Photo: Copyright 2009 Paul White. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Press Release:
BATAVIA, NY – Tonight marked the second Friday of Live Racing here at America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track. Patrons enjoyed a fine evening and an excellent card with two feature races of the best trotters in Western New York. The first event was the ninth race on the card and open handicap trot, with the 3-1 morning line favorite and Yonkers invader Light Headed among the field. The ninth had a purse of $9,000. The second feature was the eleventh race, the open handicap II trot with a purse of $7,500.
Racing to victory in this evening’s first feature contest was Jack Sparrow with driver-trainer Jim McNeight at the controls, trotting to the mile in 1:59.2. Behind for the place was Australian Shock and Kevin Cummings. Zapphappy Kash with Clint Galbraith rounded out the money for the open trot. Jack Sparrow took the early lead and only gave it up briefly just after the ¼ pole but gained back control quickly in time to do the ½ in 1:00.1. Jack Sparrow led the way to the wire and held off Australian Shock after a late surge from the pocket coming down the final stretch to give Jim McNeight a driving double. Michael Callmeri of Falconer, NY, owns this 6-year-old chestnut gelding by Humorous Harry. The winning mutuel price was $6.00.
Taking tonight’s open II trot at the wire was Manfromnantucket with Jack Flanigen in the sulky. The duo trotted the mile in 2:01.2, with Ima Cricket Also and Kevin Cummings in for the place. Roy and Steven Lindell completed the generous $887.00 trifecta. Ima Cricket Also led the way and began to see a surging Manfromnantucket after the ¾ pole and Kevin Cummings could not hold off the fast closing Manfromnantucket at the wire. Manfromnantucket is a 4year-old gelding by Giant Hit. He is owned by trainer Allan McCarty of Hamburg owns him. Tonight’s winning mutuel price for the eleventh race was $36.20.
The 2009 meet at Batavia Downs Casino will continue this Saturday evening. Be sure to come out this as we celebrate the career of famed double-gaited gelding and world record setter Excalibur by rolling back prices on Zweigles hot dogs and soda to just 50 cents each! These special prices are valid anytime between 5:30 and 10:30 PM in the Paddock Room. Thrilling harness racing action gets underway 7:05p.m.
Jeff Rizzo, Marketing Intern
jrizzo@westernotb.com
