harness racing

"Batavia Downs Live," a three-and-a-half hour television broadcast of the harness races from Batavia Downs, returns on July 26 -- opening night of the 2010 season -- at the historic track.

Up to 69 race cards will be televised in the Time-Warner Rochester region on Channel 98. Channel 98 is on Time-Warner's basic digital package. The coverage area extends from portions of eastward Niagara County and through all or most of Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, Monroe, Livingston, Wayne, Ontario, Seneca, Yates and Steuben counties.

The broadcast begins at 6:30 p.m.,10 mintues before the Downs' new 6:40 p.m. first race post time.

Once again, racing analyst Todd Haight and track announcer Joe Zambito will anchor the broadcast.
 
“We are extremely pleased to be back on Time-Warner,” said Michael D. Kane, vice president of Live Racing and OTB branch operations. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Batavia Downs to once again showcase its live racing product to new customers and to provide our longtime racing fans with the nightly races in the comfort of their homes.”
 
Last year the races were also shown in Erie County and Buffalo.
 
“We continue discussions with Time-Warner in those areas, but as of right now we have no deal in place," Kane said. "Our racing fans should visit our website for any further updates.” <http://www.bataviadownscasino/>
 
Western Regional Off-Track betting, the owner of Batavia Downs, provides telephone betting through its Dial-A-Bet service. Patrons may phone 1-800-724-4000 to establish an account.

July is upon us, and that means the return of pacers and trotters to Batavia Downs Casino.

Opening night is July 26, which not only marks the 64th season of live harness racing at America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track, but a newly expanded stakes schedule.

Batavia is doubling the number of New York Sire Stakes contests it will offer as compared to 2009 and is adding the County Fair Finals for 2- and 3-year-old pacers and trotters.

The 2010 Batavia Downs Casino stakes schedule boasts combined purses in excess of $1 million. Stakes racing culminates with the eighth annual Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace on Oct. 16.

“We are thrilled to see an expanded stakes schedule for 2010,” said Todd Haight, track analyst for Batavia Downs Casino. “I’m confident the New York bred pacers and trotters will bring as much excitement and as many fast miles for our patrons this year as they did in 2009.”

In all, there will be eight New York Sire Stakes and seven New York Late Closers throughout July, August and September at Batavia Downs Casino.

The glamour division, the 3-year-old New York Sire Stakes colt and gelding pacers, are set to race on Saturday, Sept. 4. In 2009, the 3-year-old pacers gave Kenneth J’s all-age track record of 1:52 a scare when Jim Morrill Jr., with OK Braveheart, Handsome Harry, and Hypnotic Blue Chip each did the mile in a sizzling 1:52.2, 1:53 and 1:52.3, respectively. OK Braveheart’s 1:52.2 mile established a new track record for 3-year-olds.

Haight is optimistic that the same level of talent will be showcased this year as well.

Sept. 18 marks a notable day in the 70-year history of Batavia Downs, as the second largest (combined) stakes purses ever will be up for grabs when the 2-year-old filly trotters and 3-year-old colt trotters vie for estimated purses of $280,000. This figure is second only to Armbro Flori’s victory in the Breeders Crown in 1988, which boasted a purse of $286,756.

Another highly anticipated event this year is the Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace, which carried a $40,000 purse in 2009. Scheduled for Oct. 16, Haight believes that the timing is attractive for pacers that want to continue racing after the Oct. 9 Breeders Crown.

“Scheduling the Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace a week after the Breeders Crown could be an attractive option for many of the best horses in all of harness racing,” Haight said.

Last year’s winner, Foiled Again, one of the top pacers in the sport, cruised around the Downs oval in 1:52.3. Matt Kakaley was in the sulky for trainer Ron Burke <http://fanguide.ustrotting.com/dt_stars_profiles.cfm?id=133792>.

For the complete Batavia Downs stakes schedule, visit www.bataviadownscasino.com <http://www.bataviadownscasino.com/>.

Press Release

Batavia, NY --- The 63rd season of live harness racing came to end on Saturday night (Dec.5) at Batavia Downs Casino before a large crowd,      thanks to some great weather, a super racing program and a very popular promotion.

“I can’t believe the numbers we did,” Mike Kane, Vice President of Live Racing said. “It was our second best handle of the season and you couldn’t find a seat in the clubhouse. The racing department put out a great card and the pick-6 promotion certainly brought people to the racetrack. It was definitely a great way to end the season."

The final racing program of the 2009 Summer-Fall meet featured three Open handicaps and three Open II events, with over $75,000 in purse money up for grabs.

Michael Scores does it again
One horse that will be sad to see the season come to a close is former Batavia Downs track record holder Michael Scores, who made it three in a row at the Genesee County oval, when he came from off the pace to win the $9,000 Open Handicap in 1:56.1. Once again Kevin Cummings was at the controls for Jim and Sandy Compton. Michael Scores, one of the most popular pacers to ever race in Western New York notched the 70th win of his career.

Light Headed best in Open Trot
Sam Caruso Jr. put Light Headed on the lead and they put up all the numbers en route to a gate to wire score in the $9,000 Open Handicap Trot. Light Headed a winner this season at Yonkers in 1:56.2 scored for the first time in Western New York for trainer Dennis Cummings and owners Tom and Sam Caruso Jr.
 
Memphis Glow upsets in Mares Open
Memphis Glow pulled off the shocker in the $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap when she exploded to command heading to three-quarters and never had an anxious moment winning by over 3-lengths in 1:56.4 at odds of 23-1. Ray Fisher Jr. was in the sulky for owner-trainer Larry Deyermand and Jay Ankeney.

One winner in the Pick-6 Contest
Nate Maniace of Batavia got 5 out of 6 correct and took home the $1,000 top prize in the pick-6 contest. Over 480 people participated in the must pay-out pick-6 contest that was sponsored by the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association. 

Pending New York State Racing and Wagering approval Batavia Downs Casino will reopen on July 26, 2010.

Batavia Downs Casino is open year around for Simulcast wagering from some of North America’s top tracks. The gaming floor featuring over 600 slot machines is open from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- As former track announcer John Bothe would say there are only 24 more bulges left in the season with the final two 12 race cards scheduled for Friday (Dec. 4) and Saturday (Dec. 5) at Batavia Downs Casino. Post time is 7:05 p.m.

On Friday night it’s customer appreciation night with racing fans receiving free live racing programs; delicious cake, complements of B J’s wholesale club; and coffee and coupons for free Subway subs complements of Batavia Subway in the enclosed Grandstand while supplies last, beginning at 8 p.m.

Also on Friday night the immensely popular Pick-6 contest will return for possibly a two-night engagement. Once again the free Pick-6 contest will be co-sponsored by the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association. Starting out with a $1,000 pool, the Pick-6 contest requires racing fans to select all six winners in the Pick-6 races, which begins on race four and concludes on race nine. The contest Pick-6 is open to all Players Club members as long as they do not have a 2009 valid racing license. There is no charge to become a Players Club Member.

Additionally on Friday night Tim Bojarski, President of the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association, along with first Vice President Jason Settlemoir and delegates Sam Pendolino and Brian Mazurek, will be presenting trophies for several categories during the UNY-USHWA Night of Distinction.

Saturday night features free on track programs and a Pick-6 contest as long as it is not won on Friday. If played, Saturday's Pick-6 contest will be a must pay-out situation with the person or persons selecting the most winners taking home the $1,000 pool.

Racing fans wishing to dine in the clubhouse on closing weekend are strongly advised to make a reservation; please call 585.343.3750, ext 445.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- Former Batavia Downs Casino track record holder Michael Scores notched the 69th win of his brilliant career when he closed with a furious rush to win the featured $9,000 Preferred Handicap on Saturday night (Nov.28).

With leading driver Kevin Cummings in the sulky, Michael Scores got away seventh in the field of eight. He was still six lengths behind at the top of the stretch when he kicked it into another gear and went zooming by the tiring leaders in deep stretch to win by a quarter-length in 1:55.3 for owners Jim and Sandy Compton. Jim is also the trainer. The win put Michael Scores over the $550,000 mark in career earnings.

Allamerican Improv (Ray Fisher Jr.) and Oh Gee Whiz (Ron Beback Jr.) hooked up before the half-mile station and raced clear around the racetrack but were unable to hold off Michaels late charge and had to settle for second and third money with Oh Gee Whiz getting up for second late. 

Racing resumes at America’s oldest lighted harness track on Friday night. Post time is 7:05 p.m. Saturday night will end the 2009 live racing season. Racing fans wanting to dine in the clubhouse on closing weekend are strongly advised to make a reservation, please call 585-343-3750.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- The veteran campaigner Craiger notched the 38th win of his career when he won the featured $8,000 II Trot on Friday night at Batavia Downs Casino. The 9-year-old Sea Battle gelding was capably driven by Jim McNeight for trainer Neal Russo and owners Edt Stables.

Getting away seventh, Craiger bided his time along the rail until angling out three-wide approaching three-quarters. Now picking off horses one by one around the final turn, Craiger had all the momentum coming off the turn and trotted home strongly in the center to be a head winner in 2:00.3. Craiger has lifetime earnings of more than $238,000.

Roy (Jack Flanigen) surged late in the passing lane to be second while the talented 3-year-old trotting filly Queen Creek (Ron Beback Jr.) came on to be third despite an overland journey.

Jim McNeight, Ray Fisher Jr. and Ken Holliday all had driving hat tricks while training doubles went to the meet's leading conditioner Sherri Holliday and John Mungillo.

Passailed to be retired on Saturday

Win-lose or draw the well bred pacer Passailed will make the final start of his career in the 5th race on Saturday night.

The 13-year-old Albatross-Assailed stallion was originally retired in 2002 but was brought back to the races in 2008 when the breeding business went downhill in Quebec. He was purchased after a qualifying race by current owner Patrick Chella’s Nickel City Ranch Stable.

In 2009 Passailed has made 26 starts with three wins. His lifetime earnings are over $318,000. He took his 1:50.2 lifetime mark at Woodbine Racetrack, in 2000, with Rick Zeron in the bike.

Passailed will resume his stud career at Dr. Guy Hammonds, Steuben Farms, located in Bath, New York. He’s sired 84 registered foals.

The 63rd Summer-fall only has three more nights left. With racing on Saturday (Nov.28) and next Friday and Saturday. Post time is 7:05 p.m.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- When racing resumes on Wednesday night (Nov. 25) there will be only five live racing programs left in the 2009 season at Batavia Downs Casino. This will also be the final Wednesday of the meet. Post time is 7:05 p.m. The 63rd Summer-Fall meet concludes on December 5.

“We’re expecting a nice crowd tomorrow night,” Michael D. Kane, Vice President of Live Racing said. “The night before Thanksgiving has always been a good night for us, and with our Wednesday night clubhouse special still going (purchase one clubhouse buffet at the regular price and get $10 back in Casino free play) I expect it to be busy.”

“We’re also playing the $500 Odd/Even Challenge on Wednesday,” Kane added. This is a handicapping game where one Player’s Club member could win up to $500. Sign-up begins at 5:30 p.m. at Players Club.

October award winners

Jack Flanigen, Sherri Holliday and the talented pacer New York Prime were honored as October driver, trainer and horse of the month.

The 43-year-old reinsman Jack Flanigen led all drivers in October with 33 wins. He also had 25 seconds and 15 thirds in 164 starts. His UDR was .316 and his drives earned $114,811.

Flanigen missed the entire 2008 Batavia Downs meet due to an injury suffered at Buffalo Raceway. He’s currently the second leading driver at the 2009 summer-fall meet, behind only Kevin Cummings.

Sherri Holliday continued with her hot hand and was named trainer of the month for the second month in a row. A perennial leading conditioner on the Western New York circuit, she won 16 races with seven seconds and five thirds from 62 starters. Her win percentage for the month was 25.8 and her UTR was .348. She’s currently the leading trainer at the Summer-Fall meet.

New York Prime took home horse of the month honors. The 6-year-old son of Bettor's Delight had a spectacular October. In five starts he had four wins and a second. Two of those wins came in the Open Handicap.

New York Prime is currently tied for the most wins at the summer-fall meet with seven. His 18 wins this season makes him one of North America’s winningest horses.

New York Prime is owned Richey Edward Myers, Jeffry Myers, Robert Marsjanik and Robert Stern. Alex Guiliani is the trainer.

Tim Bojarski, President of the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association, made a special winner's circle presentation. Each award winner receives an embroidered tote bag with their name on it.

Many thanks go out to Tim Bojarski and everyone associated with the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association for making these monthly awards possible.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Photo: Alex Guiliani, Robert Marsjanik, Robert Stern, Richey Edward Myers, Todd Haight, Sherri Holliday, Jack Flanigen, Tim Bojarski. Photo by Paul White.

Press Release:

Batavia, NY--Arm And A Leg, already the favorite to be named Western New York Harness Horse of the Year, made a statement that he’s also looking for Horse of the Meet honors as well, when he won his sixth Open Handicap pace of the season, at Batavia Downs Casino, on Saturday night (Nov.21).
 
Arm And A Leg, with Batavia Downs' leading reinsman Kevin Cummings in the sulky, appeared to be perfectly spotted second-over as the $9,000 Open field moved around the clubhouse turn. That perfect trip quickly changed, however, heading to three-quarters as the field began to bunch and Arm And A Leg now found himself in a terrible blindswitch.
 
Around the final turn and at the top of the stretch Arm And A Leg was still all bottled with no place to go but the crafty Cummings was able to split horses in midstretch and go on to victory in 1.56.2 for owners Mark J. Jakubik and John P. Cummings Sr., who is also the trainer.
 
This was the 13th victory of the 2009 campaign for Arm And A Leg, a 6-year-old Nobleland Sam gelding, and it raised his seasonal earnings to $86,000. He’s won an impressive 25 times the last two year.
 
Another horse making a serious run for Horse of the Meet honors, New York Prime (Tom Agosti), came on to be second despite racing extremely wide around the final bend, while last week's open winner, Oh Gee Whiz (Sam Schillaci), who also had a  wide trip, finished third. 
 
In addition to winning the Open, Kevin Cummings won the Open II with former Downs track record holder Michael Scores in 1:55.2 and the Open III with Knob Hill Splash in 1:56.
 
There are only five more racing nights left in the 2009 season at America’s oldest lighted harness track. Live racing will resume on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m., the final Wednesday of the meet.
 
It will also be the last chance to take advantage of one of the best deals ever offered at the Downs, purchase one clubhouse buffet at the regular price ($13.95) and receive $10 back in Casino free play. Racing fans can also win up to $500 in the Odd/Even Challenge; sign-up to win begins at 5:30 p.m. at Players Club.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- New York Prime tied Outlaws Ransome for the winningest horse at the 2009 Summer-fall meet when he took the featured $8,000 Open Handicap, Saturday night (Nov-7.) at Batavia Downs Casino.

In eight Batavia starts, New York Prime has won seven and finished second in the other. He’s won 18 races this year which makes him one North America’s best, only three horses, Shortest Distance, Bell On Wheels and Real Expresso have won more.

Tom Agosti sent New York Prime right to the top and they were cruising on the lead in :59.3. Approaching the five-eighths the real race started when last week’s Open winner, Arm and a Leg with Kevin Cummings, moved alongside to challenge.

The two best pacers in Western New York put on quite a show as Arm and a Leg gained command at three-quarters in 1:28 but couldn’t clear.

Around the final turn Arm and a Leg was still in front but feeling pressure from both sides as New York Prime was beginning to fight back at the rail while Oh Gee Whiz and Ron Beback. Jr., were advancing three-wide. At the top of the stretch all three pacers were across the track.

Down the lane it was a determined New York Prime who fought back to score a neck victory over a very game Arm and a Leg in 1:56.3. Oh Geez Whiz wound up third.  

New York Prime, a 6-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight, is trained by Alex Giuliani for owners Richey Edward Myers, Jeffry Myers, Robert Marsjanik and Robert Stern.

2009 Downs dash leading driver Kevin Cummings and Ron Beback. Jr., scored hat tricks on Saturday night while Tom Agosti had a driving double. Jim Graham, Alex Giuliani and Ron Beback. Jr., conditioned a pair of winners each.

Racing resumes on Tuesday night, this will be the last Tuesday of the season. It will also be the final opportunity to take advantage of one of the best deals ever offered at America’s oldest lighted harness track. Purchase one clubhouse buffet at the regular price ($13.95) and receive $10 back in Casino free play. Post time is 7:05 p.m.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- Ultra Racing Stable's talented distaffer Party News went from last to first to win the Wednesday night featured $8,500 Filly and Mares Open at Batavia Downs Casino.
 
Party News, a 5-year-old daughter of Party At Artsplace, recorded her ninth win of the 2009 campaign in 1:56.4, a new seasonal mark. Troy Boring was in the sulky for trainer Cliff Keene. The $4,250 share of the purse put Party News at just under $50,000 in earnings this season.
 
Natural Spring and Tom Agosti, the leader into the home stretch, finished second while last week's Mares Open winner Pembroke Primo (Kevin Cummings) wound up third.
 

Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Post time is 7:05 p.m. The 2009 Summer–Fall meet concludes on December 5.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
 

Press Release:

Batavia, NY--Arm And A Leg, a 6-year-old Nobleland Sam gelding out of the Towner’s Big Guy mare Kelly’s Hat Trick, quickly took the lead from post 5, and never looked back, to win for the 12th time this season in the featured $8,500 Open Handicap Pace for owners Mark J. Jakubik and John P. Cummings Sr., in 1:55.3, at Batavia Downs Casino, on Saturday night (Oct. 31).
 
With regular reinsman Kevin Cummings in the bike, Arm and a Leg cut all the fractions in the race, 27.4, 57.3, and 1:26.4 en route to a three-length score over New York Prime with Tom Agosti. Oh Geez Whiz (Ron Beback Jr.,) was farther back in third.
 
New York Prime, who was parked out to almost the half from his assigned outside post position, suffered his first defeat in Western New York after winning six in a row. He remains a serious candidate for October horse of the month.
 
The win raised Arm and a Leg’s seasonal earnings to just under $80,000 and lifetime earnings to $210,000. John Cummings Sr., is the trainer.
 
Kevin Cummings, Troy Boring and Jack Flanigen all had driving doubles. Training doubles went to Jim Compton and Laurie Patistas.
 
Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday nights, post time is 7:05 p.m. The 2009 Summer-Fall meet ends on December 5.
 
In addition to live harness racing Batavia Downs Casino offers simulcast wagering from some of North America’s top tracks and Video Gaming. The gaming floor featuring over 600 gaming machines is open 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press Release

Batavia, NY --- The razor-sharp pacer New York Prime raised his Batavia Downs Casino record to a perfect six-for-six when for the second week in a row he won the featured $8,500 Open Handicap pace on Saturday night, Oct. 24.

New York Prime is now a perfect four-for-four since being claimed for $8,000 on Sept. 25 by trainer Alex Giuliani for owner Richey Edward Myers of Phoenix, Az. Once again Tom Agosti was in the sulky.

New York Prime bided his time towards the back of the pack and pulled third-over as Meadows invader Friday Nite Lights (Sam Schillaci) cut the half in :58.1.

Passing the five-eighths pole, the longshot Oh Gee Whiz, with Ron Beback, Jr. aboard, was now in the front with Arm And A Leg (Kevin Cummings) and New York Prime now second and third at the three-quarters, in 1:27.2.

At the top of the stretch, Oh Gee Whiz was still there, but New York Prime was closing-in and paced on past Oh Gee Whiz in deep stretch to win by three-quarter lengths, in 1:57.3, over a sloppy racetrack.

Arm and a Leg finished third.

New York Prime, one of North America’s winningest horses this year, won for the 17th time this season. He’s a 6-year-old Bettor’s Delight gelding.

Reinsman Kevin Holliday, driving as good as ever after missing the first six weeks of the meet because of an injury, had a driving triple, while dash-leading driver Kevin Cummings and Ray Fisher, Jr. had driving doubles.

The summer-fall meet’s leading conditioner, Sherri Holliday, had a training triple.

Batavia Downs Casino offers one of its best deals ever when racing resumes on Tuesday night. Purchase one clubhouse buffet at the regular price of $13.95, and receive $10.00 back in Casino free play. Post time is 7:05 p.m.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press Release

Batavia, NY --- A very sloppy racetrack and a first-over trip couldn’t stop the razor sharp Joe Page from repeating in the Open Handicap Trot on Friday night at Batavia Downs Casino.
 
Once again former Downs regular Sam Schillaci was in town to drive for trainer Mike Delano. Joe Page is a 4-year-old Mr Lavec-Well Cast gelding that is owned by Joe Cicatello.
 
Getting away fifth in the field of seven, Schilliaci tipped Joe Page to the outside after three-eighths of a mile and they began to advance, moving into second, two lengths behind the front running A Work In Progress with Ken Holliday at the three-quarters in 1:30.4.
 
Down the lane Joe Page trotted up to and on by a determined A Work In Progress to win by one length in 2:01.2. Zapphappy Kash with Hall of Famer Clint Galbraith finished third.
 
The win was his sixth of the season and put Joe Page over the $100,000 mark in lifetime earnings.
 
Troy Boring was the driving star of the evening, guiding home four winners. Tom Agosti and Jack Flanigen had driving doubles. Trainer Sue Stockwell had a training double.
 
America’s oldest lighted Harness Track is currently racing every Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday night. Post time is 7:05 p.m.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press Release:

Batavia, NY -- Taking a big step up in company didn’t stop Natural Spring from pulling the mild upset in the featured $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace on Wednesday night at Batavia Downs Casino.
 
Natural Spring, claimed for $14,500 by owner Richey Edward Myers in her last start, paid back immediate dividends when she went on to a 5-1/4 length score in 1:55.4, which lowered her seasonal mark by over a full second. Tom Agosti was at the controls for Alex Giuliani. Sun Belle Perfect with Ron Beback, Jr. was second while Memphis Glow with Troy Boring finished third.
 
Racing resumes on Friday night (Oct.23). Post time is 7:05 p.m.
 
Todd Haight
Batavia Downs

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- The much improved Joe Page went from last to first to win the featured $8,500 Open Handicap Trot on Friday night at Batavia Downs Casino.
 
With former Downs regular Sam Schillaci in town to drive for trainer Mike Delano, Joe Page settled in seventh as the field of Western New York’s best squaregaiters was led by Jack Sparrow and Jim McNeight through fractions of :29, :59.3 and 1:28.4.
 
Around the final turn Jack Sparrow was still the commander of the fractions but Joe Page was gaining with every stride. Down the lane it was Joe Page with all the momentum as he trotted right by Jack Sparrow to a 1-1/4 length score in 1:58.4, a nice mile on a chilly night. Jack Sparrow held on to the second spot while A Work In Progress with Ken Holliday wound up third.
 
Joe Cicatello owns Joe Page, a 4-year-old Mr Lavec-Well Cast gelding who recorded his fifth win of the year and raised his seasonal earnings to over $27,000.
 
The summer-fall meet's leading chauffeur Kevin Cummings visited the winner's circle three more times while the red-hot Jack Flanigen had a driving double including scoring with 40-1 shot Knob Hill Splash.
 
Racing is currently being conducted at America’s oldest lighted Harness Track every Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday night. Post time is 7:05 p.m.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Photo: Joe Page with driver Sam Schillaci defeating Jack Sparrow in Batavia Downs featured trot. Courtesy of Paul White.

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- It was billed as Super Saturday night (Oct. 10) at Batavia Downs Casino, with the biggest trot and pace of the year, a retirement ceremony for one of the most popular horses to ever race at the Downs, a check presentation for charity and a t-shirt giveaway.

The pacing event was the track’s showcase event of the season, the seventh annual $40,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial. On Super Saturday, two super horses finished one-two.

Taking complete advantage of his rail post draw, the classy pacer Foiled Again went wire-to-wire to win the Kane Memorial.

With Matt Kakaley in the bike for trainer Ron Burke, Foiled Again fired out of the starting gate, seated his main rival Special Report heading into the first turn and put up all the numbers en route to a 3-1/2 length score in 1:52.3. Special Report with Larry Stalbaum finished second best while Eagle Real One (Gareth Dowse) was farther back in third.

“I won the Battle of Lake Erie with him (Foiled Again); he’s perfect on a half,” Kakaley said. “Once I got the front end and a second quarter breather I knew it was over.”

The victory put Foiled Again (Dragon Again-In A Safe Place) over the $550,000 mark in seasonal earnings for owners Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi and JJK Stables.

The third annual $10,000 Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot was contested earlier on the card and it was Scorpion Moon who took home the lion’s share of the purse money for driver Jack Rice and trainer Tracy Brainard. Scorpion Moon overtook the front running Baby Boy Grin (Larry Stalbaum) at the three-quarters and went on to a 4-3/4 length win in 1:58.2. The much improved Fessup Fred (Jimmy Whisman) trotted up to be second while Baby Boy Grin held on for third.

Scorpion Moon (Armbro Scorpion-Angies Nugget) was able to turn the tables on Baby Boy Grin, who defeated him four days earlier at Pocono Downs. The win was his fourth of the 2009 campaign for owners Tracy Brainard and Andrew Herzog.

Racing fans were able to say goodbye to Rockysbreezybuddy with a special winner's circle ceremony. The 2003 Kane Memorial winner earned $230,000 in his career and will be retired to trainer Peter Arrigenna’s farm in Piffard, New York.

Batavia Downs presented Mercy Flight with a check for $15,634.35, thanks to sponsorship of races, a silent auction and a golf tournament. Doug Baker, the president of Mercy Flight of Western New York, was trackside for the presentation.

Racing resumes on Tuesday night, Oct. 13. Post time is 7:05 p.m. The summer-fall meet continues through December 5.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- The 7th annual $40,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial pace headlines a terrific card of racing on Saturday night, but for some racing fans the night could be bittersweet.
 
Rockysbreezybuddy, a standout on the local circuit for much of the decade and the 2003 Kane Memorial winner, is being retired.
 
The horse they simply call "Rocky" will see his career officially end with a special winner's circle ceremony after the 6th race. He will then lead the post parade for this year’s Kane Memorial.
 
Owned by William Brown and trained by Peter Arrigenna, the 11-year-old In the Pocket gelding earned $230,181 in his career. In 258 lifetime starts, he had 53 wins, 32 seconds and 43 thirds, and took his lifetime mark at Vernon Downs of 1:52.2 in 2003.
 
“Rocky let us know when he was ready. After his last start at Batavia he came off sore in the left front," Arrigenna said. "He's been too good of a horse to try to race him in cheap claimers. I called Billy and told him it was time to retire him."
 
Rocky broke his maiden at Rosecroft Raceway with Betsy Brown (sister of Bill) driving in October of 2000. His last victory, with Troy Boring in the sulky, was in February of this year, at Buffalo Raceway.
 
“Rocky was a perfect horse to be around, you never had to worry about him hurting anybody,” Arrigenna said.
 
His daughter, Mandy, referred to Rocky as "her Saturday night date at the track.”
 
Rocky was owned by both Bill and Betsy Brown. Betsy trained him at Rosecroft until he came to the Western New York circuit at age 4.
 
"He was so use to a 5/8th track that when he left the gate at Buffalo, he had the 7 hole, he didn't know how to make the first turn," Arrigenna said. "I thought he was heading out the outside fence.”
 
“He had talent and the rest is history. I never thought when we got him he would have made over $200,000, the hard way in overnights and most of it before slots. He won Opens at Batavia, Buffalo, Vernon and Monticello for us, and of course the Kane."
 
“He was a pleasure to have in our Opens,” Racing Secretary and Track Announcer Joe Zambito said. “You always count on him to put on a good show and from an announcer stand point he was fun to call because he was a fan favorite. He would be charging home every week.”
 
On Saturday he'll merely be jogging when he leaves the Batavia Downs oval one last time, taking with him a lifetime of memories for so many.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press release:
 
Batavia, NY --- Ron Viola, Dave Venniro and Jim Graham’s Allamerican Improv parlayed a perfect trip into his first ever Open Handicap win on Saturday night (Oct.3) at Batavia Downs Casino.
 
In rein to Ray Fisher, Jr., the talented 3-year-old Artiscape colt sat in behind the front running Arm And A Leg (Kevin Cummings) the entire trip, angled out at the top of the stretch and got up in the final few strides to notch his third win of the season in 1:55.1. Scotts Royce Rolls (Jimmy Whisman), a victim of stalled cover for the second week in a row, wound up third.
 
Allamerican Improv, a stakes winning freshman, raised his 2009 earnings to more than $35,000. He’s earned more than $160,000 lifetime. Jim Graham is the conditioner.
 
Racing Fans are reminded that next Saturday night figures to be one of biggest nights of the season with the $40,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace, the $10,000 Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot and the retirement ceremony of popular local pacer Rockysbreezybuddy.
 
The Summer/Fall meet continues through December 5 with racing every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. Post time is 7:05.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino