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Batavia Downs

Niagara Falls diva to sing the blues (and more) Thursday at Batavia Downs

By Joanne Beck

Western New York Singer Marsha McWilson was 6 years old when she learned the ropes of performing. Her brother Roger was choirmaster at a large church, and he was a stickler for accuracy.

 “I had to hit every note and look presentable … he groomed me,” McWilson said during a phone interview from her home in Niagara Falls. “It hit me when I picked up the mic, and everyone started clapping.”

That prep in St. John’s AME Church paved a musical path for her to follow, she said. She attributes the 100-voice choir, led by Kathy Jordan Sharpton (former wife of Al Sharpton), and pianist Bruce Parker, and related teachings for her gradual rise in the music industry. 

McWilson plans to dazzle spectators during her first appearance at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel. The show goes on at 7 p.m., Oct. 14 at 8315 Park Road.

Expect glitz, glamour, a combination of jazzy blues, country, and Motown, plus assorted diva costumes. A full band, backup singers, and everything from Etta James and Tina Turner to Patsy Cline and Aretha Franklin will be featured.

“I’m bringing Vegas to Batavia,” she said. “Tell ‘em just get ready.”

The licensed beauty salon owner knows many facets of the industry, so the audience will get the full package of presentation, she said. Is there a connection between her beauty business and entertaining? Well of course there is, she said.

“That’s the biggest part of everything; I have the foundation already,” she said, adding a bit of snap to her voice. “I am the total package. I sing, write, produce, do hair, make-up and pick the clothes.”

The concert will be dedicated to her sister Vanessa, who succumbed to COVID, and to her high school music teacher and longtime friend, Marva Frails, for whom McWilson just sang during her funeral this past Thursday. Frails taught her young student the ABCs in music, which are the words Every Boy Does Fine and FACE to cover the musical notes on a staff. Frails also instilled the importance of being on time and not complaining, which McWilson intends to honor.

“She taught me so many things,” McWilson said. “I’m going to stop complaining.”

After losing many friends and family members to COVID, the energetic vocalist penned a song, “Rona Mae Blues,” which can be heard on her website. Accompanied by son Cameron Connor, she genuinely sings the blues with lines such as “If only I knew it was going to be the last time I saw you” and “You tore our lives apart.” Of all the uncertainties of the pandemic, she knows one thing for sure: “You won’t believe about coronavirus until your family dies,” she said. “My sister died Christmas Day. She didn’t think she had the virus.”

It’s hard to imagine McWilson being down, given her vibrant personality, but she has definitely walked through the blues, she said. Losing six family members in a short period of time, struggling with obesity, and knocking on doors that just wouldn’t open for her could have beat her down for good. But she got back up with a mission to benefit others, she said. She advocates getting the Covid vaccine and has an undying trust that she can do all things “through Christ who strengthens me.” As for those venues that wouldn’t book her, she believes, for being a black entertainer, she knows that better objectives are in her future. 

“It’s not about the money; the message I have is to uplift them,” she said. 

McWilson recalled seeing her brother Larry on the living room floor after he had died from a heart attack. Her brother Maurice tried to nudge her into reality.

“He said that if I didn’t change my life, it could be me,” she said, noting that other siblings had died of heart attacks. “I prayed, and I walked. I called it the mind, body, and soul program. I began to get up every day and walk around Hyde Park and I prayed that God would help me.”

She prayed for help to lose weight, gain inspiration to write and sing songs and forge a path toward a successful musical career. Two hundred pounds lighter, she hit a local pinnacle as the first black female inductee for the 2020 Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame and has performed in jazz and blues festivals, at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, fundraisers and for a yearly 10-day Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage cruise.

Had she not lost weight, McWilson knows she would have missed out on so much, including flying because she couldn’t squeeze into an airplane seat and giving birth to long-awaited “miracle” children. As one of a dozen siblings, she had a tight-knit family, though McWilson has been determined to do the work all by herself, she said. She was told that her gospel couldn’t be played on the radio and that she would never be able to fly in an aircraft. She found a way. 

“I’m morphing through the pain … pain is what gets us through life,” she said. “My mother inspired me to go after what I want. She had 12 kids and none of them got in trouble. She’s my role model.”

Her favorite genre is Gospel, though she admits “the blues is getting me to the green.” She has appeared in three movies and sees herself doing more television work. Actually, her visual is much more specific than that.

“I see myself winning Grammys and Emmys … being so wealthy that I’ll be a blessing to help someone else,” she said.  

For more about McWilson, check out her website at www.marshamcwilson.com. Concert tickets are $10 and may be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marsha-mcwilson-tribute-performance-at-batavia-downs-gaming-hotel-tickets-170476676328 

Photos submitted by Marsha McWilson.

Stratosphere orbits the field in Batavia Open pace

By Press Release

Press release:

Fresh back from a six-week respite, Stratosphere made his return felt intermediately after looping the field to win by open lengths at 21-1 in the $12,300 Open I Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 9).

This race was an example of what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Foo Fighter N (Kevin Cummings) left and took the lead at the pylons while Surfer Beach (Jim Morrill Jr.) was parked out next to him and Matticulous GB (Larry Stalbaum) was also parked three-deep in line. At this point Stratosphere (Drew Monti) was seated fifth, watching the action. From that point on Foo Fighter N, Surfer Beach and Matticulous GB raced side-by-side -- three-deep -- to the quarter in :27.2, the half in :54.3 and three-quarters in 1:23.4 and neither of them would relent. At that third station, Monti had Stratosphere out and rolling and tipped four-deep into the last turn, circled the group and then ran away with the race. Stratosphere opened up four lengths at the top of the stretch and extended that to eight lengths at the wire where he was a wrapped-up winner in 1:53.

It was the third win in the last four starts and the sixth win overall for Stratosphere ($44.00) who is owned by his driver and trained by Darrin Monti.

Drew Monti added two more wins on Saturday to end the night with three.

In the $11,000 Open II Handicap, Endeavors Pride (Kevin Cummings) took full advantage of pylon position and led at every station before turning for home with a brisk :28.4 clocking to hold of late challenges from Sunfirewindrain (Jim McNeight Jr.) and Toot Toot N (Kyle Cummings) to win by a length in 1:54.4.

The horse that had no wins and a mere $4,047 in earnings last year, Endeavors Pride ($4.00) now has six wins and $49,008 in 2021 for owner Mike Torcello. Gerry Sarama trains the winner.

Jim Morrill Jr. followed up his seven-win effort on Friday at Batavia with three more wins on Saturday.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 13), there will once again be two healthy carryovers available.

With no single unique winning ticket purchased in the Pick-5 on Saturday night (Oct. 9), there is a carryover of $7,668 for that bet in race nine and with the same situation occurring in the Jackpot Pick-6, another carryover of $1,675 will be in place for that wager in race four.

Free full past performance programs for the entire card -- that includes these races -- can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab, where they can be found for every live night of racing at Batavia Downs.

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

Batavia Downs implements second purse increase of season

By Press Release

Press release:

For the second time this season, the management of Batavia Downs along with the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association has announced that starting Wednesday (Oct. 13) purses for all races held at the track will be increased by 10%. As was the case earlier this year, the increase is due to the continued success in business the VLT’s have seen on the gaming floor and the brisk action at the windows for the horses as per-race betting is up 18%.

“This is the kind of news we like to announce. Because of our loyal customer base at the track and the unbelievable support our gaming floor gets from all our guests, we are able to raise our purses again so our horsemen can continue to race for some of the best money available in the upstate region all year,” said Todd Haight, General Manager/Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs.

With the new increased structure in place, the bottom purse at the Downs will be raised from $4,200 to $4,600, a $10,000 claimer will go for $9,800 and the top purse will jump from $12,300 to $13,500. 

Protect Blue Chip returns to Batavia winner’s circle

By Press Release

Press release:

With Misty Memory N not entered this week, Protect Blue Chip regained her spot as morning line favorite in the $12,300 fillies and mares Open I Handicap pace and delivered as expected on that forecast after she won the weekly distaff feature at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Oct. 6).

Jim Morrill Jr. put Protect Blue Chip right on the engine and pretty much ran the show. Without any resistance for the first half that went in a respectable :56.2, a minor challenge came from Vicious Circle (Jim McNeight Jr.) on the backstretch to three-quarters that Protect Blue Chip easily turned away.  Protect Blue Chip continued to pace sharply and in the stretch, held off a charge from the pocket-sitting Stay Beautiful (Kevin Cummings) as well as the late closing Gotta Love Cabot (Shawn McDonough) at the line to win by one length in 1:54.3.

It was win number nine for Protect Blue Chip ($4.60) and her owners Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock and it pushed her earnings to $64,517 on their behalf. Maria Rice trains the mare.

Protect Blue Chip was only one of three winners Morrill had during the proceedings on Wednesday.

One race earlier in the $11,000 Open II Handicap for female pacers, former Borscht Belt regular Don’t Chip Me shipped in from Monticello Raceway and turned a pretty rough trip into quite a victory.

Drew Monti took Don’t Chip Me off the gate and settled in seventh as a three-wide speed duel was raging in front between Peggy J (Jim Morrill Jr.), Wonderful World (Denny Bucceri), and Cinderella Delight (Kevin Cummings), who grabbed the lead at the quarter but then gave it back to Wonderful World at the half, who was still parked. Moving up the backside Peggy J went three-wide around both to take the lead and at this point, Don’t Chip Me was sixth and three-deep on the move. Monti continued to drive around the last turn and Don’t Chip Me picked up all the pieces down the lane to win by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:55.2.

Don’t Chip Me ($14.20) is now a 13-time winner in 2021 and has solid earnings of $64,087 as a result. The 4-year-old Hypnotic Blue Chip-Don’t Flash Me mare is owned by Rick Howles, Geoff Howles, and John Hallet, who also does the training.

Kevin Cummings and Drew Monti each scored two driving wins during the card.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 8) there will be two carryovers available.

With no unique single winning ticket purchased in the Pick-5 on Wednesday night (Oct. 6), there is now a carryover of $5,963 for that bet in race nine and with the same situation occurring in the Jackpot Pick-6, another carryover of $1,216 will be in place for that wager in race four.

Free full past performance programs for the entire card -- that includes these races -- can be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab, where they are always found for every live night of racing at Batavia Downs.

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

American Zest A wins second straight at Batavia

By Press Release

Press release:

In his last visit to Batavia Downs, American Zest A demolished a field of Open II pacers as he won in 1:52.3 by open lengths. After a brief stop at Yonkers last week, the Aussie-bred returned to  Genesee County and made quick work of the Open I fellowship to claim the winner’s share of the $12,300 purse in the Saturday night (Oct. 2) Handicap.

Larry Stalbaum took American Zest A off the gate and settled in third as Foo Fighter N (Kevin Cummings) put up torrid numbers of :26.3 and :55.2. Positions remained unchanged until midway up the backstretch when Silver Beast (Jim McNeight Jr.) pulled first-over while American Zest A quickly followed him. It was only a few strides before Stalbaum tipped American Zest A three-deep in the last turn in advance of taking control of the race. American Zest A cleared in the stretch and pulled away to a 2-1/4 length victory in 1:53.3.

It was the seventh win of the year for American Zest A ($3.80) who is both owned and trained by Stalbaum.

In the $11,000 Open II Handicap, Art Scene (Jim Morrill Jr.) made every step a winning one despite some tense moments at the wire. Endeavors Pride (Kevin Cummings) had been sitting in the pocket the entire trip and at the head of the stretch, Cummings tipped him off that cover to make a late rush for the lead. But Art Scene was tough and hung on by a head in 1:54.4. Art Scene ($3.20) is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock and is trained by Maria Rice.

Jim Morrill Jr. topped the driver’s list again, scoring three wins on Saturday night.

There was no winner in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta wager again on Saturday so there will be a carryover of $5,214 for that wager on Wednesday (Oct. 6) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs. There is also another carryover that has been quietly growing in the Jackpot Pick-6 and it’s now worth $1,006. 

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

Misty Memory N wins easily again in Batavia feature

By Press Release

Press release:

Without question, the best resident mare at Batavia Downs continued to roll as Misty Memory N won the $12,300 fillies and mares Open I Handicap on Wednesday (Sept. 29) to score her fourth win in her last five starts at the Genesee County oval.

Misty Memory N (Denny Bucceri) got away last in the scratch-shortened field of five and watched as Protect Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) took the field to the half in :57.1. When Kevin Cummings pulled Stay Beautiful at that station, Bucceri followed with Misty Memory N and shadowed her cover until the last turn. That’s where Bucceri tipped three-deep around everybody and let Misty Memory N pace home entirely on her own while opening up a 3-1/2 length lead at the wire where she won in 1:54.4.

Misty Memory N ($4.60) continues to rack up the numbers during this career year for her, now with 10 wins and $78,126 in the bank. Gaston Lareau trains for owner JP Houle Stables.

One race earlier in the $11,000 Open II for female pacers, Canadian transplant Taupeka Jessie N (Jim Morrill Jr.) was bet off the board at 1-9 and made easy work of her seven competitors after taking the front off the gate, leading at every station and pulling away to a 2-1/2 length win in 1:55.3.

Recently purchased by Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing, and Adelphi Bloodstock, Taupeka Jessie N ($2.20) scored her third win of the year. Maria Rice is her trainer.

Morrill added wins with Mean Pauline (1:57.1, $4.80), Rocklindarock (1:58.1, $2.60) and Innocent Victim (1:56.1, $2.80) for a grand slam on the night. Kyle Cummings also had a driving hat trick while trainers Tammy Cummings and Gaston Lareau each registered two wins.

There were three carryover pools going into Wednesday night and when the dust had settled, two will still be live when racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 1).

The $5,000 guaranteed Pick-5 was hit and the combination of 6-6-5-4-5 returned $573.25 for a 50-cent bet. However on Friday in the ninth race the Jackpot Super Hi-5 has a healthy carryover of $4,069 for that bet and another small but mentionable carryover of $589 is available for the Jackpot Pick-6 in race four.

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

Batavia Downs donates $4,500 from concert chair rental proceeds to Make-A-Wish

By Press Release

Press release:

Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by Batavia Downs employees to present the Make-A-Wish Foundation with a $4,500 check to help support the incredible work they do by fulfilling the dreams of Western New York children.

“One of the best aspects of the work we do is being able to give back. The team at Batavia Downs and Western OTB is always looking for creative ways we can help leaders of the community,” Wojtaszek said. “We could not be more proud to help ‘Make-A-Wish’ in any small way to make the dreams of young Western New Yorkers a reality.”

Throughout Batavia Downs’ massively successful Rockin’ The Downs Summer Series, volunteers from Make-A-Wish worked a chair-rental booth.   The chairs were purchased by Batavia Downs and adorned with the Make-A-Wish logo and a positive message written on the back.   The message reads:  “The person sitting in this chair is helping to transform lives.”  A portion of proceeds from chair rentals, koozies and glow jewelry are what make up the check given to Make-A-Wish today.

“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Batavia Downs and the opportunity to raise awareness and crucial support at the ‘Rockin’ the Downs’ concert series,” said Ben Marchione, Regional Director, Make-A-Wish® Western New York.  “Our area children fighting critical illnesses need the hope, strength, and transformation a wish can bring now as much as ever and Make-A-Wish is thankful for the generous support of Batavia Downs and all those in attendance this summer.”

Photo: Submitted photo.  Ben Marchione, Connie Czworka, and Henry Wojtaszek.

Guaranteed $5,000 Pick-5 pool Wednesday at Batavia

By Press Release

Press release:

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 29) there will be three carryovers and one large guaranteed pool.

With no winner of the Pick-5 on Saturday night (Sept. 25), there is a carryover of $837 and the management of Batavia Downs has announced that the track will offer a $5,000 guaranteed pool for that wager on Wednesday (Sept. 29). The guarantee is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website or by clicking here. (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv0929x.pdf)

Free program pages can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab or on the Batavia Downs Facebook page.

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the next day of racing.

Then in race 9, the Jackpot Super Hi-5 has another healthy carryover of $3,449 for that bet, and another small but mentionable carryover of $467 is available for the Jackpot Pick-6 in race four.

Free full past performance programs for the entire card -- that includes these races -- can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab, where they can be found for every live night of racing at Batavia Downs.

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

Kevin Cummings sweeps both Batavia features

By Press Release

Press release:

Perennial local driving leader Kevin Cummings had a big night at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 25) after winning both weekly pacing features with Black Is Back and Foo Fighter N and vaulting himself into second place for dash wins at the current meet.

It has been some time since Black Is Back visited the Purple Haze winner’s circle but he definitely earned the right this day as he turned a first-over move into a hard fought victory in the $12,300 Open Handicap pace.

Black Is Back got away third in the short field of six while Raksmach N (Denny Bucceri) took his usual position on the point where he led at the half in :57 flat. Looking solid on the lead, Raksmach N was soon visited by Black Is Back and Crockets Cullen N (Larry Stalbaum) who were rolling up the rim at the five-eighths. Black Is Back took command of the race on the backstretch after Raksmach N succumbed to his challenge and then Crockets Cullen N moved right alongside. and these two tangled all the way to the wire.

After tripping the third-panel timer in 1:25.3, Black Is Back and Crockets Cullen N tangled all the way to the wire. The pacing pair opened up 2-1/2 lengths on the field but couldn’t separate themselves with a sheet of paper. Both Cummings and Stalbaum drove hard down the stretch and to the line and after all their hard work, it took a photo to decide Black Is Back won by a head in a seasonal best 1:54.1

Black Is Back ($13.40) scored his fourth win of the year for owners Curtis Edholm and Mihajlo Zdjelar Sr. The 8-year-old Western Terror gelding is trained by Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr.   

Then Cummings scored with Foo Fighter N in the $11,000 Open II Handicap with the fastest clocking of the night.

Foo Fighter N took the lead off the gate and held a 1-1/2 length advantage to the half with Itsonlyrocknroll A (Larry Stalbaum) tracking intently. Cummings tapped the gas and Foo Fighter N sped to a :28.1 third-quarter and extended his lead to 2-1/2. From there he was a runaway, opening up six lengths by the top of the stretch and then sprinted home in another :28.1 panel to win by eight in 1:53.

Foo Fighter N (7.20) is having a career earnings year with now $62,506 in the bank for owner William Emmons. Jim Clouser Jr. trains the winner.

Cummings is now in second place in the driving derby, tied with Dave McNeight III with 27 wins. However, they are both chasing the leading Jim Morrill Jr. who sits in the throne with 54 wins.  

Other horsemen having multiple wins Saturday include drivers Jim McNeight Jr. and Larry Stalbaum along with trainer Jim McNeight, all tallying two wins for the evening.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 29) there will be a plethora of punting opportunities with major payouts available as “carryovers” is the word of the day.  

First, there is an $837 carryover in the Pick-5 wager in the first race and Todd Haight -- General Manager of Batavia Downs -- has announced there will be a guaranteed $5,000 pool for that wager on Wednesday. The guarantee is in conjunction with the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free past performance pages for races, one through five will be available on the USTA’s website on Monday as well as Batavia Downs website and Facebook page.

Then later in the card, there is a $467 carryover in the Jackpot Pick-6 bet in the fourth race and finally, in race nine, the Jackpot Super Hi-5 features a $3,449 carryover.

Free complete past performance programs are always available for download at bataviadownsgaming.com and the Batavia Downs Facebook page and Wednesday’s (Sept. 29) program with all these excellent betting options will be available tomorrow (Sunday, Sept. 26) so you can get a head start on handicapping.

Post time for the first race on Wednesday is 5 p.m.

Batavia Downs top trotters go the distance

By Press Release

Three Open trots headlined the Friday night (Sept. 24) card at Batavia Downs and all three winners won in gate to wire fashion. 

In the $12,300 Open I Handicap, Frank's Watching (Ray Fisher Jr.) left from post three and opened up a four length lead by three-quarters. From there he coasted home to a 1:57.3 win by 1-¼ lengths. 

It was the second straight win and eighth of the season for Frank's Watching ($3.10) who is owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift.

Then in the $11,000 Open II Handicap, J-s Swanman (Jim McNeight Jr.) led comfortably to the half in a soft :59 until Willie B Worthy (Kevin Cummings) put the pressure on at three-quarters. But as he drew alongside J-s Swanman, Willie B Worthy made a break at the top of the turn and J-s Swanman was clear. He held off a late challenge from All About Thechase (Mike Caprio) in deep stretch to win by ¼ length in 1:59.

J-s Swanman ($15.80) is owned by Mike Ventura and is trained by Jim McNeight. 

Finally in the $9,000 Open III Handicap, Majestic Kat (Jim Morrill Jr.) pulled a "drop-and-pop" from Open II and registered an easy 3-½ length win without any challenge at all in 1:58.2.

Majestic Kat ($3.80) is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice trains the winner. 

Morrill ended up the top driver on Friday after scoring a hat trick during the program. 

There was no winner in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta wager again on Friday so there will be a carryover of $2,981 for that wager on Saturday (Sept. 25) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs. The is also a small carryover of $360 in the Jackpot Pick-6.

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

WROTB, Town of Batavia agree on Park Road items

By Mike Pettinella

Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. and the Town of Batavia have come to an agreement concerning enhanced aesthetics and maintenance on and around Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel on Park Road.

WROTB President Henry Wojtaszek and Town Supervisor Gregory Post both reported that a productive discussion took place Wednesday as both entities prepare for the start of the Park Road Improvement Project later this fall.

Reconstruction of the street -- from Lewiston Road to Oak Street – is a $4.3 million project, with the bulk of the cost covered by federal and state aid.

Negotiations have been taking place in recent weeks over contracts covering WROTB’s financial contribution for requesting additional trees and lighting and details of the town’s cost for having Batavia Downs’ employees to maintain trees, street lights and sidewalks and for snowplowing once the project is complete.

“We met with the town yesterday and we’re good to go,” Wojtaszek said. “We just had to work out some details of the agreement.”

Post concurred, stating that an attorney review of the language in the agreement has been completed.

“It really wasn’t about the money, it was more about getting the proper wording,” he said. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Batavia Downs.”

Last week, the Batavia Town Board tabled a resolution that set WROTB’s payment for aesthetics at $486,870, with Post indicating that they were close to finalizing the contract. He and Wojtaszek today said that they have agreed on that figure.

In other developments from today’s WROTB directors’ meeting:

  • The board received an update on the armed robbery that took place on Aug. 28 at the Wehrle Drive OTB parlor. According to Amherst Police, a male suspect entered the building, fired a gun shot and fled on foot with an unknown amount of cash. WROTB employees installed a full security door afterwards.
  • Batavia Downs’ revenue in August resulted in a distribution of $73,637 to the corporation’s municipalities.

E-Z bet handle this year, through August, is up $2.3 million compared to 2020 and up $765,000 compared to 2019.

Batavia Bets’ handle in August was $1.8 million, down $337,000 compared to August 2020, and was $966,000 through Sept. 19, down $376,000 compared to September 2020. For the year, handle is $13 million, an increase of almost $1.6 million from 2020.

  • The board approved contracts with two Batavia-based companies: a one-year agreement with Applied Business Systems in the amount of $82,434 for marketing mailers and a pact through the end of the year for $22,500 with Extreme Streetwear for Buffalo Mafia apparel to be sold at Batavia Downs Gaming’s Lucky Treasures store.

Batavia Downs presents $2K to Alzheimer’s Association

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by Batavia Downs employees to present the Alzheimer’s Association with a $2,000 check to support Western New York patients and their families.

“We could not be prouder of the team at Batavia Downs. As we’ve made our way through the pandemic, we understand now more than ever the need to support our neighbors any way we can,” Wojtaszek said. “We look forward to working with the Alzheimer’s Association and supporting their amazing work for years to come.”

Funds were collected earlier this summer at Batavia Downs' “Rockin the Downs” concert series. Local food vendors donated a portion of their sales on Batavia Downs grounds back to support the regional charitable causes.

Lynn Westcott, Director of Corporate Relations for the Alzheimer’s Association said, “We are very grateful for this partnership and donation. Batavia Downs recognizes the challenges so many people face because of this disease, and they have stepped up to ensure that free, crucial care and support services are available to residents of Genesee County who are living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia, and their care partners. Through consultations, education classes, a 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900), early-stage programs, and support groups, the Alzheimer's Association WNY Chapter strives to make a difficult time a little easier to manage.”

State Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, who is on the State’s Committee on Aging, added; “Alzheimer’s disease is a terrible disease that effects nearly two-thirds of all dementia cases and countless families. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leader in global Alzheimer’s support and research.  I share in their vision to have a world without Alzheimer’s and dementia, but without proper funding, that vision cannot come to fruition. Thank you to Western Region OTB for their generous donation to the Alzheimer’s Association for their continued research.”

Batavia Downs and Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) runs a year-round fundraising program to support local charities. In 2021 alone, WROTB has distributed more than $50,000 in various forms, including stay and play certificates, cash sponsorships, merchandise, and tickets.

Batavia Downs also partnered with Genesee County to host a vaccination drive earlier this year where they raffled off a signed Thurman Thomas Bills Jersey, passes to the concerts, and coupons to any of the restaurants at Batavia Downs.

“We’ve always looked for creative approaches to partnerships with charities and worthy causes,” Wojtaszek said. “We encourage anyone who thinks we might be able to play a positive role in helping achieve their mission to reach out to our team to see how we can help.”

Submitted photo: From left, Lynn Westcott – Director of Corporate Relations for Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, WROTB President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek, Connie Czworka, Batavia Downs receptionist and organizer of community outreach efforts.

Misty Memory N scores fourth Batavia Downs victory

By Press Release

Press release:

The weather was cool but Misty Memory N stayed hot after she won her fourth race out of five starts at Batavia Downs, taking the $12,300 distaff pacing feature on Wednesday night (Sept. 22).

Misty Memory N (Denny Bucceri) played give-and-go with Protect Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) and finally settled on the lead for good past the :28 first quarter. Upon reaching the half, Stay Beautiful (Braxton Boyd) was on a first-over rush and hastened the pace to 1:26 at three-quarters. But it was a one-shot deal for Stay Beautiful and Misty Memory N left her and the rest of the field behind while she opened up a 2-1/4 length lead at the top of the stretch. From there she paced home on her own, extending her advantage further at the line where she won in 1:54.3, which was her fastest win time at the Downs despite the off track.

Overall it was the ninth win of the year for Misty Memory N ($5.60) who has now earned $71,976 in 2021. The 8-year-old daughter of Real Desire-Deja Vous is owned by the JP Houle Stable who claimed her for $24,000 on August 25. Gaston Lareau trains the winner.

The $11,000 Open II pace for fillies and mares went to Queen Of Thrones (Jim Morrill Jr.) who took the lead after being parked the first quarter in :27.4 and continued to extend her lead from there. After getting to three-quarters in 1:26 on top by 1-3/4, Queen Of Throne gapped the field by three at the head of the stretch and ran away to a four length win in 1:55.1.

After three consecutive second-place finishes, Queen Of Thrones ($5.50) got her fourth win of the year for owner/trainer Ryan Swift. 

Driver Braxton Boyd and trainer Jennifer Giuliani teamed up to win three races on Wednesday to lead all others in their respective categories. They both had pictures taken with Ohio Prince (1:56.1, $2.30), Thedoginthefight (1:56.3, $3.30), and Rural Art (1:58.2, $2.70). 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 24) there will be two carryovers featured. The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta has a carryover of $2,005 and the Jackpot Pick-6 has a carryover of $212. Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

Master chef Nick Rada back home serving authentic barbecue at Batavia Downs and (soon) Village of Corfu

By Mike Pettinella

He has worked in kitchens throughout the United States as well as Australia and Indonesia.

He has prepared dishes for four presidents and, for a while, was the personal chef for Michael Jackson.

Now, he is back in Western New York, spreading his culinary joy in the form of authentic Texas-style beef and Kansas City-style pork barbecue to patrons of Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.

And, if all goes according to plan, his edible creations will be available soon at 10 East Main St. in his hometown of Corfu.

“He” is Nick Rada, a 1999 Pembroke Central School graduate, who has lived out his lifelong dream of preparing delicious meals at a variety of establishments – from prestigious hotel restaurants to neighborhood bistros and taverns.

Currently, Rada (pictured above) is the manager at Burnin’ Barrell BBQ, located at the Homestretch Grill area of Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. He’s been working in that capacity since May.

“One day I made some barbecue for Henry (Wojtaszek, Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. president) and Scott (Kiedrowski, vice president of operations), and they fell in love with it,” Rada said during an interview Tuesday at the Park Road facility. “They mentioned that they wanted to do something new with the Homestretch (Grill) and asked me if I wanted to do barbecue.”

Rada jumped at the chance, coming up with the name, concept and menu that offers numerous choices in the form of sandwiches, snacks, salads, sides, small bites and big bites.

He said he caught the cooking bug as a teenager, growing up as the oldest of eight children.

“Ever since I was 13 or 14 years old, I knew that I wanted to be a chef,” he said. “My great aunt and uncle (the late Leo and Marge Brumsted) were butchers. Everybody in my family were hunters; everybody in my family cooks. My father, Don, cooks, and so does my grandfather, Al Lang.”

There always was plenty of food on the table, he said, adding that he is the oldest of 68 grandkids – and that’s just on the side of his mother, Claire, who is one of nine Lang children.

After graduating from high school -- where he was a lineman on the Dragons’ football squad and competed in the shot put and discus on the track and field team -- the 6-foot-1, 300-pounder went to culinary school in Pittsburgh. Not long after that, he found himself working in Milwaukee, Wis., for a brief time.

“The chef that I worked for in Milwaukee told me that I have to work at two places in my career – Ritz-Carlton and the Bellagio in Las Vegas (to get ahead),” he recalled.

Rada did just that, working for the Ritz-Carlton in Detroit before transferring with the same company when they opened a hotel in Las Vegas in 2000.

“I transferred out there and worked for them as a cook for a few years and then went to the Bellagio Resort & Casino on the strip there. At the age of 24, I became the youngest chef – a sous chef -- at that hotel’s restaurant, Sensi.”

Having established himself as a top chef, Rada stayed there for about five years before traveling across the country to the Carolinas, where he worked as an executive chef for a country club. After that, it was on to jobs in Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, Australia and then to Indonesia.

“I learned a lot of different techniques, flavors and styles of cooking by traveling all over,” he said.

When asked if he ever cooked for any celebrities, he quickly rattled off the Obamas, the Clintons, and both Bushes while he was employed as part of a catering company when in Milwaukee and Boston.

“I also was a private chef for a short period time for Michael Jackson at the Ritz-Carlton in Las Vegas in 2001 or 2002,” he said.

Over the past five or six years, Rada was a chef at several restaurants in the Buffalo area. In January of this year, he and his wife, Fanchonya (call her Fan), and 5-year-old son, Ronin, came back to Corfu when Rada began work as a cook at the Downs’ Homestretch Grill.

He said the establishment’s transition to barbecue has been a hit with customers.

With a huge smoker outside, he whips up signature plates, including a new one called Wild Wild Weck (pictured below) – a combination of sliced smoked brisket and shaved beef knuckle, horseradish and Alabama white sauce on a brioche kummelweck roll.

He said the brisket is the most popular of the many choices on the menu – “it gets sold out almost every day,” he noted – with other favorites being the St. Louis-style spare ribs, the Texas-size baked potato that is big enough for three, and fried green beans.

Another coming attraction, Rada said, is the Notorious PIG, which he called “a heart attack in one sandwich.”

It consists of stuffed and smoked pork loin, Italian sausage, bacon and cheese on a brioche bun and topped with pulled pork, more cheese and a bourbon sauce.

Rada’s plan is to continue working full time at Batavia Downs while, with assistance from his dad, leasing space in the Village of Corfu for barbecue catering and (after the first of the year) takeout. The Corfu location also will be called Burnin’ Barrell BBQ.

The business site plan is scheduled for review by the Corfu Village Board next week, followed by a referral to the Genesee County Planning Board.

He said he will offer “more traditional” barbecue in Corfu along with another of his specialties: whole hog roasts.

“I do a ton of whole hog roasts for people. That’s one of my main wheels that people call me up for when I cater,” he said, noting that he gets the pigs from Always Something Farm in Darien. “Anything from the small suckling pigs that are 15 to 20 pounds to the whole hugs that are dressed at 220 to 240 pounds. That’s one of the first things I learned to cook in the smoker.”

Rada said to watch for “Whole Hog Saturdays” in Corfu during the summer months and, possibly on the first three Saturdays of this November, for a three-part whole hog cooking class at Batavia Downs.

Perfecting the smoking of beef and pork took quite a bit of trial and error, Rada said, mentioning that his wife, a native of Dallas, Texas – the home of genuine barbecue -- was a key part of the process.

“Before I got to start serving any of my barbecue, I had to get it approved by her – especially the brisket,” he explained. “I had to make a lot of brisket before I got the blessing to start serving it. She’s my biggest critic and my biggest fan.”

For more about Rada’s barbecue service, send him an email at burninbarrelbbq@gmail.com.

Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Wiener dog race added to Batavia Downs' card next month

By Press Release

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel announced today that Batavia Downs will be hosting their famous wiener dog races on Sunday, October 17th. While there is no live harness racing that day, a different type of racing will go on at Batavia’s historic track.

Up to 80 dachshunds will be racing for the crown of the fastest wiener dog in Western New York.  Each “heat” winner will receive free play and the top 3 finishers in the championship race will receive free play, food vouchers, and a free hotel stay.

Family-related activities will also take place including on-site entertainers, kettle corn stand, pumpkin painting, carriage rides, pony rides and $1 hot dogs and sodas. These will take place from 1 to 3pm with the wiener dog races commencing at 3 pm.

If you have a pure-bred dachshund and would like to enter your dog to participate, please call or email Arna Tygart at 585-343-3750 ex 6437 or email at atygart@bataviagaming.com.

Admission and Parking is free.

“The Wiener Dog Races have a great history here at Batavia Downs,” said President and CEO, Henry Wojtaszek.  “We look forward to welcoming families and the community back for another fun and affordable event.”

Photo: File photo from 2017 race.

Stalbaum sweeps features at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Former Batavia Downs driving champion Larry Stalbaum returned to western New York and has already started to find his old groove. On Saturday night (Sept. 18) “The Bomber” swept both pacing features with horses he owns and trains and he did it in impressive fashion. 

Stalbaum took the $12,300 Open I Handicap with recent acquisition Matticulous GB, with a tough first-over trip.

Art Scene (Jim Morrill Jr.) outfought Daylight Rush (Dave McNeight III) and Major Authority (Wade Tomaszewski) for the front and led the field to the half in :56. Stalbaum pulled Matticulous GB first-over and drew alongside Art Scene by three-quarters. The two pacers then went stride for stride around the last turn and into the final eighth. The battle continued into a deep stretch where Matticulous GB got the edge over Art Scene and then held off a late burst from Daylight Rush to win in 1:53.4.

Matticulous GB ($5.50) got his third win of the year, but first in two starts for Stalbaum.

Then in the $11,000 Open II pace, American Zest A returned to the Downs after two starts at Saratoga and despite being a beaten favorite in four previous Genesee County starts, demolished the resident group this night.

Stalbuam played give-and-go with Catch A Lefty A (Mike Baumeister) at the start of the race before taking control of the race with American Zest A by the quarter and from there, the race was history. After getting to the half in an unchallenged:56.4, American Zest A started to lengthen his lead at three-quarters and by the top of the stretch he was clear by four. Stalbaum sat chilly as American Zest A cruised down the lane by open lengths and won in a sparkling 1:52.3.

American Zest A ($3.00) got his sixth win of the year and pushed his earnings to $58,168 this year. 

Stalbaum added a win with catch drive Better Watch Out (1.56.1, $) to lead all drivers with three wins and all trainers with two. 

There was a guaranteed $5,000 pool in the Pick-5 wager on Saturday and $5,438 of new money was generated on the strength of the $898 carryover and a USTA Strategic Wagering guarantee. The combination of 2, 1, 1, 2, 4-3, 5 paid $142 for a 50-cent wager.

There was no winner in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager on Saturday so there will be a carryover of $1,527 for that wager on Wednesday (Sept. 22) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs with post time for the first race at 5 p.m.

Guaranteed $5,000 Pick-5 pool Saturday at Batavia

By Press Release

Press  release:

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 18) there will be two carryovers and one guaranteed pool.

With no winner of the Pick-5 on Friday (Sept. 17), there is a carryover of $898 and the management of Batavia Downs has announced that the track will offer a $5,000 guaranteed pool for that wager on Saturday (Sept. 18). The guarantee is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website or by clicking here. (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv0918x.pdf)

Free program pages can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab.

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the next day of racing.

Then in race 9, the Jackpot Super Hi-5 has a carryover of $1,156. Free program pages for these races can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab where free full card past performance programs are always available for every live racing night at Batavia Downs.

And if you can't attend the races in person, you can still watch a live stream of the entire night's action on the Batavia Downs Youtube channel. 

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

Fisher, Swift, Warriner sweep Batavia trots

By Press Release

Press release:

Driver Ray Fisher Jr., trainer Ryan Swift, and owner Mary Warriner were a formidable team at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 17) as they won both top trotting features of the week. 

Friday's "A" Team took the $12,300 Open I Handicap trot with Lougazi ($3.00) who made his first Batavia Downs appearance of 2021. 

Willie B Worthy (Kevin Cummings) led to the quarter in a slow:29 split, so Fisher pulled Lougazi early from third and sat outside the leader pushing the pace. After a :56.4 half and 1:26.4 three-quarters, Lougazi finally crossed over and took command heading into the final bend. From there he trotted home with authority and won by a length in 1:56.

It was the 39th-lifetime win for the 7-year-old gelded son of Lou's Legacy.

Then in the $11,000 Open II Handicap, Frank's Watching was assigned post eight and dismissed by the betting public at 25-1. But that had little bearing on the outcome. 

Frank's Watching went right to the front, increased his lead incrementally at each quarter station, turned for home with a  3-⅓ length margin and coasted home to win in a new lifetime best time of 1:57.1. 

That was the seventh win of the year for the upset-minded Frank's Watching ($52.50).

Shawn McDonough was the leading horseman on Friday with a driving hat trick and also two training wins. 

Frank's Watching wasn't the only longshot to hit the board on Friday. The card opened with a real bomb when Western Passage was sent off at 37-1 to pay $77.50. Being the first race of the Pick-5 wager, it resulted in no one having the winning combination. As a result there is an $898 carryover for that wager on Saturday (Sept. 18) and the management of Batavia Downs has announced there will be a $5,000 guaranteed pool as well. That will be part of the USTA's Strategic Wagering and free program pages for those races are available on the USTA's website or by clicking this link. 

https://legacy.trackmaster.com/usta/btv0918x.pdf 

There is also a carryover of $1,156 for the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the last race on Saturday and free full card program pages are always available for download at the Batavia Downs website and Facebook page. 

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

Protect Blue Chip back to winning ways at Batavia

By Press Release

Press release:

Protect Blue Chip finished third in her first start back last week after returning from a five-week respite. That start served her well as she bounced back with a season’s best effort in winning the $12,300 Distaff Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Sept. 15).

Jim Morrill Jr. hustled Protect Blue Chip to the lead and kept everyone honest through fractions of:27.4 and:57. At that point the field split -- three in and three out -- with the outer flow consisting of Stay Beautiful (Braxton Boyd), Wonderful World (Drew Monti), and Misty Memory N (Shawn McDonough).

Feeling the pressure, Morrill tapped the gas and Protect Blue Chip sped up the third panel to:28.2. However, despite the increased tempo, Stay Beautiful continued to reel in the leader and Misty Memory N tipped three high and was full of pace. Heading for home and in the midst of the attack, Protect Blue Chip stayed brave and fended off all comers under a mere line drive by Morrill and won by a 1-1/4 lengths in 2021 personal best of 1:54.

It was the eighth win of the year for Protect Blue Chip ($3.40) who is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice is the trainer.

Morrill ended up as the winningest driver on Wednesday after he added scores with Willy Mouse (2:00.1, $5.40) and Hey Kobe (1:56.4, $4.20) to take home the hat trick.

A scratch shortened field of five mares started in the $9,900 Open III pace and when they hit the wire they were all only 1-1/2 lengths apart from each other.

Ellieonthemove (Kevin Cummings) got away easy and led to the half without opposition. Then Twin B Kini (Drew Monti) tipped first-over at five-eighths and drew even with the leader by the 1:27.3 three-quarters. At the top of the stretch the entire field fanned out across the track and all five horses had a shot to win, but Twin B Kini was toughest of all and hung on by a neck in 1:56.4.

Twin B Kini ($5.00), who came in fresh off winning the New York Sire Stake County Fair final for 3-year-old pacing fillies at Historic Track in Goshen on Sunday (Sept. 5), increased her 2021 win total to 11 on the strength of this victory for her owners John Sixt and Judy Blaun, who also does the training.

Monti and Blaun combined to score a consecutive double after they won with Barry Hanover (1:55.3, $3.10) in the following race.

The Jackpot Hi-5 perfecta was not hit in the last race on Wednesday so there will be a $946 carryover for that bet on Friday when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs at 5 p.m.

Morrill had a big night at Batavia Downs

By Press Release

Press release:

Jim Morrill Jr. was in top form at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 10) by winning four races that included a natural hat trick in races six, seven and eight and the top two trots.

In the $11,800 Open I-II, Morrill sent Party Boy Hanover down the road and dominated his rivals for two tours of the oval. After leading to the three-quarter pole by as much as two open lengths, Party Boy Hanover turned for home and out-legged the field by 1-½  lengths in a season's best time of 1:57.4. 

It was the third win in five starts since coming to Batavia for Party Boy Hanover ($12.40).

Then in the $8,700 mid-level condition trot, Morrill air mailed Keystone Apache from post six and proceeded in a similar style. After quarters of :28.3, :58 and 1:27.3, Keystone Apache held off all comers down the lane to win in 1:57.3, which was also a seasonal mark. 

It was the fifth win of the year for Keystone Apache ($6.10). 

Both horses are owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing, and Adelphi Bloodstock, and both are trained by Maria Rice. 

Morrill rounded out his grand slam with Innocent Victim (1:56.1, $2.80) and Heez Orl Black N (1:56.3, $2.30). 

From his 10 starts on Friday, Morrill also had two seconds and two-thirds giving him a stout .525 UDR for the evening. 

The fundraiser to benefit the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester that was held at Batavia Downs on Friday raised a total of $16,500. The management of Batavia Downs would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended the function and especially thanks to everyone who made a donation. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 11) with post time for the first race at 5:00 p.m. and there are two small carryovers to mention. The Jackpot Pick-6 has a carryover of $639 and the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta has a carryover of $248.

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