1:55.1, $2.70). 

The co-feature on Wednesday’s card was an $11,500 conditioned pace for distaff competitors that saw American Jazz trip out to victory. 

American Jazz (Denny Bucceri) got away in the garden spot as Carbon Cider (Joe Chindano Jr.) and Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) would battle side-by-side the entire mile. The pair bickered through fractions of :27, :56.2 and 1:25.3 at three-quarters where Mcdelicacy (Kevin Cummings joined the fun three-deep. American Jazz continued to follow the wall of three around the last turn and into the stretch where the passing lane opened up like the Red Sea, allowing American Jazz a clear and direct path to victory. Bucceri simply steered the mare along the cones to a 1:55.3, three-quarter length victory. 

American Jazz ($11.00) is owned by Julie Wagonblott and is trained by Joe Alba. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (August 12) at 6 p.m. there will be a $2,430 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race. 

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

An early move by driver Jim Morrill Jr. put Metal Man in the perfect spot to win the lone $119,800 division of the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings at Batavia Downs on Tuesday night (August 8). 

Hurrikane Hunter (Joe Chindano Jr.) grabbed the front off the gate and sped to the quarter in :27.3. But the lead was about to change as Metal Man charged hard from fourth in the turn and got to the top as they passed the grandstand at the half. Metal Man was well in gear and opened up a 1-¾ length lead heading to three-quarters as Duval Street (Jason Bartlett) moved into second outside of Hurrikane Hunter and It’s A Me Mario (Lauren Tritton) became a player three-deep around them both. Metal Man extended his lead to three lengths at the top of the stretch, but It’s A Me Mario was cutting into the deficit. As they headed down the lane, It’s A Me Mario could only get close to Metal Man, who cruised to the wire well in control and won in 1:53.

It was the first NYSS win, albeit the fifth overall this year for Metal Man ($4.60) who is owned by Fiddlers Creek Stable and trained by Travis Alexander.  

Morrill ended the night with two wins on the card. 

There were also three $20,000 NYSS Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Storm The Court (Huntsville-Soft Wind Hanover) in 1:54.1 for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer Mark Silva and owner Dune Road Stables. The second went to Heisonthehunt (Huntsville-Hot Lemonade) in 1:56.1 for driver Jordan Stratton, trainer Claude Huckabone III and owner James Crawford IV. And the third was won by Bullville Stephano (Artiscape-Bullvillestephanie) in 1:54.4 for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer Steve Crevani and owner Crevani Farms. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 9) at 6 p.m. there will be a $2,125 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race. 

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 consecutive day, the New York Sire Stakes will set up shop at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (August 2) when the 2-year-old pacing fillies come to town. There are two divisions sporting short and evenly matched fields that will go postward for a total of $110,100 in purses. 

The first group will compete for $54,100 and feature three-morning line co-favorites. 

Camerican (American Ideal-Camille) is the top points and earnings filly of this division and comes in off a big effort in a NYSS event at Yonkers Raceway where she took her lifetime mark of 1:55.2. She has two wins and two seconds in four lifetime starts and has flashed some good finishing speed for trainer Ron Burke. Jordan Stratton is in the bike, starting from post three. 

Similarly, Delightville (Huntsville-D D Delightful) has also won in a lifetime best of 1:55.3 at Yonkers last week and has two wins this year as well, justifying her co-favorite status here. Matt Kakaley will steer for Travis Alexander from post one.  

Also in the mix is Peace Talks (American Ideal-Triple V Hanover) who got her initial career win at Yonkers last week while easily pulling away by 3-1/4 lengths in 1:56. She has not missed the board in three starts and drew well for this start with post two. Jason Bartlett will drive for trainer Chris Ryder.  

The second division is a five-horse field with a purse of $56,000. 

Bronx Barista (Huntsville-Apricot Sour) started her year with two wins before a disappointing finish in her last outing at Yonkers, where she finished a distant sixth. The filly qualified at the Meadowlands three days later in a sparkling 1:52.1 mile with a fast last quarter of :26.4. This will be her third start in the last eight days. Mark Macdonald will drive from post four for trainer Ray Schnittker.

Blue Point (Huntsville-Amber Blue Chip) has a win and two seconds this year, all in NYSS action, with her only board miss after an unfortunate break three starts ago. That seemed to be an anomaly as she has since taken a lifetime mark of 1:54.3 at Saratoga. Blue Point is sure to get a lot of consideration here as Jason Bartlett will steer from post five for trainer Ed Hart.  

So Well Dressed (So Surreal-Gotmyreddressontnit) currently sits second for both points and earnings in this division behind Camerican, after winning her first two NYSS events of the year. She has not had the best racing luck since then but still finished an impressive third in her last outing. She drew post two and driver Jim Morrill Jr. will steer for trainer Chuck Connor Jr. 

There are also four $20,000 NYSS Excelsior divisions in the program and those splits are in races six, seven, eight, and nine. The NYSS races are carded as races 10 and 11. Post time for the first race on Tuesday is 6 p.m.

Overcoming an untimely break that may have cost him his third straight win last week, Boston Rocks (Boston Red Rocks-Scirocco Sarah) got back on track and proved to be the best 2-year-old pacing colt this week after winning the $106,300 New York Sire Stakes at Batavia Downs on Tuesday night (August 1). 

Jason Bartlet left four-deep into the first turn with Boston Rocks and continued to take air up the backside before crossing over before the quarter. Immediately, Avenger Force (Matt Kakaley) took the lead from him and tripped the timer in :28 flat. These two pulled away from the field by two lengths heading to the half. It was there that Howlenthehills (Kyle Cummings) joined the fray as they spun through turn three. 

Avenger Force and Howlenthehills paced side by side to three-quarters while Boston Rocks continued to trip out along the pylons. In the turn, Howlenthehills bid fell apart, giving a clear lane for Boston Rocks to make his move in the lane. Bartlett tipped Boston Rocks, and he came flying at Avenger Force and paced right by him to take the lead and the win by a length in 1:54.3. 

Boston Rocks ($10.60) third win of the year was a huge payday of $53,150, and it pushed his lifetime earnings to $125,685 for owners/breeders Peter Blood and Rick Berks. Mike Deters was the winning trainer. 

Bartlett ended the night with a driving hat trick. 

There were also three $20,000 NYSS Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Heave Away (American Ideal-Use Your Noodle) in 1:56.3 for driver Drew Monti, trainer Stephen Doyle and owner Walter Walker. The second went to Escape To America (American Ideal-Flirtiscape) in 1:55.4 for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer Debbie Daguet and owners John Darrah and Lawrence Keethe. And the third was won by Spectacular Plus (Huntsville-Spectaculardelight) in 1:56.1 for driver Kevin Cummings and trainer Gary Messenger who co-owns with Ken Weckstein. 

Cummings had a grand slam in the sulky Tuesday. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (August 2) at 6 p.m. there will be a $861 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th race. 

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page. 

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Wins were coming fast and furious for three top horsemen at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (July 29) and some impressive performances were put in by the horses they scored with. 

Driver Kevin Cummings had a natural grand slam, winning races six, seven, eight, and nine that included both $15,000 Open I features. 

In the top trot, Cummings drove Special Prosecutor from post four and traded leads with Dewanslittlelorie (Joe Chindano Jr.) to the quarter before settling in second behind that one at the quarter. Special Prosecutor took the pocket trip to three-quarters and made his move in the last turn. Cummings tipped Special Prosecutor on Dewanslittlelorie and grabbed the front at the top of the stretch. From there he trotted strong through the lane and held off a fast-closing Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) to win by one-half length in 1:57.1.

The first start since June 3rd for Special Prosecutor ($7.80) turned into his fifth win of the year for owners Philip Hale and David Dewhurst, who also trains the winner. 

Then Cummings took the feature pace with The Longest Yard who finished in impressive style. After getting away six off the gate, Cummings followed early cover from Idealthecards (Kyle Cummings) who was out and rolling past the three-eighths. The top four maintained their positions around turn two and until halfway up the backstretch where The Longest Yard swung three-wide as they approached three-quarters and cleared before they got to the final bend. Cummings then let The Longest Yard roll into the stretch and he pulled away by 4-½ lengths in 1:53.2. 

It was the second win of the year for The Longest Yard ($7.90) which was recently acquired by current owner Mike Torcello. Sam Smith was the winning trainer.

Cummings completed his consecutive four-bagger with Johnny Boy (1:58.4, $9.10) and Stranger Things (1:55.2, $2.60).

Torcello and Smith saw a total of four from their stable win during the evening. Besides The Longest Yard they added Johnny Boy, Sportskeeper (1:55.2, $3.00) and Ys Lotus (1:53.4, $5.40).

Jim Morrill Jr. also had a hot hand on the lines as he drove four winners on the card as well. He had pictures taken with Da Boogie Man (1:58, $4.40), Northern Sportsman (1:56, $3.70) and the afformentioned Sportskeeper and Ys Lotus. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Tuesday (August 1) at 6 p.m. there will be a $432 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race. Tuesday also features the New York Sire Stakes and Excelsior 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings who will be on hand to compete for a total purse of $166,300.

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page. 

Press Release by Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs:

Batavia Downs completed their 2021 race meet on Friday (Dec. 10) and when all the columns were tallied, the track posted very strong wagering numbers over the course of the 55-day session.

The track had its third highest handle ever since Western Regional OTB reopened the track in 2002, with per-race betting up 17%. The increase was fueled by competitive racing on the track and two new wagers that were introduced for the first time this year: the Jackpot Pick-6 and Jackpot Super Hi 5 pentafecta. These bets drew the interest of the bettors by providing large carryovers throughout the meet, including the largest in track history ($25,599). 

Having fans back in the grandstand this year impacted wagering in two ways. First, on-track betting at Batavia Downs was up 10% from 2019, as spectators were not allowed in 2020. But the extra live traffic sent the numbers at off-track locations down. 

The WROTB locations -- including OTB outlets and Bataviabets.com -- saw betting decline 18% from 2020, which was expected. The 2020 number was an all-time record and a result of the exceptional amount of people who wagered online when patrons weren’t allowed at the track. This year, gamblers took their business back to the track and the numbers reflected it. 

However overall betting versus 2020 was up $933,027 or 13%.  

“We were happy to welcome back our fans and hold racing in front of a live audience again this year. The crowds were great all summer, driven by our Sunday Dollar Day matinees and our service staff in the clubhouse and on the apron did a great job all year,” said Todd Haight, General Manager/Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs. “The new wagers, carryovers and guaranteed pools all drove our numbers and our horsemen kept the competition keen on the track. I was very proud of the effort everyone put in to make this meet a success.”

Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Western Regional OTB which owns Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, was also happy with the results the track had and gave full credit to their associates for the successful year.

"I can't thank our racing fans enough for returning to the track after last year's hiatus. They came back in force and took full advantage of the great amenities we have here. Our newly acquired hotel was sold out on many occasions as a result of the great stay and play deals we offer. People once again enjoyed live racing, gaming, a multitude of concerts and events and all the great restaurant choices on site," said Wojtaszek. 

"But none of it would be possible without our great staff that worked tirelessly all year to provide a great experience and I can't thank them enough. Todd (Haight) heads our racing department and he's done another outstanding job presenting and promoting that product, which in turn drove the increase in our handle."

Scott Kiedrowski, Vice President of Operations also lauded the staff and fans of live racing for a successful 2021 meet. He said “We are very grateful to have been able to roar back in 2021 with live racing here at Batavia Downs. Our customers truly are the backbone of our success as a race track here in Genesee County.”

With approval from the New York Gaming Commission, opening day for the 2022 meet at Batavia Downs will be Wednesday (July 20) and feature the New York Sire Stake 2-year-old trotting fillies. They will be only one of eight divisions visiting Genesee County next year to highlight the racing schedule along with the return of Batavia’s signature stake, the $60,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace that will be raced on Saturday (Aug. 26).

 

Press Release by Tim Bojarski, president, Upstate New York USHWA

The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association has announced the horses of the meet for the 2021 racing season at Batavia Downs.

Pacer of the Meet: Art Scene (American Ideal-Lover Of Art)

Art Scene was a relatively new acquisition for trainer Maria Rice when he came to Batavia, after being claimed at Yonkers Raceway in mid-June for $25,000. But his new home track suited him just fine as he went on to have the winningest year of his career. While racing at Batavia, Art Scene won six Open paces and finished second twice out of his 13 starts in Genesee County and put $43,765 in the bank, making him the richest pacer on the grounds this year. He won his first start at the track and his last before shipping to Pompano for the winter and took his seasonal mark of 1:53.3 at Batavia in between.

Art Scene is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock and is trained by Maria Rice.  

Trotter of the Meet: Barn Hall (Conway Hall-Exotic Form)

It’s not too often a 3-year-old trotter can come in and not only compete with, but beat older Open campaigners, but Barn Hall proved it can be done. After racing successfully on the New York Sire Stake Excel A circuit all summer, Barn Hall settled in at Batavia and became a powerful top class performer for the entire meet. He hit the board 12 out of 14 starts, winning four and earning $42,092 which was the most won by any trotter at the meet this year. Plus he took his lifetime mark of 1:55 at Batavia after winning the Open trot in October.  

Barn Hall is owned by Steve and Nancy Pratt, Wanda Polisseni's Purple Haze Stable and the Out In The Country Stable and is trained by Steve Pratt.

Mare of the Meet: Protect Blue Chip (American Ideal-Lucky Turn)

Protect Blue Chip surpassed all her previous career numbers this year and excelled in her 11 starts at Batavia Downs. She hit the board eight times, winning four Opens while finishing second and third twice each which netted her $35,142 in purses. Her best win time of 2021 was 1:54 taken at the Downs in September and it was also her fastest career win over any half-mile track. Plus this was the third consecutive year she took her seasonal mark at Batavia Downs.  

Protect Blue Chip is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock and is trained by Maria Rice.  

Claimer of the Meet: Raksmach N (Mach Three-Raksplace)

Raksmach N also had the best year of his career in North America since landing here from New Zealand in 2018 and the bulk of his success came at Batavia Downs. During the meet he had six wins in only nine starts and earned $29,150 in purses. But he also paced the fastest mile of his life over a half-mile track on September 18 at the Downs when he scorched the oval in 1:52.3, winning by 5-1/4 lengths for driver Jim Morrill Jr. Five of Raksmach N’s six wins came in claiming races of $15,000 or higher.

Raksmach N is owned by Jeffrey Savidge and trainer Jennifer Giuliani.

The connections of these horses will be presented with their trophies in the Purple Haze Winner’s Circle at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 11) during UNY-USHWA’s Night of Distinction. Saturday is the final night of the meet and post time is at 5 p.m.

Photos by Paul White

Press Release by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The management of Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel and the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association have agreed to cancel live racing on Saturday night (Dec. 11), which was the last card of the 2021 season at Batavia Downs. This is because of concern for the safety of all the participating horsemen, horsewomen, horses and patrons due to the impending day-long forecast of near hurricane force winds of between 65 to 70 mph for all of western New York -- including Batavia.

"Over half the card of horses ship in and some from as far as Pennsylvania and Ohio. It's simply unsafe for trailers to be on the road with winds gusting up to 70 mph. And it's doubtful we could get the wings of the starting gates to consistently and safely close at the start of each race in this type of dangerous weather conditions,"said Todd Haight, Director/General Manager of Live racing at Batavia Downs. "

“Therefore after consulting with Bruce Tubin (President of the WNYHHA) on the situation, we decided it was in the collective best interest to err on the side of caution and safety and shut it down for the season. We want to thank our staff, horseman and horsewomen and all of our loyal fans for a tremendous racing season and look forward to reopening on July 20, 2022, pending New York Gaming Commission approval.” 

Press Release by Tim Bojarski, president, UNY-USHWA

Photos by Paul White

Jim Morrill Jr. and Jennifer Giuliani have been named the top driver and trainer of the 2021 Batavia Downs meet that comes to a close on Saturday (Dec. 11). 

Morrill had this title wrapped up at the halfway mark as he got off to a hot start in July and burned his way through November. Morrill finished the meet with 365 starts, 116 wins, 71 seconds and 46 thirds to post a stellar .468 UDR. Those 64% in-the-money finishes garnered his connections $714,074 in earnings making him the top earner as well. 

Kevin Cummings finished second with 68 wins and $504,137 in purses and the meet's Rising Star Award winner Kyle Cummings was third with 50 wins and $394,862 banked. 

Giuliani was in a tight race all year but came out on top with 41 wins, 24 seconds and 22 thirds out of 146 starts that produced $207,379 in earnings and a UTR of .422. Her horses hit the board 60% of the time and she also trained the Batavia Downs claimer of the meet, Raksmach N. 

Maria Rice finished second with 40 wins and $311,602 in purses (which made her the highest earning stable on the grounds) and Gerry Sarama was third with 36 wins and $234,722 earned. 

Jim Morrill Jr. and Jennifer Giuliani will be presented a trophy from the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association for their achievements but since Morrill has already started his winter break and Giuliani has relocated to Pompano Park for winter racing, these awards will be presented when they return for the 2022 Batavia meet next July.

Saturday is the final night of the meet and post time is at 5 p.m. 

 

Press Release by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs will close out the 2021 meet on Saturday (Dec. 11) and there is a full night of action, awards and Auld Lang Syne on tap.

First the action. There will be one guaranteed pool and one carryover and both will have mandatory payouts.

There is a $3,500 guaranteed pool in the Pick-5 wager in the first race and it will be part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program. And as a result, free program pages will be available courtesy of TrackMaster on the USTA’s website, the Batavia Downs website and Facebook page or by clicking this link (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv1211x.pdf). The Pick-5 is a 50-cent base wager that begins in race one and runs through race five. If all five winners aren’t picked, the most correct winners selected will be paid. 

Then in race six, there is a carryover of $1,188 in the Jackpot Pick-6. That is a 20-cent base wager and it runs through race nine. And again if all six aren’t picked, the most correct selected will be paid.

And if you are attending live you can play the free Pick-6 contest for a chance to win $2,000. Just go to Players Club and get an entry blank and deposit it with your selections before the start of the fourth race. If you get all six winners correct, you will win $2,000. And since this is the last day of the meet this contest is a must pay as well. If no one picks all six winners, the person with the most winners selected will get $1,000. If there are multiple winners, the $1,000 will be split evenly among all correct contestants. Entry is limited to one per person. 

Saturday is also the United States Harness Writers Association’s awards presentations during the Night of Distinction where all the top horses, horsemen and dignitaries will be honored. Honorees include President’s Award winner New York State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, Unsung Hero Award winner Jami Chatt, Rising Star Award winner Kyle Cummings and all the top horses of the meet. Awards will start after the fifth race in the Purple Haze Winner’s Circle and run through race 10. These awards will be streamed live on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel. 

Then after the last race the Batavia Downs tradition of closing the meet will continue with the playing of Auld Lang Syne as the lights go out on the track for the last time this year. 

Free full card past performance program pages for Saturday and every live racing night at Batavia can always be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab. And if you can’t attend live, you can still watch all the racing action via the Batavia Downs YouTube channel.

Post time for the first race is slated for 5 p.m. 

Press Release By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs:

Cold, flurries and a snow covered track greeted the racing participants on Wednesday night (Dec. 8) at Batavia Downs, but they weren’t the only things Delilah De Vie would have to deal with before she won the $12,100 Open II Handicap for distaff pacers which headlined the night's card. 

As the race swept into the first turn, Queen Of Thrones (Ray Fisher Jr.) crossed over and interfered with Come Get The Cash (Leon Bailey) who then made a break in front of Delilah De Vie (Dave McNeight III) causing her, and others, to break and come to almost a complete stop. Queen Of Thrones then kept going and got to the quarter in :28.4 with No Where To Hide (Kevin Cummings) and Lady London (Drew Monti) in closest pursuit. When the group got to the half, McNeight had gathered Delilah De Vie together and was now on the pylons traveling fourth. 

Queen Of Thrones continued to lead up the backstretch but Delilah De Vie was on the move and gaining ground third on the outside. The top three horses all had a shot as the race headed into the stretch with Queen Of Thrones flanked by No Where To Hide on her left and Delilah De Vie to her right and at the line, Delilah De Vie was strongest of all winning by one length in 1:58.1.

Queen Of Thrones finished second but was disqualified and placed last for the interference she caused at the start of the race. 

It was the sixth win of the year for Delilah De Vie ($18.60) and owner/trainer Brianne Good. 

In the undercard $11,250 fillies and mares Open III pace, the Rosecroft newcomer Triple Dip (Kevin Cumming) made her first Batavia Downs start a winning one after going gate to wire while holding off a stubborn Watchwhatmyfeetdo (Denny Bucceri) by ½ length in 1:57.3. Triple Dip ($8.80) is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama. 

The Cummings-Torcello-Sarama connection also won with Mcdelicacy (1:58.1, $6.90) earlier in the card, giving each two wins for the evening. 

Driver Denny Bucceri also had two wins during the card.

There were winners in the guaranteed $10,000 Pick-5 on Wednesday and the 2-3-5-2-4 combination returned $1,254 for a 50-cent wager. The guarantee was met and the final pool was $10,952. 

Batavia Downs will close out the 2021 meet on Saturday (Dec. 11) and there will be one guaranteed pool and one carryover and both will have mandatory payouts.

To start, there is a $3,500 guaranteed pool in the Pick-5 wager in the first race and it will be part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program. And as a result, free program pages will be available courtesy of TrackMaster on the USTA’s website and the Batavia Downs website and Facebook page. The Pick-5 is a 50-cent base wager that begins in race one and runs through race five.

Then in race six, there is a carryover of $1,188 in the Jackpot Pick-6. That is a 20-cent base wager and it runs through race nine.

And if you are attending live you can play the free Pick-6 contest for a chance to win $2,000. Just go to Players Club and get an entry blank and deposit it with your selections before the start of the fourth race. If you get all six winners correct, you will win $2,000. And since this is the last day of the meet this contest is a must pay as well. If no one picks all six winners, the person with the most winners selected will get $1,000. If there are multiple winners, the $1,000 will be split evenly among the correct contestants. There is only one entry per person. 

Saturday is also the United States Harness Writers Association’s awards presentations during the Night of Distinction where all the top horses, horsemen and dignitaries will be honored. 

Free full card past performance program pages for Saturday and every live racing night at Batavia can always be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab. And if you can’t attend live, you can still watch all the racing action via the Batavia Downs YouTube channel.

Photo by Paul White

Press Release: By Tim Bojarski, president, UNY-USHWA

The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association is pleased to announce that New York State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley is the recipient of their 2021 President’s award for his strong support of the harness racing industry and the agricultural jobs it helps to sustain. 

Hawley is a Batavia, New York native and grew up there before leaving to attend college at the University of Toledo and then serve in the Army National Guard and U. S. Army reserves. When he returned home, he became the owner/operator of Hawley Farms and also owned and managed a property and casualty insurance company for over 35 years. 

Always working for the betterment of the community as a businessman, Hawley wanted to take it one step further and successfully ran for office in the 139^th New York Assembly District in 2006 and has been proudly serving his constituents ever since.    

As a businessman, Hawley always had a friendly acquaintance with Batavia Downs and brought friends and customers there for dinner and to see the races and through his visits he grew to understand how integral the sport of harness racing was to the agricultural infrastructure in Genesee and surrounding counties. So as a politician he has been a staunch supporter of the track and its principles ever since he has been in office. 

Over the years Hawley has served on many committees while in office including the racing and wagering committee and currently the agriculture committee and in those positions, always fought hard to protect the people that racing employs both directly and in supporting industries. 

Outside of Albany, Hawley continues to be a friend of the track first hand as over the years he regularly participates in promotions like celebrity races and fundraisers for various worthy causes throughout the year. 

And since 2010 Hawley has sponsored his “Night At The Races” at the Downs and in the 11 years it’s been held, has brought thousands of people who otherwise might not have ever come to the track and introduced them to the sport that has been a mainstay of the economic fabric of Batavia, New York for over eight decades.

“I have known Steve for a long time and have witnessed first hand his passion for this community and his appreciation for the sport of harness racing. He genuinely understands the intricacies of the business and how hard our horsemen and horsewomen work to ensure the well-being of our horses while earning a living in a very difficult industry. He fights to keep the sport healthy so it’s economic impact on agriculture can continue in the area and supports Batavia Downs gaming as its revenue continues to support local communities,” said Tim Bojarski, President of UNY-USHWA. “Our organization is proud to present him with this gesture of our appreciation.”

Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel said “Throughout the years, Steve has been a champion not only of Batavia Downs but of the entire racing and gaming industries. He has introduced many people to our historic race track all while supporting legislation that helps the people of New York who work for the casinos and tracks and it’s through Steve’s hard work that our industry continues to grow and prosper. We congratulate Steve on receiving this well-deserved award.” 

For his outstanding service to the sport of harness racing, Steve Hawley will be presented this award in the Purple Haze Winner’s Circle at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 11) during UNY-USHWA’s Night of Distinction. Saturday is the final night of the meet and post time is at 5 p.m.

Photo Credit - NYS Assembly website

Press Release by Tim Bojarski, president, Upstate New York USHWA

The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association has named Jami Chatt their 2021 Unsung Hero award recipient at Batavia Downs. 

Jami Chatt has been around horses since she could walk and was introduced to the sport of harness racing by her grandfather Fred Haslip, who has been a driving and training legend in western New York since the 1960’s. And although she has groomed, jogged and trained horses all her life and currently owns the pacer Mateo, she also works daily in her full time career as a special education teacher in the Sweet Home (NY) school district. 

Despite all her personal commitments Chatt still finds time to go above and beyond for anything that puts harness racing in a positive light and has been doing so for years, especially when it comes to charitable concerns. 

In 2013 when driver Anthony Coletta went down in a wreck at Harrah’s Philadelphia, Chatt spearheaded the “Stay Strong Anthony Coletta” fund which included wrist-band sales, a silent auction, purse donations from drivers, trainers and owners, along with cash given by attending fans and Batavia Downs staff and raised $12,835, which all went to Coletta and his family to help him recover from his injuries.  

The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester started to hold one of their annual fundraisers at Batavia Downs in 2010 and over time, it grew into a major event. Several years ago Chatt got involved and really took control of the fund-raising on the horsemen’s side. Now she relentlessly solicits trainers, drivers and owners both at the track and then later, at other tracks, to donate a percentage of their purse from the night of the event to the BCCR. Since Chatt has gotten involved the final donation number has grown exponentially and this year the final total was a record $19,653.  

Chatt also works hard to introduce new fans to the sport. Each year she brings families and friends who are not associated with racing to the track and even holds a “field trip” for her fellow teachers, and then spends her night schooling them on the finer points of handicapping. 

In appreciation for her selfless work, UNY-USHWA will present Jami Chatt with her Unsung Hero Award in the Purple Haze Winner’s Circle at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 11) during UNY-USHWA’s Night of Distinction. Saturday is the final night of the meet and post time is at 5 p.m.