Batavia Downs

Press Release:

The Ricky Palermo foundation announced today that a charity concert will be taking place at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel on Friday, June 10^th.  All proceeds from tickets sales will go directly to the Ricky Palermo Foundation to fund spinal cord research.

The concert will be headlined by Bruce in the USA, the World’s #1 Tribute to Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band.  It is a high-energy musical experience that is a note-perfect and visually accurate recreation of a Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band show.  The band consists of seasoned world class professional musicians and has toured all over the globe for more than 15 years. 

“We were honored that Ricky thought of us when he and his foundation were looking for a place to hold their show,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “Through the concert we hope to assist Ricky and his foundation to not just raise funds but also awareness of spinal cord research.”

“Our Ricky Palermo Foundation has been finding many ways to raise awareness and much needed money to help our community and find a cure for spinal cord injuries,” said Ricky Palermo, President and CEO of the Ricky Palermo Foundation.  “A large portion of the money raised from this year's concert on June 10th will be staying in our community as we donate to our local YMCA and UMMC, Rochester Regional Health, as well as the Strong Memorial Hospital Spinal Injury Unit and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.  Our Foundation would like to thank the Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel staff for partnering with us as we continue to find yet another way to bring people together. We normally have an annual golf tournament, comedy shows, soccer clinics, dinners with live and silent auctions but this is our first attempt at such a huge concert. Everyone has been so generous and supportive as they continue to help our foundation which has raised over $1.7 million in 25 years.  I would like to give a special THANK YOU to my committee that has continued to help me find different ways to have fun and raise much needed money for spinal cord research.”

Tickets for the concert are on sale now at www.BataviaConcerts.com.

Ticket prices for the concert match what Batavia Downs does for their summer concert series:  $15 for General Admission, $30 for VIP, $50 for Premium.  Front row tickets for $75 have already sold out, but additional tickets in the front row may go on sale at a later time.  All tickets can be redeemed at Player’s Club at any time in the three days following the concert for $15 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 800+ gaming machines. This event is a stand-alone event and is not a part of the Rockin' the Downs summer concert series. Purchased season passes for the concert series will not be honored for this concert.

 

Press Release:

The Elba Hall of Fame Foundation is excited to announce it will be hosting the next induction dinner for the 2020 and 2021 inductees on February 12, 2022 at Batavia Downs.  After a year delay, due to Covid, the Elba Hall of Fame Foundation is excited to introduce you to our newest members!   

Let us introduce the 2020 inductees:  

JoAnn Olsen was a member of the Elba Class of 1961 and was nominated by her daughter, Melissa.  Melissa said that her Mother shared her love of music with hundreds of Genesee County students with music theory and piano lessons.  Annually, Mrs. Olsen hosted a year-end recital for all her students at Elba Central School.  When she was not teaching piano she was often found at the local farm markets.  She was known as “The Glad Lady” selling the gladioli she grew on their farm on North Byron Road.  Mrs. Olsen was an active member of our community taking part in the Genesee Symphony Orchestra, Altar Rosary Society, Genesee County Farm market and many other groups.  

Craig Yunker was a member of the Elba Class of 1968 and was nominated by his Mother, Bernice.  Mr. Yunker is a lifelong Elba resident and is very involved in his family businesses.  He is a managing partner for CY Properties, LLC, CY Heifer Farm, LLC, Batavia Turf, LLC and Provitello, LLC.  He graduated from Cornell University, University of New Hampshire, University of Minnesota and Texas A & M with several degrees as he continued to learn about agriculture.  Mr. Yunker has served through several roles in the community including Genesee County Legislature Chairman, a Trustee of Cornell and a director of the Bank of Castile & Tompkins.  He is also a Director for Liberty Pumps and Genesee County Economic Development Center.  He has received numerous farming awards and accolades.  Mr. Yunker and his wife, Kim raised their three children and he stated they were his contribution to Elba Central School.   

Elba class of 1975 graduate, Vern Saile has worn many hats within our community.  He was nominated by Zachary Saile.  Pastor Vern started his education at Genesee Community College and continued to Binghamton University where he completed his degree in Psychology.  He then moved to St. Louis where he received his Masters in Social Work from Washington University.  Pastor Vern then returned to Genesee County where he could help those within our community.  He began working as a Genesee County community mental health professional and served on the Board of Directors for GCASA for many years.  In 2001, after taking many night classes, Pastor Vern completed his Masters of Divinity at the Northeastern Seminary to become a Pastor.  He is currently serving as the Senior Pastor at Northgate Free Methodist Church here in Batavia where he continues to be a wonderful example on how to live a life of faith.  

Our 2021 inductees include:  

Former Elba Central School teacher, late Mrs. Mary Torrey.  Mrs. Torrey will be inducted as an Honorary Member of the Elba Hall of Fame Foundation.  Mrs. Torrey grew up on a farm in Stafford, New York and moved to Elba when she married Mr. Charlie Torrey.  Together they raised four children on their family farm.  Mrs. Torrey is remembered for changing numerous students’ lives with her dedication to teaching.  The Hall of Fame Foundation chose to induct Mrs. Torrey after receiving numerous praises by past Hall of Fame inductees.  They shared how Mrs. Torrey was a positive influence on their education at Elba as well as creating a foundation for their lifelong successes.  One past inductee spoke of the time Mrs. Torrey came to his home for several months to tutor him after he was injured.  She encouraged him to continue to work hard on his education.  He stated, “I would not have made it without Mrs. Torrey’s support.”   

Our first “Team” inductee will be the 2012 Lady Lancers State Championship team along with their coach, Tom Nowak.  This team had an impressive 25-0 season where their margin of victory averaged 36.2 in most games. They were Genesee Region Division II Champions after winning their third consecutive Class DD Sectional Title by defeating Notre Dame. They finished their year with titles including the 2012 Far West Regional Champions and 2012 NYS Class D Champions.  These ladies were also awarded with being a Section V Scholar-Athlete Team and received the Section V Sportsmanship Team award.  Our Lady Lancers were chosen for this award out of 75 New York State teams.  For Class D, McKenzie Bezon was named Player of the Year, Meg Stucko was first team and Coach Nowak was coach of the year.  These young ladies set an excellent example for our younger Lancer athletes and we are thrilled to honor them as they approach their 10 year anniversary of winning the New York State Class D Title. 

Please join us for an evening of celebrating and honoring these inductees.  You may purchase your tickets for the February 12th dinner at the Elba Town Clerk’s office (7133 Oak Orchard Road) or at the Elba Central School District office.  Tickets are $40 for an individual or $75 for a couple and include your buffet meal.  The event kicks off at 6 pm with a cocktail hour (cash bar) followed by dinner and the program.  If you have any questions please feel free to call Trisha Werth at 716-560-0843 or Laura Luft at 585-704-0510.  We look forward to a great evening honoring our newest Elba Hall of Fame members!

 

Press Release:

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Kenneth L. Middleton age 77 of Mount Morris, New York, died Wednesday January 12, 2022 at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw, New York. He was born the son of Kenneth and Mary (Rapone) Middleton on September 4, 1944 in Caledonia, NY.

Mr. Middleton married Mary Ann Valentino on July 22, 1961 and the two then raised a family. Although he owned and operated his own restaurant for many years, Mr. Middleton also bred, owned and trained a stable of harness horses at his farm in Mount Morris, NY for decades. First licensed in 1966, Mr. Middleton competed dozens of horses during that time including Keystone O’Brien, Keystone Gallant, Wildwood Wayne, Hot Temper and R Brother Richard. 

Mr. Middleton loved spending time with his family and attended St. Patrick’s Church. He was a member of the Western New York Harness Horseman’s Association, an avid pool player and fan of the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees.   

Mr. Middleton is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years Mary Ann, daughters Rosemary (Louis) Russo of Batavia, NY and Joanne Somers of Mt. Morris, NY, grandchildren Mike (Bobbi Jo) Bonefede and Joseph Layland both of Leicester, NY and Jerrett Laskett of Batavia, NY, great grandchildren Alexis, Parker, Lillian, Sophia, Faith, McKenna and Klayton, sister Pat (Carmen) Cappotelli of Caledonia, NY and many nieces, nephews and dear and loving friends. He was predeceased by his daughter Mary Kenny Layland and sister Georgianna Dellas.

Memorial services were held for Mr. Middleton on Monday (Jan. 17) followed by interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association. 

 

Press Release:

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Elwood L. Clark, 87, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2022. Mr. Clark was born and raised in Lockport, New York, the son of the late James and Edna (Brown) Clark. He resided on his horse farm in Corfu, New York for 35 years and later in life retired in Naples, Florida.

Mr. Clark graduated from Alfred State College in 1957 before marrying the love of his life Barbara (who predeceased him in 2019) in 1958. The two raised five children and enjoyed more than 61 years of marriage.

Mr. Clark worked as a mechanical engineer at Graham Manufacturing in Batavia, New York for more than 30 years, but he was also a harness racing enthusiast that owned and trained a private stable starting in 1962. Over that time he conditioned a number of horses led by local favorites Mary Meadow, Aaron The Baron, Cecil Minbar and the ever popular St. Nick, who he bred, trained and raced until he retired at the age of 14.

Besides racing, Mr. Clark enjoyed social activities and being with family and friends. He was a competitive game player (especially cards) and loved watching the Buffalo Bills.

Mr. Clark is survived by children Christopher Clark, Matthew Clark (Linda), Gregory Clark (Michelle), Elizabeth Weydig (Steven) and Aaron Clark (Corey); 12 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; 32 nieces and nephews; and special friend, Sandra Truax Kinisky.

Calling hours are Tuesday (Jan. 18) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary located at 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. A celebratory mass of Mr. Clark's life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 19) at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 5771 Buell Street, Akron, NY, with burial to follow at Cold Springs Cemetery in Lockport, NY. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to Niagara Hospice in Mr. Clark’s memory.

 

Press Release by Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Paul White

Press Release by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

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

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

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

Press Release by Tim Bojarski, president, UNY-USHWA

Photos by Paul White

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Press Release by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Driver Denny Bucceri also had two wins during the card.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Paul White

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo Credit - NYS Assembly website

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Down

There is still time and opportunity to enhance your Christmas shopping buying power when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Dec. 8) as two carryover pools that include one large guarantee will highlight the card. 

Beginning in the first race, there is a $2,259 carryover in the Pick-5 wager and the management of Batavia Downs has announced that the pool will be guaranteed at $10,000 as part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program. As a result, free program pages will be available courtesy of TrackMaster on the USTA’s website and also on the Batavia Downs website and Facebook page. The Pick-5 is a 50-cent base wager that begins in race one and runs through race five.

Then in race four, there is a carryover of $888 in the Jackpot Pick-6. That is a 20-cent base wager and it runs through race nine.

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

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

There are only two race nights left at Batavia this year as the meet ends on Saturday (Dec. 11), and any pools that may carry over to Saturday will be mandatory payouts that night. 

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

The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association has announced that driver Kyle Cummings was named their Rising Star for the 2021 racing season at Batavia Downs. 

It should come as no surprise that Kyle Cummings has been one of the best drivers in western New York this past year despite a very brief career, as he hails from a family deeply rooted in racing. His father Todd Cummings, mother Tammy Cummings, grandfathers John Cummings Sr. and Hugh Stevens, grandmother Cindy Stark-Casale, uncles John Cummings Jr., Tony Cummings, Kevin Cummings, John Stark Jr., Doug Ackley and aunt Laurie Stark have all been successful trainer/drivers spanning the last 45 years. So he had a wealth of knowledge to draw from and clearly he paid attention. 

Cummings got his first pari-mutuel win in April of 2019 with a pacer named Jude Hall and his production at the track took off from there. To say he had a break-out season in 2021 would be an understatement as in only his third year in the bike, the 21-year-old Cummings doubled his win and earnings output posted over the first two years of driving. This year overall he's competed in 721 races with 109 wins, 107 seconds and 101 thirds and has bankrolled $688,417 in purses. But let’s break that down a little further.

At the current Batavia Downs meet, Cummings sits third in dash wins with 50 -- behind his Uncle Kevin -- with earnings of $391,352. Over the summer he was the leading dash driver on the New York Sire Stake fair circuit and was named the NYSS County Fair Driver of the Year at their awards ceremony in November. During that competition he had 50 starts with 26 wins -- that included two finals at Goshen Historic Track -- 19 seconds and one third and earnings of $60,942 while racing across the state. That equates to a phenomenal UDR of .738 for that series. 

For his outstanding performance this year, Kyle Cummings will be presented with the Rising Star award in the Purple Haze Winner’s Circle at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 11) during UNY-USHWA’s Night of Distinction. Saturday is closing night at Batavia Downs and post time for the first race is 5 p.m. 

Photo credit by Paul White

Press Release By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

 Among the full slate of feature races on the Saturday night (Dec. 4) card at Batavia Downs, the $13,500 Open I Handicap trot drew the most attention after Lunar Credit put on a display of speed and lit up the tote board at 42-1. That was just one of several races that paid out big bucks as longshots dotted the board throughout the night and the biggest carryover in the history of the track was paid out.

Warrawee Shipshape (Dave McNeight III) and Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) played tag for the lead with the latter gaining control in front of the stands. Lunar Credit then got to the half in :58.4 and three-quarters in 1:27.4 where Spoiler Alert (Jim Pantaleano) was charging on the attack with Barn Hall (Kevin Cummings) and Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) right behind. Coming into the stretch, horses were coming from everywhere, but Lunar Credit stuck to his task and closed out the mile with a one length win in a seasonal best 1:57.3.

Lunar Credit ($87.00) scored his fifth win of the year for his owner Jim McNeight Jr. Jim McNeight trains the winner. 

The father and son team of McNeight and McNeight Jr. had a big night Saturday, combining for three wins on the card. Besides Lunar Credit, they also won with One Rock (1:58, $5.50) and Wild Bill M (1:58, $7.20). 

Next came a pair of pacing performances, one of which proved quite profitable. 
 

Despite a short field of four, the $13,500 Open I Handicap pace was an exciting event that went right down to the wire. Jim Pantaleano put the Pennsylvania invader Captain Cash right on the lead while Stratosphere (Drew Monti) followed intently from second the entire mile. After cutting solid fractions of :27.3, :57.3 and 1:26.1, Captain Cash was feeling the heat from the tripping Stratosphere and Mississippi Rabbit (Dave McNeight III), who had made his way up to second heading into the last turn. As the field made their way into the lane, it became a two horse race as Stratosphere ducked into the passing lane and switched to full speed. And although he whittled down the lead with every step, Captain Cash had enough left to win by a head in 1:54.3.

Making his first start at Batavia Downs, Captain Cash ($4.20) scored his sixth win of the year for owner Matt Morrison. Christen Pantaleano trains the winner. 

The Pantaleano/Morrison connections also clicked again later in the card with Mankat (1:57, $2.70) who also went gate to wire. 
 

Then in the $11,700 Open II Handicap pace, Jericho Willie (Denny Bucceri) was overlooked at 23-1 despite winning last week. However he tripped-out for the second week in a row, this time behind Sunfirewindrain (Jim McNeight Jr.), all the way to deep stretch where he shook loose in the passing lane and just got up by ¼ length to win in 1:55.3 .

Jericho Willie ($49.60) is owned by Michael Kessler and the Speed To Burn Stable and is trained by Misty Carey. 

Driver Denny Bucceri ended the night with two wins as did Drew Monti. 
 

The huge payoffs continued in the final race of the night when the long growing carryover pool in the Jackpot Hi-5 was finally hit. One single unique 20-cent ticket was sold on the combination of 9-2-7-5-1 and the lucky bettor collected $29,465, which was the largest payout ever in the history of Batavia Downs. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Dec. 8) there will be two carryovers and one guaranteed pool. 

To start, there is a $2,259 carryover in the Pick-5 wager in the first race and the management of Batavia Downs has announced that the pool will be guaranteed at $10,000 as part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program. Free program pages will be available courtesy of TrackMaster on the USTA’s website and the Batavia Downs website and Facebook page on Monday. The Pick-5 is a 50-cent base wager that begins in race one and runs through race five.
 

Then in race four, there is a carryover of $888 in the Jackpot Pick-6. That is a 20-cent base wager and it runs through race nine.

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

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

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 4) the track will once again offer two carryovers -- including the largest in track history -- and a free pick six contest. Three great opportunities to help make your Holidays merry and bright. 

First in race six, there is a carryover of $604 in the Jackpot Pick-6 that runs through race 11. But then in race 11 you will find the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta that currently has the largest carryover in the history of Batavia Downs --- $25,699. This carryover has been building for over three months and a single unique winning ticket on the right combination will take down the entire pool. With the brisk betting this wager has been getting since the pool has grown, the Super Hi-5 could see a total pool approaching $30,000 by post time for the 11th race on Saturday. Both the Jackpot Pick-6 and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta are 20-cent base wagers. 

And those attending Batavia Downs in person on Saturday can also play the free Pick-6 contest with a prize that is now worth $2,000. This contest starts in race four and runs through race nine. Simply pick up an entry blank at Players Club starting at 4:30, make your selections and deposit it back before the start of the fourth race. There is only one entry per person and you must pick all six winners to win the pool. 

There are only three nights of live racing left in the 2021 season at Batavia Downs with Saturday (Dec. 11) being closing night and there will be a mandatory payout for any carryover pools that might still be in play for the Pick-5, Jackpot Pick-6 and Jackpot Super Hi-5 that evening. 

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

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