Press Release
Batavia, NY --- The 63rd season of live harness racing came to end on Saturday night (Dec.5) at Batavia Downs Casino before a large crowd, thanks to some great weather, a super racing program and a very popular promotion.
“I can’t believe the numbers we did,” Mike Kane, Vice President of Live Racing said. “It was our second best handle of the season and you couldn’t find a seat in the clubhouse. The racing department put out a great card and the pick-6 promotion certainly brought people to the racetrack. It was definitely a great way to end the season."
The final racing program of the 2009 Summer-Fall meet featured three Open handicaps and three Open II events, with over $75,000 in purse money up for grabs.
Michael Scores does it again
One horse that will be sad to see the season come to a close is former Batavia Downs track record holder Michael Scores, who made it three in a row at the Genesee County oval, when he came from off the pace to win the $9,000 Open Handicap in 1:56.1. Once again Kevin Cummings was at the controls for Jim and Sandy Compton. Michael Scores, one of the most popular pacers to ever race in Western New York notched the 70th win of his career.
Light Headed best in Open Trot
Sam Caruso Jr. put Light Headed on the lead and they put up all the numbers en route to a gate to wire score in the $9,000 Open Handicap Trot. Light Headed a winner this season at Yonkers in 1:56.2 scored for the first time in Western New York for trainer Dennis Cummings and owners Tom and Sam Caruso Jr.
Memphis Glow upsets in Mares Open
Memphis Glow pulled off the shocker in the $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap when she exploded to command heading to three-quarters and never had an anxious moment winning by over 3-lengths in 1:56.4 at odds of 23-1. Ray Fisher Jr. was in the sulky for owner-trainer Larry Deyermand and Jay Ankeney.
One winner in the Pick-6 Contest
Nate Maniace of Batavia got 5 out of 6 correct and took home the $1,000 top prize in the pick-6 contest. Over 480 people participated in the must pay-out pick-6 contest that was sponsored by the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association.
Pending New York State Racing and Wagering approval Batavia Downs Casino will reopen on July 26, 2010.
Batavia Downs Casino is open year around for Simulcast wagering from some of North America’s top tracks. The gaming floor featuring over 600 slot machines is open from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
