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Batavia Downs

Batavia featured Pop-Up Series finals

By Tim Bojarski

Four finals of the Western New York Pop-Up Series headlined the card at Batavia Downs on Monday (Feb. 20) with a total of $63,000 distributed between those events. 

In the $12,000 Trackmaster 70 pace, Ellieonthemove (Kevin Cummings) struck an early lead and maintained that position for the duration of the mile. After setting quarters of :29 :59.3 and 1:29.1, Ellieonthemove paced home on top by 1-¼ lengths in 1:59 flat. 

Ellieonthemove ($4.50) scored her first win of the year for owner Sidney Easton and trainer Tony Cummings. 

Next up was the $15,000 Trackmaster 74 pace and Bettor Country (Kevin Cummings) tripped-out to victory.

Kissinbythebeaches (Keith Kash Jr.) got the lead heading into turn two but led unchallenged for only a short time. Blazing Light (Kyle Cummings) pulled first up at three-eighths and Bettor Country was right on his back. Blazing Light had the lead passing the 1:27.3 three-quarters with Bettor Country still in pursuit. Down the lane, Bettor Country had more pace and won by a length in 1:57.3.

It was the second straight win for Bettor Country ($11.20) who is owned by Rocco Stebbins and trained by Joe Skowyra.

The $18,000 Trackmaster 78 pace produced an upset when Reggiano (Dave McNeight III) turned an early move into a 15-1 payoff.

Candy's Desire (Kyle Cummings) was parked out to the quarter in 28 flat before claiming the front in the first turn. Almost immediately, Reggiano was tipped from third and rushed to the lead, cutting the half in :56.4. Reggiano continued to dictate the pace under duress but held off the pack to the top of the lane. There, Reggiano paced away clear by 1-¾ lengths in 1:55.2.

It was the second win of 2023 for Reggiano ($30.00) and owner/trainer Marc Shuttleworth. 

Finally, in the lone trot of the series for $18,000 Trackmaster 77 entrants, Good Boy (Ray Fisher Jr.) strung his third consecutive victory in convincing style. 

Fisher put Good Boy right on the point while Schickel Fritz (Keith Kash Jr.) got parked out the whole mile. Good Boy trotted smart to the half in :59.4 and three-quarters in 1:29.4 as the field backed-up three-wide behind him. Good Boy rounded the final bend in complete control and pulled away to a 1-½ length win in 1:59.3. 

It was the fourth win of the year for Good Boy ($3.60) and owner Mary Warriner. Ryan Swift trains the winner. 

All four series final winners took new seasonal marks. 

The Jackpot Super Hi-5 was hit in the last race on Monday. The combination of 4-5-8-3-6 returned $3,985.40 for a 20-cent wager. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Feb. 23) at 3 p.m. Free full card past performance forms for the entire card of live 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 at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page. 

Photo by McKenna Dziemian.

Batavia Downs hosting annual Fur Ball on March 4

By Press Release

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that former Buffalo football legend and Hall of Famer, Thurman Thomas, will be attending the upcoming Fur Ball Gala Fundraiser set to take place at Batavia Downs on Saturday, March 4..

The Fur Ball Gala is a benefit to raise money for the Animal Shelter of Genesee County & SPCA of Wyoming County. The event runs from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, March 4. Tickets are $75, and attendees receive a buffet dinner, open bar, tastings, $50 in free play and access to a basket raffle with more than 40 items from Batavia Downs and other local businesses. Thurman will be on hand to take photos with all event attendees, and a DJ will be on-site as well.

There is a hotel package available - $275 plus tax includes two tickets to the event along with a hotel room for the night of the event.

To book tickets or the hotel package, interested persons can call Sara at 585-344-6155 to book now. Anyone that calls and reserves the hotel package will receive a free limited-edition Josh Allen bobblehead when they arrive on site that evening.

"We are so excited to host the first annual Fur Ball Gala," said Jacquelyne Leach, CFO for Western OTB/Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. "Raising money for local animal charities is near and dear to our hearts. We look forward to seeing everyone have a great time at the event alongside a Buffalo football Hall of Famer!"

Jim Morrill Jr. gets career win 8,000 at Batavia Downs

By Tim Bojarski

Driver Jim Morrill Jr. achieved another major milestone in his stellar career at Batavia Downs on Monday (Feb.13) when he drove Sportskeeper ($4.70) to an easy gate to wire, 1:56.1 victory in the seventh race to achieve his 8,000th lifetime win in the sulky. Morrill would also win with Gorgeous View (1:58.3, $7.00) and Silver Buckeye (2:00.2, $8.40) for the hat trick to put an exclamation mark on his landmark day. 

At the end of business Monday, Morrill had 42,173 starts with 8,002 wins, 6,594 seconds and 5,413 thirds and $112,388,888 in earnings for his tenure in the sport. That purse total puts him 21st on the all-time earnings list among all drivers in North America. So far in 2023 Morrill has a UDR of .496 and sits in second among all drivers in North America with less than 300 starts so far this year. And at the current Batavia Downs meet, Morrill is the leading UDR driver (.496) and sits second for wins (22) and earnings ($135,240).

Morrill reached 7,500 wins just two years and three months ago in 2020 at Batavia and it only took him 1,850 starts to get those next 500 wins.

A native of Methuen, Massachusetts, Morrill had aspirations of playing in the National Hockey League after being a junior hockey star prior to his career in harness racing, and those who know him would attest he was good enough to achieve that goal. But Morrill chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and made his first driving start at Foxboro Park in 1984. The family’s operation eventually moved to Rosecroft Raceway, where Morrill began getting many catch drives and soon found himself in high demand. In 1990 Morrill went to New York and started driving for Ray Schnittker and George Anthony at Yonkers Raceway and with all the success he had there, decided that move would be long-term.

During his time competing on the Metropolitan circuit, Morrill recalled his most memorable race as being the 2004 Meadowlands Pace where Holborn Hanover was a 58-1 upset winner in 1:49 to equal the stake mark. Among his other notable wins are three Breeders Crown finals with See You At Peelers, Won The West and Yellow Diamond and the 2012 Yonkers Trot with Archangel.

After 15 years of driving at the highest level of competition, Morrill left the big city in 2005 and relocated his family and business to western New York. And since arriving on scene there has not only been at the very top of the local driver colony, but also became a dominant force in the New York Sire Stakes.

In 2006 at Batavia Downs, Morrill set the all-time driving standard with 177 wins and a UDR of .537 for one meet. He also co-holds the track mark for most driving wins on one card (seven) and just last year, became the first driver to ever surpass $1 million in purse earnings in a single season at Batavia Downs.

The fourth and final preliminary leg of the Western New York Pop-Up Series was also held on Monday with several horses staking their claim to be favored in the finals that will be held next Monday (Feb. 20).

In the $9,000 Trackmaster 78 pace, Faithful Desire (Kevin Cummings) won for the third straight time, and her sixth out of the last seven at Batavia going back to last year.  It was a hard-fought victory that saw this lone mare in the field by a nose and pay $5.50. Eva Saintcross owns the Shawn McDonough-trained winner.

Then in the $7,500 Trackmaster 74 pace, Blazing Light (Kyle Cummings) won for the third straight time and again in convincing fashion. This week it was a six length, 1:57.3 romp for the driver-owned gelding trained by Tammy Cumming. Blazing Light returned $2.70.

And in the $9,000 Trackmaster 77 trot, Good Boy (Ray Fisher Jr.) went gate to wire to claim his second straight win to go along with a pair of second place finishes in the series. Mary Warriner owns the $4.30 winner that is trained by Ryan Swift.

The Monday (Feb. 20) finals will offer purses ranging from $12,000 to $18,000 while the consolation races will go for $7,000 to $10,000 each. Spots in both will be secured by the top money earners in each Trackmaster category.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Feb. 16) at 3 p.m. there will be a $1,686 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta which will be available in race 11.

Free full card past performance forms for the entire card of live 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 at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Photo by McKenna Dziemian.

Long-shots aplenty at Batavia Downs Thursday

By Tim Bojarski

It was a warm and wet Thursday afternoon (Feb. 9) at Batavia Downs, and despite a brief appearance by the sun during a few races, the wet conditions may have contributed to only three favorites winning in 12 races on a day where big payouts were common.

The top trot was a $9,500 conditioned event that saw Explosive Leggs (driven by Dan Yetman) capture his second straight victory with an upset win.

Overlooked at 13-1 from a pylon start, the newly claimed Explosive Leggs outplayed Con Air Hall (driven by Dave McNeight III) and Inquiring Mind (driven by Larry Stalbaum). He parked both horses at the quarter in :28.3, with Inquiring Mind eventually clearing, giving Explosive Leggs the pocket ride and leaving Con Air Hall out in the breeze. The race went to the half in :58.2 and three-quarters in 1:28.4, with Inquiring Mind holding a three-length advantage heading into turn four. However, the leader began to falter in the bend, and Explosive Leggs started to catch up. At the top of the stretch, the pair were even until Explosive Leggs started to pull away, eventually winning by 1-1/4 lengths in 2:01.

Explosive Leggs ($29.20) achieved his 35th-lifetime win, but the first for his new owner, Lav Racing Stable, and trainer, Russel Bratt.

Later in the day, Yetman won again with a $27.80 win behind Barry Hanover in 1:56.4.

There were also two $9,500 conditioned pacing races, split by gender, and both double-digit payoff winners were trained and driven by Larry Stalbaum.

In the fillies and mares split, Abuelita Hanover got away fourth as American Delight N (driven by Kyle Cummings) set the pace with fractions of :29.2, :59.4, and 1:29.1 through three-quarters. Stalbaum made a three-wide move from fifth with Abuelita Hanover, eventually drawing even with the leader straightening for home. Down the lane, Abuelita Hanover cruised to the win under a hand-drive from Stalbaum, winning by 3-3/4 lengths in 1:58.4.

Abuelita Hanover ($15.80) won her second consecutive race, and is owned by Jennifer Safford.

Later in the division for the boys, Stalbaum got away fifth with Black Hawk Joe A while Bluesville (driven by Dave McNeight III) looked confident as the leader at the half in :59.4. Black Hawk Joe A, who had moved to the outside just past the quarter, closed in on Bluesville at the five-eighths, but despite Stalbaum's encouragement, he stalled around the last turn and lost some ground to the leader. However, as they straightened out for home, Black Hawk Joe A found new speed in the lane, made up the 1-1/2 length deficit and won by one-half length in 1:57.1.

Black Hawk Joe A ($11.00) also won his second consecutive race and is owned by Stalbaum.

Stalbaum finished the day as the leading driver with three wins and the leading trainer with two wins.

Live racing at Batavia Downs resumes Monday (Feb. 13) at 3 p.m. with a $1,086 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta available in race 13.

Photo by Aurora Wzientek

Batavia Downs sets another record handle on Monday

By Tim Bojarski

It was just last week that Batavia Downs set its own handle bar higher after seeing $340,602 pass through betting portals both at the track and at simulcast outlets. That total became the highest on record since Western Regional Off Track Betting reopened the Downs in 2002.

However, on Monday (Feb. 6) -- only one week later -- that record was broken again after $348,205 was wagered on the very competitive third leg card made up of 12 divisions of Western New York Pop-Up Series participants that put on quite a show on the track.

The $9,000 Trackmaster 78 pace class was led by Faithful Desire (Kevin Cummings) who flexed her muscle as the only mare among the field of seven.

Faithful Desire tracked Catch A Lefty A (Dan Yetman) from third as the leader set quarters of :28.4 and :58.2. It was at that second station that Cummings tipped Faithful Desire into the breeze and blew right to the front before they got halfway through turn three. From there, Faithful Desire opened up a 3-1/2 length lead by three-quarters and extended that margin to six at the top of the stretch. From there, the mare cruised home under wraps to a 6-1/4 length victory in 1:55.4.

It was the fifth win in the last six starts for Faithful Desire ($3.20) at Batavia Downs going back to last year. Eva Saintcross owns the Shawn McDonough trained daughter of Real Desire- Faith Ann.

Cummings finished the day with a total of three wins in the bike.

The fastest $9,000 Trackmaster 77 trot of the day was registered by Seven Credits (Drew Monti) who pulled off a major upset at 25-1.

Seven Credits got away tardy and was in arrears by 7-1/4 lengths to Windsun Missile (Keith Kash) who was merrily rolling along at the half in :59 flat. As the race moved past the five-eighths, Cash N Chrome (Jim McNeight Jr.) shifted to the outside and provided live cover for Seven Credits, who followed intently as the pair gained ground on the leader. Cash N Chrome took the lead from Windsun Missile going by the three-quarters and Seven Credits continued to make up ground before drawing even with Cash N Chrome in mid-stretch. From there even Credits had the momentum and out-trotted  Cash N Chrome to the line and won by a neck in 1:59.4.

Seven Credits ($52.50) is owned by Jennifer Signor and is trained by Jason Signor.

The fourth leg of the Western New York Pop-Up Series will be held next Monday (Feb. 13) with the finals and consolations scheduled for the following Monday (Feb. 20). The finals will offer purses ranging from $12,000 to $18,000 while the consolation races will go for between $7,000 to $10,000. Spots in both will be secured by the top money earners in each Trackmaster category.

Driver Ray Fisher Jr. also had a hot hand on Monday getting a hat trick of his own during the afternoon.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Feb. 9) at 3 p.m. there will be a $300 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta which will be available in race 12.

Free full card past performance forms for the entire card of live 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 at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page. 

Photo by McKenna Dziemian

Kevin Cummings wins six at Batavia Downs

By Tim Bojarski

Kevin Cummings, who was Batavia Downs’ leading driver of 2022, moved back into first place for dash victories in 2023 after winning six of the 11 races programmed on Thursday afternoon (Feb.2), including winning five in a row from race three to race seven.

Cummings won with Outkast Blue Chip (1:59.1, $6.50), Finkle Is Einhorn (2:00.3, $4.90), Explosive Leggs (2:03, $4.90), JK Lady Star (1:58.4, $5.80), American Delight N (1:58.3, $3.60) and Coco Hall (2:00.4, $2.80).

Cummings now has 21 wins for the meet and moved past Jim Morrill Jr. (20) back into the top spot.

A pair of $9,500 mid-level conditioned races were featured on Thursday’s card with one written for each gait.

In the pace, All About Lynx (Christian Meyers) followed Feelin American (Lee Morris) from the start until the seven-eighths pole where he tipped and brushed to the wire as a one-half length victor in 1:57.1.

After three straight second-place finishes at Batavia, All About Lynx ($18.80) got his first victory of 2023 for owner Dale Wareham and trainer Kris Rickert. It was also the first win of the year at Batavia for the 20-year-old Meyers.

Then in the trot, Buzz (Mike Baumeister) cut the mile while setting fractions of :29, 1:00 and 1:29.3 with no real threat from behind. Down the lane, the pocket-sitting Mystical Sarabi (Dan Yetman) tried to catch him but came up three-quarters of a length short as Buzz won in 1:59.3.

It was the second win in a row for Buzz ($7.70) and owner/trainer Ron Baumeister.

Another young horseman getting his first-ever driving and training win at Batavia Downs was 19-year-old Winter Asher-Stalbaum who led at every station with Lord Willoughby A. After getting the lead past the eighth pole, Lord Willoughby A was on top by as many as nine lengths and cruised home to victory in front by seven in 1:56.2. Asher-Stalbaum also owns Lord Willoughby A ($4.30).

The Jackpot Super Hi-5 in race 11 was finally hit and the sizable $2,582 carryover definitely helped the payout. The combination of 1-9-5-7-4 returned $3,711.10 for a 20-cent wager.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Feb. 6) at 3 p.m. Free full card past performance programs for the entire card of live 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 at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page. 

Photo by Aurora Wzientek.

Batavia Downs sets a new all-time betting mark on Monday

By Tim Bojarski

It was a historic day for the oldest lighted harness track in North America on Monday (Jan. 30) after the bettors came out in force and pumped $340,602 through the windows (from all sources) on 13 races to set a new all-time single card betting mark at Batavia Downs. That total is the highest handle since Western Regional Off Track Betting reopened the Downs in 2002 and surpassed the old total of $339,000, which was realized over 14 races during the 2019 New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions finals.

“I’m very happy with today’s record handle, it was truly a team effort by the staff and horsemen and women here at Batavia Downs. Full, competitive fields and a cozy Monday afternoon off-track wagering slot were instrumental in these results,” said Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing and Race Secretary at Batavia Downs.

One of Monday’s driving factors was the $10,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-5 race that kicked the day off in race one. There was $21,202 new money added to the $4,741 carryover and that spearheaded a total pool of $61,292 for that race alone. The winning combination of 3-5-3-3-1,2 returned $290.50 for the 50-cent wager.

The competitive races were a direct result of the resumption of the Western New York Trackmaster Pop-Up Series. There were 12 legs in this second round ranging in value from $6,000 to $9,000 each (depending on TM rating) and those races were very well matched.

In the $9,000 Trackmaster 78 for pacers, Faithful Desire (Kevin Cummings) followed the cover of Pocket Watch N (Ray Fisher Jr.) past the half, in pursuit of the front-running Sportskeeper (Jim Morrill Jr.). Faithful Desire remained third until the top of the stretch when Cummings tipped three-wide and then drove hard to the line to win by a neck in 1:56 flat in the fastest race of the day.

Faithful Desire ($8.90) is owned by Eva Saintcross and is trained by Shawn McDonough.

Cummings ended the day as the top reinsman with a total of four driving wins while McDonough would add a second winner later in the card.

In the other $9,000 Trackmaster 78, 33-1 shot Reggiano (Dave McNeight III) moved first-over from fourth after a very quick half set by Delightful Summer (Kevin Cummings) and made a three-wide move at three-quarters before clearing and pulling away to a two length victory in 1:57.

Reggiano ($68.00) is owned and trained by Marc Shuttleworth.

Later in the $9,000 Trackmaster 77 for trotters, Sanchez Rocks (Kyle Cummings) made it two straight in the series after he sat in the garden spot behind Good Boy (Ray Fisher Jr.) until the three-quarters, where he popped the deuce and went on the attack. Sanchez Rocks ran down Good Boy in deep stretch and then trotted clear by 2-1/4 lengths to win in 2:01.

Sanchez Rocks ($2.70) is owned by Marie Houghtaling and is trained by Ron Houghtaling.

There are two more weeks of preliminary action before the finals of the Pop-Up series which will be held on Monday (Feb. 20) and offer purses ranging from $12,000 to $18,000. Consolation races will also be offered and go for $7,000 to $10,000 each. Spots in both will be secured by the top money earners in each Trackmaster category.

Other participants registering multiple wins on the card included drivers Drew Monti and Kyle Cummings who each had a hat trick and trainers Tammy Cummings and Dave Russo who both had two winners.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Feb. 2) at 3 p.m. there will be a $2,582 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta which will be available in race 11.

Free full card past performance forms for the entire card of live 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 at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page. 

Photo courtesy of Batavia Downs

Photos: The first 25 years of Crossroads House celebrated in gala fundraiser at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens

The leadership at Crossroads House often talks about the importance of the volunteers who assist people in their last stages of life.  For Cathy Winding, volunteering at Crossroads House saved her life.

"I moved here many years ago, and it was hard," Windings said during the 25th-anniversary celebration of Crossroads Hosue at Batavia Downs on Saturday. "I left my family, my friends. I moved to Batavia, and I found Crossroads House. 

"I had read about it in the newspaper, and my mom had passed, then my dad passed, and I wished I had a place like Crossroads House because they had a horrible time."

She said she finds it rewarding to care for the people who stay in Crossroads House.

Julie Tybor, who is also a volunteer, also said it's rewarding.   

"Being with other families, spending time with other families has been the most rewarding part," Tybor said.

Tybor, left, and Winding, right, are pictured above with Benita Scoins, with stars from a wall of honor.  As part of the event's fundraising event, people could buy stars with names on them, either of people who have passed while staying at Crossroads or of the volunteers they appreciate. Scoins is holding the stars dedicated to family members, including Ron Weimer, who was the first resident of Crossroads House.

Paul Figlow and Joanne Patri pull numbers in the night's reverse 50-50 drawing -- when you're number is called, you're eliminated from the drawing.  When there are only two numbers left, the number pulled is the winner ... 

Meghan Gallagher was the winner ... 

She donated her $600 prize back to Crossroads House.

Batavia Downs kicked off WNY Racing Series Monday

By Tim Bojarski

Press release:

On Monday (Jan. 23), Batavia Downs began a four-week Pop-Up Racing Series for Western New York-based Trackmaster pacers and trotters with preliminary leg classes going for between $6,000 and $9,000 each (depending on class). Monday saw 10 series races go postward and these events provided some very competitive racing.

The best pacing effort of the day was turned in by Sportskeeper (Jim Morrill Jr.) who went gate to wire in the $9,000 Trackmaster 78 class.

Morrill left from post five with Sportskeeper and grabbed the lead before the :27.4 quarter. Then once he settled on the point, the pair dominated the field. Operating with a gapped advantage, Sportskeeper went :56.2 to the half and 1:25.1 to three-quarters with only Pet Sur-rock (Kyle Cummings) staying remotely close. When he turned for home, Sportskeeper was clear, under a line drive from Morrill and willingly paced away to a 2-1/2 length decision in 1:55.2.

It was the second straight win for Sportskeeper ($3.70) at Batavia and the purse pushed his lifetime earnings over the $600,000 mark, as he now boasts $603,847 in bank. The classy 11-year-old gelded son of Sportswriter-Keeper Flying is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sammy Smith.

The top trot came in the $9,000 Trackmaster 77 leg where Sanchez Rocks (Kyle Cummings) made a move past the half pay off with an impressive victory.

Pilgrim Caviar (Shawn Gray) led early and tripped the timer in a quick :28.4 before heading into turn two. But at the same time, Good Boy (Ray Fisher Jr.) brushed and crushed to the front and completed the first circuit in :59.4. It was at that point that Sanchez Rocks vacated the pylons from fourth and started trotting up a storm. Sanchez Rocks drew even with Good Boy on the backside, cleared at three-quarters and then extended his lead with every stride from there. By the top of the stretch, he was long gone and trotted home under no urging at all to win by 2-3/4 lengths in 2:00.2.

Sanchez Rocks ($5.80) is owned by Marie Houghtaling and trained by Ron Houghtaling.

The finals for the Pop-Up series races will be held on Monday (Feb. 20) and offer purses ranging from $12,000 to $18,000. Consolation races will also be offered and will go for $7,000 to $10,000 each. Spots in both will be secured by the top money earners in each Trackmaster category.

Jim Morrill Jr. and Keith Kash Jr. both had driving hat tricks on Monday, while trainers Joe Skowyra and Andy Torre scored two wins apiece.

Morrill is now only four wins away from 8,000 career victories, a number he should hit within the next week at Batavia. 

There will be two carryovers and a guaranteed pool when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Jan. 26) at 3 p.m. First, there is a $4,741 carryover in the Pick-5 (which starts in race one), and Batavia Downs has announced that pool will have a $10,000 guarantee through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program. Complete program pages for those five races will be available on the USTA’s website under the “Handicapping” tab. Then later in the card there is a growing carryover of $1,322 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta, which will be available in the 11th race.

Free full card past performance forms for the entire card of live 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 at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page. 

Upcoming entertainment at Batavia Downs: Brew Fest and KISS THIS

By Press Release

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the on-sale dates for 2 upcoming events taking place at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel’s Park Place Room.  These 2 events join other, already announced spring events. 

The 4th annual Batavia Brew Fest, presented by Young Lion and Genesee Brewery, is back on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 5 til 8 p.m.  For $40, attendees receive 3 hours of beer sampling from WNY breweries like Genesee Brewery, Young Lion, Boston Beer, DogFish, Four Mile Brewing, Heineken, Yuengling, K2 Brewing, Clarksburg Cider, Blue Barn Cidery,  Three Heads Brewing, Captain Lawrence Brewery, Constellation, Diago, Molson/Coors, Blue Toad Cider, Press Seltzer, Hop Water and many more.  Light snacks will be served, and attendees will receive a commemorative plastic sampling mug along with $20 in Free Play.  Designated Driver tickets will also be available.

KISS THIS returns to Batavia Downs on Friday, March 3rd.  Western New York’s Premier Tribute to KISS brings all of the theatrics and bombast of a classic KISS show to their performance.  Tickets are $15, and attendees receive $10 in Free Play on the day of the show.

Tickets for these 2 events will be available at www.BataviaConcerts.com beginning on Friday, Jan. 20 at 10 a.m.

Visitors to the concert ticket website can also purchase tickets for other upcoming events like the BBQ and Bourbon Dinner, the Music of the Stars Tribute Concert and all the recently announced Pepsi’s Rockin’ the Downs Summer Concert Series shows.  Announcements for the rescheduled Furball Animal Shelter Fundraiser, Polka Buzz and the Kentucky Derby Gala will be announced in the coming weeks.

“The tribute acts we bring in are a great addition to our event schedule,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “We look forward to welcoming back KISS THIS as well as our annual large-scale events like the Brew Fest and Derby Gala.”

Video by The Batavian:  KISS THIS at Jam at the Ridge in July 2021

WROTB directors solidly support board chair Bianchi

By Mike Pettinella

“Leadership matters” and that, according to the directors of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., is why Richard Bianchi of Monroe County is continuing on as the public benefit company’s chairman of the board.

“It’s my honor and pleasure to nominate (Bianchi) as chair because leadership matters,” said Director Dennis Bassett, who represents the City of Rochester, as he wholeheartedly endorsed the Monroe County delegate for a 13th consecutive one-year term. “He has taken us through tough times and through it all, I have learned that leadership matters.”

Bassett, speaking at this morning’s board meeting at the Park Road facility, said that Bianchi has the corporation’s “best interest at heart” while making the tough decisions and presenting a vision that has resulted in the purchase of a hotel, expanded summer concerts and providing exhibit space for public events.

“We’re experiencing our best years in OTB history and it is the direct result of the leadership of our board chair,” Bassett continued. “There has been sniping at the heels of the chair and this organization, but we have persevered.”

Director Richard Ricci (Seneca County) seconded the motion – noting that Bianchi “gives his heart and soul to this place” – before the board voted unanimously in favor of Bianchi.

That vote was followed by a unanimous vote to keep Edward Morgan (Orleans County) as the vice chair, a position the Murray resident has held for four years.

Bianchi thanked the board for its support, praising the directors’ work as well as the job done by WROTB officers, management and rank-and-file employees.

“The current board is more engaged than ever,” he said. “Let’s just keep up the great work.”

WROTB President/CEO Henry Wojtaszek echoed Bassett’s sentiments.

“Under Mr. Bianchi’s leadership, we have really good morale here with the workers, we've resolved a lot of the labor issues … and the business is at an all-time high,” he said. “And I think the outlook for the future is very bright. The physical plant is in great shape and WROTB is in the best shape it has ever been in.”

In other developments from today’s board meeting:

  • Directors voted to contract with Mind Squad Consulting LLC of Orchard Park for up to $75,000 for training and professional development for WROTB’s key officers, starting with Wojtaszek and VP/Administration William White.

“Bill and I will enroll initially and then we will see the results of that type of training. If we think it is beneficial, we will continue on and then we’ll send our other two officers (Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach and VP/Operations Scott Kiedrowski),” Wojtaszek said.

He said the leadership team has done its “due diligence” regarding Mind Squad Consulting, with the goal to “have us operating at the highest efficiencies that we can.” He said the training will consist of in-person and virtual sessions, lasting up to eight months.

  • The board authorized the purchase of a suite at Highmark Stadium for Buffalo Bills’ games for the next four seasons in the amounts not to exceed $109,000 for 2023, $113,000 for 2024, $117,000 for 2025 and $117,000 for 2026.

The resolution states that the expenditure is in line with WROTB’s “ongoing patron attraction and retention program … to provide entertainment event tickets for a certain level of our patrons as well as for special promotions.”

In a related move, directors approved spending $51,878 with Mark-It-Smart of Santa Ana, Calif., for Buffalo Bills’ clogs, coaster sets, backpacks and coolers to be used as promotional items.

  • The board extended a contract with Kim Crawford to provide consulting services in respect to the surfacing and banking of the harness horse racing track for the 2023 winter meet that is currently taking place.

WROTB will pay Crawford an additional $21,000 to the previously agreed upon contract of $65,000 for 2023.

  • Leach reported that $49,780 in surcharge from November activity will be distributed to the corporation’s member municipalities.

Photo: From left, Henry Wojtaszek, Richard Bianchi and Edward Morgan. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

JM‘s Delight, Big Box Hanover take Batavia features

By Tim Bojarski

A pair of $13,000 Open I Handicaps -- one on the pace and one on the trot -- topped a solid and bettable card at Batavia Downs on Monday afternoon (Jan. 16) and those races produced another stout handle as a result.

The pacing feature came first with JM’s Delight putting in another solid effort to remain unbeaten at the Downs in 2023.

Kevin Cummings stayed back fifth off the gate while longshots lunged for the lead. The 21-1 Walk It Talk It (Jim McNeight Jr.) parked the 20-1 Tap Tap Tap (Christian Meyers) while Daylight Rush (Dave McNeight III) got caught in the breeze second over. After hitting the quarter in :27.3 and neither looking to relent, Jim Morrill Jr. tipped Decoy three-deep at the top of the stretch and was followed by JM’s Delight from fifth. However not to be outdone, Larry Stalbaum flashed Rocknroll Runa A four-wide to grab the front past the half and took the group into the second circuit.

Moving by the five-eighths, JM’s Delight was forced to go three-deep around Decoy before drawing alongside Rocknroll Runa A halfway up the backside. With Cummings and Stalbaum both rocking hard in their bikes, JM’s Delight cleared at three-quarters before heading into the turn and opening up a 3-1/2 length advantage at the top of the stretch. From there,  JM’s Delight ran away with the race by 5-1/2 lengths at the line where he stopped the clock in 1:54.4.

Peerless at the meet to this point, JM’s Delight ($3.10) is now two for two for owner Greg Merton and trainer Shawn McDonough.

Cummings and McDonough also teamed up earlier in the card to win with I’m Thinking (2:01.1, $10.60), giving each a double for the day.

The top trot came next and Stalbaum got redemption after receiving a wholesale effort from Big Box Hanover who claimed a narrow victory at the wire.

Big Box Hanover led the field past the eighth pole where Credit List (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Dewey Arnold (Kevin Cummings) blasted two and three deep by the swift :27.4 quarter before they both dropped in around the turn. With Dewey Arnold now commander of fractions, the field hit the half in :57.2 while staying in single file until the five-eighths. That’s where Big Box Hanover came off the pegs from third and started his advance.

It took most of the backstretch, but Big Box Hanover finally caught Dewey Arnold at three-quarters and the two trotters then matched strides around the last turn. As they headed into the stretch, Credit List joined the fray in the passing lane and they battled three across the track to the wire. It took the entire lane but Big Box Hanover toughed it out and was able to get the advantage and win by a quarter length over Credit List in 1:56.4.

It was the first win of the year for Big Box Hanover ($5.40) who is both owned and trained by his driver.

Stalbaum had another stellar outing at Batavia, posting both a training and driving hat trick.

Despite not winning either feature, Morrill still was the leading driver of the day after notching a natural hat trick in races five, six and seven with Comeonover Hanover (2:00, $3.00), Mississippi Rabbit (1:58.2, $3.30) and Sportskeeper (1:56.2, $4.30) and then grabbing win number four with It’s Just Too Much (1:56.1, $5.40) in race nine.

Betting was brisk at Batavia once again on Monday as the 13-race card produced a hefty $234,671 handle, which came in just under the $257,510 realized on opening day.

There is a carryover of $618 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta which will be available in the 13th race on Thursday (Jan. 19) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs at 3 p.m. Free full card past performance forms can be downloaded at the Batavia Downs website and all the racing action can be viewed free as it happens at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page. 

Photo by McKenna Dziemian

Genesee County Chamber of Commerce announces the 51st annual award recipients

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 51st Annual Awards Ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Batavia Downs Gaming, 8315 Park Road, Batavia.

This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism. Tickets are $50 per person or a table of 8 for $360.

The evening begins at 5 p.m. with Hors d'oeuvres, Entrée Tables and a Cash Bar (no formal sit-down dinner is to be served). The Award Program starts at 7 p.m., when dessert and coffee will be served.

This year’s honorees are:

  • Business of the Year: Max Pies Furniture Company, Inc.
  • Agricultural Business of the Year: Fenton’s Produce LLC
  • Innovative Business of the Year: Empire Hemp Co. LLC
  • Special Service Recognition of the Year: Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!)
  • Geneseean of the Year: Norm Argulski

Call Kelly J. Bermingham at 585-343-7440, Ext. 1026 to make your reservations.

Almost Queen kicks off Rockin The Downs summer concert series

By Press Release

Press Release:                     

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for their sixth Rockin’ the Downs concert series, presented by Pepsi, which will take place outside on the racetrack, with eight Friday dates, starting in June and running into August of 2023.  

Kicking off the series on Friday, June 23rd is Almost Queen.  The Ultimate Queen Tribute show delivers a live performance, showcasing signature four part harmonies and intricate musical interludes. Donning genuine costumes, Almost Queen recaptures the live energy and precision that is the Queen experience.  Almost Queen was the first post-pandemic concert to take place at Batavia Downs in June of 2021 and played to a packed house.  Hear hits like We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions and many more.

Next up, on Friday, June 30th, Batavia Downs welcomes back Get the Led Out.  One of the best attended concerts from last year, this group of professional musicians are passionate about their love of the music of Led Zeppelin, making it their mission to bring the studio recordings of the Mighty Zep to life on stage.  Songs performed by the band could include Led Zeppelin hits like Black Dog, Immigrant Song, Stairway to Heaven and many others.

Making his debut on Friday, July 7th is Country Music Artist, Craig Morgan.  Morgan has charted 17 times on the Billboard Country Charts including That's What I Love About Sunday, Almost Home, Redneck Yacht Club, Little Bit of Life, International Harvester, Love Remembers, and Bonfire.  Morgan’s New Album, God, Family, Country has just been released along with his memoir.  Morgan is an Army Veteran and is involved with several Veterans charities, having also been inducted into the U.S. Field Artillery Hall of Fame in 2022.  Opening for Craig Morgan will be Drake White.

Rocking the stage on Friday, July 14th is Heavy Metal Rockers Skid Row. After forming in New Jersey in 1986, the band has performed all over the world with hard guitars and a unique songwriting style.  They’ll be performing their hits; In a Darkened Room, We Are the Damned, Youth Gone Wild, 18 and Life and many more.

On Friday, July 21st, Batavia Downs welcomes back Southern Rock legends The Marshall Tucker Band.  MTB will bring their 40 years of hits to Batavia Downs with hit singles like Heard It In a Love Song, Fire On The Mountain, Can't You See, and Take The Highway, The Marshall Tucker Band earned seven gold and three platinum albums. During the 90's, the MTB scored four hit singles on Billboard's country chart and one on Billboard's gospel chart.

Performing on Friday, July 28th  is the returning Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone. Peter Noone is a multi-talented entertainer, who achieved international fame as Herman, lead singer of the legendary Sixties pop band Herman’s Hermits.  His classic hits include: I’m Into Something Good, Mrs. Brown, you’ve Got A Lovely Daughter, I’m Henry VIII, I Am.  The Grass Roots will once again open for Peter Noone.  Last year’s Concert featuring both artists saw one of the largest concert crowds in Batavia Downs History.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles, will perform on Friday, August 4th.  As a renowned former lead guitarist of The Eagles, one of the most popular and influential rock groups of our time, Don has helped write and perform many iconic classics.  His 2008 memoir was a New York Times best seller.  Don will perform solo and Eagles’ hits during his set including Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride), Hotel California, Life in the Fast Lane, the Long Run and Tequila Sunrise.

Closing out the series on Friday, August 11th is Mike DelGuidice and the Big Shot Horns. A recording artist, singer and songwriter who is currently on tour with Billy Joel, Mike has wowed audiences across America with his voice and musicianship .  Mike and the Big Shot horns enjoyed a standing ovation after each of their last 5 songs during last year’s concert series.  Mike and his band play all of Billy Joel’s big hits along with other renditions of classic rock songs.

“We are excited to be welcoming new artists and some of the most popular ones from year’s past,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “We’re appreciative to have Pepsi again as our headline sponsor this year and looking forward to allowing great charities like Make-A-Wish Western New York and Kat Colony Animal Rescue to utilize our events to help raise much needed funds for their organizations.”

Tickets for all eight concerts will be available only at www.BataviaConcerts.com beginning on Wednesday, January 11th at 10 a.m.

Tickets this year will be $15 for General Admission, $30 for VIP, $60 for Premium and $75 for front row seats.  All tickets can be redeemed at Player’s Club at any time in the three days following the concert for $10 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 950+ gaming machines.

Season Tickets are also back and will also go on sale for General Admission, VIP and Premium Sections.  A Season pass for General Admission will be $100 (a savings of $20) Season Passes for VIP tickets are $200 (a savings of $40). A Premium Season Pass is $400 (a savings of $80).  Season passes may ONLY be purchased online.

Until February 8th, tickets purchased online for the General Admission section will only be $10. Concert goers will still receive $10 in Free Play on show day with this ticket.

Concerts are held Rain or Shine.  Additional information may be found at www.BataviaDownsGaming.com.

Photos: File photos.  Top photo, Almost Queen by Philip Casper; second photo. Get the Led Out, by Howard Owens

First day of winter meet in decades at Batavia Downs draws record wagering

By Howard B. Owens

It was a good day for harness racing at Batavia Downs on Monday. It was cold.  But it was good.

Don Hoover, director of live racing, said that while patrons mostly huddled inside during the races, the turnout for the first night of winter racing at the Downs, in many decades, was strong.

"If you compare this to like Wednesday nights during the season, or regular racing, we have more people here than a typical Wednesday and people seem to be enjoying it," Hoover said.

And they were betting.

"We're only through eight races (at the time of the interview with The Batavian), but the handle looks good," Hoover said. "I'm being optimistic right now because we still have races to go, but our total handle today could surpass any day of last year. It's possible, but it'll definitely be in the top five."

Hoover's prediction proved correct. Total wagers on for the evening were $257,510. That total was over $20,000 higher than any race card of 2022 and the best overall handle at Batavia Downs since 2019 when betting topped $339,000 during the New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions.

The winter meet came about, he said, because the Western New York Harness Horseman's Association came to Batavia Downs and said the Buffalo Raceway said it wasn't going to hold winter meets any longer. 

"They had a raft of cancellations (due to weather) last year," Hoover said.

After some negotiations, Batavia Downs agreed to host two race events each week in January and February. Assuming drivers and trainers can get to the track on a winter's day, Hoover said he thinks Batavia Downs is well-positioned to host the planned events.

"We have a great track crew," Hoover said."We bought some new equipment. We have a different starting gate if needed. So we're hoping that the preventative measures we've taken will overcome the weather unless, you know, if we have blizzard conditions, nothing can overcome a blizzard."

While Batavia has a bit of an advantage over Buffalo in terms of storm impacts, being further from Lake Erie, many of the race participants have to travel from or through the area to get to Batavia.  That could have an impact on races.

"The first time we canceled in November, we were fine here, but the problem was there was a travel ban," Hoover said. "Many of the horsemen come from the Hamburg area, and there would have been no way for them to get here. Kevin Cummings, Jim Morrill, other drivers are coming from that area, so they couldn't get here. So even though we're not Buffalo, and we think the track will be in better shape, because we won't have as extreme weather, we also have to factor in, 'can the participants get here safely?'"

The 15-day session will run through Feb. 27 and operate on a Monday and Thursday schedule. Post time for each race day is set at 3 p.m. 

Hoover is optimistic this winter meet won't be a one-and-done experiment.

"We have to see how it goes and see if it's worthwhile doing it again," Hoover said. "I mean, we're committed for this year, and then we'll, at the end of February, we'll take a look at it and see how it worked out. But if you were going to ask me today how it's working out, I'd say it's working out great."

See also: Stalbaum steals the show in Batavia Downs winter opener

Photos by Howard Owens. 

Bad to the Bone, winner in the eighth.

Stalbaum steals the show in Batavia Downs winter opener

By Tim Bojarski

Former Batavia Downs driving regular Larry Stalbaum has only been racing at the Downs as a part-time ship-in in recent years as his base of operations has moved away from Western New York. But after spending more time in Genesee County this past year, Stalbaum was a force to be reckoned with on the opening day of the first winter meet in over 20 years as he trained and drove five winners on the 13-race card that produced the highest betting handle since 2019.

“The Bomber” won with Malibu Kid (2:00.2, $2.70), Black Hawk Joe A (1:57, $2.20), Inquiring Mind (2:00.3, $20.00), La Puddie A (1:56.1, $14.20) and American Zest A (1:56.3, $3.30). He also had two thirds from his eight starts giving him a .764 UDR and UTR. Stalbaum was the leading dash driver at Batavia Downs in 2017 when he posted 134 wins that earned $743,422 for his connections.

Downs regular Jim Morrill Jr. also had a big day in the bike winning four races of his own that included a natural hat trick in races eight, nine and 10. The ninth was the co-featured $13,000 Open I trot that he scored with Credit List in a close finish.

Dewey Arnold (Kevin Cummings) went to the front and led the single file field to the half in a swift :56.4 while Morrill sat fifth with Credit List. It wasn’t until the five-eighths that an outer flow formed, led by Share The Wealth (Drew Monti) who was followed by Hobbs (Cory Kreiser). As the top two trotted past three-quarters in 1:26.2, Credit List was locked in fifth and was losing ground. Halfway through the turn, Share The Wealth made a break and at the top of the stretch, Big Box Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) came off the pegs for the drive. This provided Credit List a clear path to the wire that he took to a neck victory in 1:56.4.

It was the fourth win in the last five starts (going back to last year) for Credit List ($11.80), his owner Room4040 LLC Stables and trainer Kevin Reynolds Jr.

Morrill added three seconds and two thirds to his 13 drive tally to end the day with a .513 UDR.

The featured $13,000 Open I pace was won by Monticello Raceway shipper JM’s Delight, who was driven to an eye-popping victory by the Downs 2022 driver of the meet, Kevin Cummings.

Cummings put JM’s Delight right on the point and never looked back from there. After pacing fractions of :27.3 and :57 to the half, JM’s Delight had opened up a two length advantage at that station. But TJ’s Indy Pacer (Drew Monti) pulled first-over into turn three, drew alongside the leader up the backside and forced a slick :27.3 thrid panel. But under heavy urging from Cummings, JM’s Delight turned back that challenge and again opened up by 1-1/2 lengths on the field at the top of the stretch. Heading down the lane, JM’s Delight just kept on going and stretched out to a 2-3/4 length victory in 1:52.4.

JM’s Delight is owned by Greg Merton and trained by Shawn McDonough.

Cummings ended the day with a total of three winners.

The bettors seemed to like the opening day card and early 3 p.m. post as they pumped $257,510 through the windows. That total was over $20,000 higher than any race card of 2022 and the best overall handle at Batavia Downs since 2019, when punters wagered over $339,000 during the New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions. The $10,733 carryover and $17,500 guaranteed pool for the “must-pay” Jackpot Super Hi-5 wager in race 13 drew $41,724 in new money and pushed that race’s total handle to $67,058. The 4-1-5-3-2 combination returned $97.70 for the 20-cent wager.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Jan. 12) with post time at 3 p.m. Free full card past performance forms can be downloaded at the Batavia downs website and all the racing action can be viewed live at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Photo courtesy Batavia Downs.

First winter races at Batavia Downs in decades start on Monday

By Tim Bojarski

It has been decades since Batavia Downs hosted a winter race meet at the oldest lighted harness track in North America, but that all changes on Monday when the 2023 harness racing season gets underway in Western New York. The 15-day session will run through Monday (Feb. 27) and operate on a Monday-Thursday schedule. Post time for each race day is set at 3 p.m. 

All the Downs favorite local drivers and trainers will be back in action along with a host of ship-in talent, who already have a strong presence on day one. The wagering menu remains the same and will feature (on a 13-race card) five Doubles, 13 Exactas, 13 Trifectas, 12 Superfectas, two Pick-3s, two Pick-4, one Pick-5 and one Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta. 

“I am happy to have Batavia Downs host a live winter racing meet for the first time in over 20 years. And I was also very pleased with the trainer’s response to the first draw, with 127 horses entered for our opening day program. That card will feature two divisions of Open pacers and two divisions of Open trotters,” said Don Hoover, General Manager and Race Secretary at Batavia Downs. 

“The 13th and final race of the day is a very competitive upper-level conditioned trot featuring a nine-horse field. It also has a $17,500 guaranteed pool in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta with a 20-cent minimum wager.”

That Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta had a carryover of $10,733 going into the final night of the 2022 season and was required to be paid out as it was the last card of the year. But when racing was canceled due to weather prior to that race, the carryover was moved to opening night of 2023 (Monday, January 9) and will again be offered as a "must pay". But the pool has also been guaranteed at $17,500 through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, a free program page for that race can be downloaded at the USTA website under the “Handicapping” tab. 

Full card past performance forms for all live race nights at Batavia Downs can always be downloaded for free from the track’s website at bataviadownsgaming.com under “Live Racing”. You can also stream all the live action as it happens for free on the Batavia Downs YouTube page.

Batavia Downs reports record revenue from wagers for 2022

By Press Release

Press release:

Officials from Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel formally closed the books on a record-breaking 2022.  Credits played topped $1 Billion for the first time ever.  Net win totaled just over $76 Million Dollars.  That was up 14.5 percent or $9.63 Million over 2021’s numbers.   Surcharge & Earnings to be distributed to member municipalities are projected to total $9.2 Million, with earnings projected to be $8.6 Million, a record amount since the Corporation’s inception in 1974.  This is an increase of 48 percent over the 2021 Surcharge & Earnings distributions to member municipalities of $5.8 Million.

Batavia Downs Gaming contributed $37.25 Million to State Education via the New York State Lottery.  This number was also a record, beating 2021’s number of $32.55 Million by $4.7 Million.

The Hotel at Batavia Downs, which was purchased by the corporation in the spring of 2021, has generated projected bottom-line revenues to the Corporation of $675,000.  The occupancy rate for the hotel was 78%, beating out last year's rate of 61 percent.

Batavia Downs’ Food and Beverage outlets generated projected bottom-line revenues to the Corporation of $1.2 Million, a new record.  Several improvements to Fortune’s Steakhouse and a rebranding of the Homestretch Grill provided guests of Batavia Downs with new options when dining onsite.

“We are very encouraged by all we’ve accomplished in 2022,” said Jacquelyne Leach, Chief Financial Officer for Western OTB/Batavia Downs.  “Our total distributions to municipalities are projected to be $9.2 Million, bringing our total since our inception in 1974 to $251 Million. At a tax rate of 49%, almost half of the money generated at Batavia Downs goes to NYS to help fund the State Education Budget.  We’re proud to have given the highest amount we’ve ever had back to the citizens of New York.”

“These numbers showcase the positive direction of our facility, “said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs.  “In the post-Covid economy, we have begun adding events and expanding our promotions.  By utilizing our onsite hotel and improving our food and beverage offerings, we have made Batavia Downs an entertainment destination.”

“With our Summer Concert Series, Harness Racing Dates and marquee promotions all in the upcoming months, we’re looking forward to contributing more to our member municipalities and the State Education Fund this year, “ Wojtaszek continued.

Batavia Downs had their three busiest days of all time, with each day reaching over $5 million in credits played.  Several record weeks topped $24 Million in credits played.

In a separate table listing county-by-county distribution, Batavia Downs reported a projected distribution to Genesee County of $194,821, bringing the total distribution since 1974 to $12,911,504.

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens

Batavia Downs race officials satisfied with betting in 2022 while facing increased competition

By Tim Bojarski

The 2022 racing season came to a close at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 17) and although some declines in handle were realized, the track performed better than many national trends.

The track recorded its fourth-highest total on-track handle for Batavia live racing since Western Regional OTB reopened the track in 2002, finishing only $33,599 behind the 2021 totals while racing the same number of days (55). However, the total handle (from all sources) for Batavia live racing was down 6.4% from last year, and that may have been a direct result of more competition for the expendable gaming dollar.

Don Hoover, General Manager of Live Racing and Race Secretary at Batavia Downs said, “Keeping these numbers in context, total wagering on harness racing in the United States this year is down 8.4% over 2021, which puts Batavia ahead of the national average. The introduction of online sports wagering in New York State in January of 2022 had a definite impact on the betting dollar at every race track and the months of road work on the new Park Road extension put a definite crimp on our in-house business during our prime summer dates.”

The good news was that local horsemen and women were beneficiaries of some of the best purses in the state during the meet, and those numbers drew more horses that stiffened the competition on the track.

Total purses (including stakes) at Batavia Downs were up 31% from 2021. Overnight purses alone increased by 29%, due in part to holding 88 more races this year. That latter increase was distributed to local racing participants and the agricultural infrastructure in the area will benefit directly from that money as it goes back into the local economies of Western New York and the Southern Tier, supporting the farmers, blacksmiths, veterinarians and others businesses that directly service the racing industry.

Bigger purses brought more horses and that added competition produced better payouts. Batavia Downs registered 45.8% winning favorites and that was the lowest among competing tracks at Buffalo, Monticello, Northfield, Saratoga and Yonkers who averaged between 46.8% and 48.3%.

“In sum, despite slight declines in overall wagering, I am happy with the robust growth shown in racing, with increases in average field size, overnight purses distributed, and the total number of horses competing at Batavia Downs in 2022,” said Hoover.  

Probably the single greatest racing moment of the meet was when American Dealer N (Joe Bongiorno) scored a 2-1/2 length victory in the 17th edition of the $75,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace which was held on Friday (Aug. 26) at Batavia Downs, setting a new all-time track record of 1:50.2. The lightning-fast speed strip also produced two other track records along with a list of new lifetime marks for competing horses.  

Local driving favorite Kevin Cummings captured the dash title at the recently concluded session by winning 150 races, 14 more than the second place Jim Morrill Jr. However, Morrill and Cummings both made history by being the first drivers to ever surpass $1 million in earnings in the history of Batavia Downs (Morrill-$1,115,951, Cummings-$1,032,364). Shawn McDonough won his first-ever training title at the Downs finishing with 52 wins, only two more then the second place Jennifer Giuliani (50).

The completion of the 2022 meet does not mean that Batavia Downs will be dark for long. For the first time in over 20 years, winter racing will be back and begin at the Genesee County oval on Monday (Jan. 9) and continue through Monday (Feb. 27). The eight-week meet will be conducted on a Monday-Thursday schedule with post-time at 3 p.m. for all race days. Opening day will feature a $17,500 guaranteed pool that also has a mandatory payout on the Jackpot Super Hi-5 in the day’s last race. 

Tom Bojarski is the publicist for Batavia Downs.

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