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Kim Asher is top trainer at Batavia Downs; drivers go to the wire

By Billie Owens

Kim Asher

By Tim Bojarski, for UNY USHWA

The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) will present performance awards to the top dash winning trainer and driver of the meet during the 10th annual “Night of Distinction” ceremony in the winner’s circle at Batavia Downs tonight (Dec. 16) and whereas the top conditioner has been well identified, the driver’s race will likely go down to the final races of the weekend.

Kim Asher is currently the top percentage trainer in North America with a UTR of .427 and $1.1 million in earnings. She is also ranked eighth in North America for wins, currently with 208.

So it’s no surprise that Asher is also the trainer of the meet at Batavia Downs for 2017.

Asher has started 351 horses during the session winning 88 races, finishing second 55 times and third another 55 times and saw her horses hit the board 56% of the time. Those efforts gave her a stellar UTR of .390 and $479,491 in purses. Her win total more than doubled her closest competitor.

Competing for only the second year at Batavia, Asher’s training career spans 19 years and during that time she has won multiple training titles including most recently, the 2017 Buffalo Raceway meet. This year Asher has sent out 208 winners and that mark was a personal best. Her stable boast horses with gaudy win totals like Quicksilvercandy A (20), Saint William A (16), Itsonlyrocknroll A (13) and Kaitlyn Rae (11).   

During her career Asher has 1,934 wins, 1,456 seconds and 1,222 thirds out of 9,196 starts for a lifetime UTR of .342 and earnings of over $15 million.

The driving accolades for this meet are still up in the air.

Larry Stalbaum is the current dash win leader with 127 wins while Ray Fisher Jr. is second with 122 and Drew Monti is third with 117. With only one card of racing left and probably 20 starts apiece remaining for all three drivers, Stalbaum looks fairly solid with a five-race lead.

If Stalbaum does win the title it would be his first at Batavia Downs. However the long-tenured horseman is no stranger to being the best set of hands on any circuit. Over his 32-year career he has won dash honors at Northville Downs, Hazel Park, Sports Creek Park, Jackson Harness Raceway, Monticello Raceway, Raceway Park, Cal Expo and most recently, Buffalo Raceway earlier this year.

During his career, Stalbaum has driven 5,732 winners and earned just under $39 million in purses.

Ray Fisher Jr. has won two driving titles at Buffalo Raceway and four at Northfield Park. But since arriving at the Genesee County oval in 2007 has never taken the top spot there although he did finish second and third three times each. So winning it this year would definitely be a notch in his belt.

Since his career began in 1987, Fisher has won 4,200 races lifetime and just shy of $18 million in purses. 

Drew Monti is the defending dash driving winner at Batavia Downs, taking his first-ever driving title last year with 116 wins. He had a substantial lead this year earlier in the meet, but the competition stiffened and now he has a lot of work to do in order to repeat.

Although the 23-year-old Monti has only been driving for five years, he is already closing in on his 1,000th win (currently with 979) and has made $5.5 million in purses during that time.

The competition for the driving title will be decided tonight (Dec. 16). Post time is 6 p.m.

Premier Genesee names new staff, announces plans to expand services in 2018

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Premier Genesee (the former Genesee County Nursing Home) has named a new administrator, Christine Schaller, and a new Director of Nursing, Mihael Toole, RN.

Schaller, who served at the administrator of the home between 2012-16, lives in Batavia.

Toole, who most recently served as director of Quality Assurance for Avanti, resides in Hamburg.

The new management team plans a series of new services and community events in 2018 to serve the care needs of seniors in Batavia and our Western New York neighbors.

There are plans to offer Respiratory Therapy Services and expended in-patient and out-patient therapy programs.

Adult Day Health Services will continue to be offered as well as skilled nursing and long-term care.

Premier Genesee welcomes the opportunity to be a part of the fabric of Batavia.

Horses of the meet announced for Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association:

Batavia, NY---The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) has announced its horses of the meet for 2017 at Batavia Downs.

Pacer of the Meet: Focus Power

While racing in the top Open class for 13 starts at Batavia, western New York newcomer Focus Power won three times and finished second another five while amassing $36,010 in purses. He was on fire in September when he won three out of four starts while setting two new lifetime marks during that period (September 2, 1:53 and September 23, 1:52.4).

After being claimed at Yonkers just prior to the start of the Batavia meet, Focus Power made an immediate impact to the good fortunes of owner James Caradori and trainer Darrin Monti. Driver Drew Monti was aboard for every start. Overall Focus Power has nine wins in 2017 and earnings that total $97,395.

 

Trotter of the Meet: BZ Glide

BZ Glide was a fixture in the weekly Open trot once again this year and showed although he’s getting older, he hasn’t lost a step. In 15 starts against the local best, BZ Glide won three with six seconds and a third banking $34,405 in the process. He also set a seasonal mark of 1:56.3.

As has been the case every year, the family affair of Alana Caprio training and Mike Caprio driving, the two also team up in ownership of the big trotting gelding. For the year, BZ Glide has a total of five wins and earnings of $52,405.

Mare of the Meet: Voltina

Competing the entire meet in the fillies and mares Open I or II, Voltina was as tough as they came winning three Open I’s and one Open II along with six second place finishes and took home purses totaling $34,060. She took her seasonal mark of 1:55 at Batavia as well.

Owned by CHS Racing LLC, the Tony Cummings-trained Voltina had a career year winning a total of eight races and earning $69,456 in purses. Kevin Cummings was aboard for the majority of her starts.

Claimer of the Meet: Quicksilvercandy A

Listed as the winning-est pacer in North America for a good portion of the year, Quicksilvercandy A had a field day racing at Batavia Downs. Moving up and down the class ladder, the mare ended up winning seven claiming races including the $20,000 Claiming Championship final for her division in November. Her four seconds and two thirds also helped bump up her bankroll to $40,165 for the meet.

Owned and driven by Larry Stalbaum, Quicksilvercandy A recorded a career year of 20 wins and $108,994 in earnings under the training of Kim Asher.

Most Improved Horse of the Meet: In Runaway Bay N

In Runaway Bay N came to Batavia Downs off a less than stellar early part of the year. He made his first start at Batavia in August, winning in the bottom class; non-winners of $1,000 in 1:55.1. He strung together four wins while working his way up to the Open where he finished second two weeks in a row. The following week he faced Foiled Again and finished a respectable fourth to the richest Standardbred of all time. Since then he has won three Open paces. For the meet, he took a seasonal mark of 1:53.1 and earned $39,050.

In Runaway Bay N is owned by Super Mile LLC and is trained by Angelo Nappo. Kevin Cummings was in the bike for the bulk of the work.

The connections of these horses will be presented their trophies in the winner’s circle at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 16) during the 10th annual “Night of Distinction” awards ceremony. Post time for the first race is 6 p.m.

(All photos are courstesy of Paul White.)

St. Joe's students take part in 'Hour of Code' during Computer Science Education Week

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

The students at St. Joseph Catholic School took part in one of the largest learning events in history! More than 100 million students in 180 countries participated in the Hour of Code during Computer Science Education week which was Dec. 4th – 10th.

The kindergarten through fifth-grade classes spent their time in the computer lab with their technology teacher, Mrs. Paserk, directing robots, “Switch and Glitch,” through different scenarios to save their captain.

The middle school students worked on the “Robot Rattle” activity, programming a robot to make different movements to complete tasks.

Although these activities may seem fun to these students, what many don’t realize is that they are gaining problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. Mrs. Paserk will continue to work with her students on coding throughout the school year.

STOP DWI Holiday Season Crackdown Enforcement begins Friday, ends Jan. 1

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator Matt Landers announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

While we spend this Holiday Season celebrating with friends and family and looking forward to the blessings of a New Year the law enforcement community across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives.

The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Dec. 15 and will end on Jan. 1. New York State Police, County Sheriffs and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

Sheriff Sheron says, “our patrols will be extra vigilant for impaired drivers this Holiday Season. Make sure you don’t attract their attention by drinking and driving.”

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol- and drug-related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers.

So much for Happy Holidays -- in December 2016 impaired driving crashes resulted in 781 deaths. Over a 5-year period that total is almost 4,000 unnecessary and tragic deaths! So this holiday season Have a SOBER Plan. Even one alcoholic drink is too many for you to drive. There are many alternatives – Designate a SOBER driver, use public transportation, stay where you are but absolutely, DON’T DRIVE. GET A RIDE!

The STOP-DWI Holiday Season Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and implemented by the STOP-DWI Foundation. In addition, the Foundation has created a Mobile App – “Have A Plan” that is available as a free download for smart phones to help find safe rides home no matter where you may be celebrating. Many thanks to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee for their support of this new technology.

Go to www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp or visit your app store.

We wish you and your family and friends a very safe and Happy Holiday season!

Hawley and Sheriff hold free Yellow Dot kit giveaway in Corfu Thursday, helps first responders save lives

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he will be hosting a free Yellow Dot program on Thursday in Corfu. It will be held at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Alleghany Road, Corfu.

It will be conducted by the Genesee County Sheriff's Department and Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron Jr. and Undersheriff Gregory Walker are expected to attend.

Yellow Dot is designed to help first responders provide life-saving medical attention during that first “golden hour” after a car crash or emergency. A Yellow Dot Kit, like those available at Thursday's event, contains two cards for your personal information and and two Yellow Dot stickers (decals), one for your car and one for your home.

FOR YOUR VEHICLE: A Yellow Dot placed in the driver's-side rear window of your vehicle will alert first responders that vital medical information is stored in the glove compartment. One card should be completed for each person who regularly occupies the vehicle. The card(s) should be updated annually yourself or bring it to your medical check-up. (If you sell your car, remove the Yellow Dot sticker.)

AT HOME: A Yellow Dot kit can be used to alert those who respond to an emergency in your home. Simply place a Yellow Dot decal on or beside your front door and place a completed card for each occupant in a clear freezer bag and place in a visible location in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator.

The Sheriff's Association has distributed more than 2 million free Yellow Dot kits to New Yorkers to date. 

“Yellow Dot is truly a life-saving program,” Hawley said. “This is a free program that is especially important as road conditions become more dangerous during the winter months.

"Participating in the Yellow Dot Program is as easy as filling out a brief medical card and placing the Yellow Dot sticker on your car window. I encourage all who are available to stop by and pick up your free Yellow Dot Kit ... or contact your local sheriff’s department.”

Farrier Rusty Freeman to be honored with Innovator’s Award at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo of Rusty Freeman, courtesy of Rusty Freeman.

By Tim Bojarski, for Upstate NewYork Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association:

Anyone who has ever dealt with a quarter crack can appreciate what it takes to get their horse sound and racing again. Rusty Freeman is responsible for changing the way this debilitating condition is handled, reducing down time from weeks to days and turning the process into a state of the art form over the years.

As a result of his tireless work to help the breed, the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) will present Freeman with the Innovator’s Award for contributions to the sport of harness racing in the winner’s circle at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 16) during the 10th annual “Night of Distinction” awards ceremony.

Freeman was working as a factory machinist in western New York in the late 1970’s when he was first introduced to harness racing. While visiting a friend who had trotters, he was shown why a particular horse was lame with a hoof crack and the whole thing quickly intrigued him.

He developed a way to use a Dremel tool and cut out just the part of the hoof he felt was needed, and then put a tube under the patch. That way air could still get to the sore area to aid healing and it could also be flushed with antiseptic to keep it clean.

He then researched and developed an acrylic compound he uses instead of fiberglass and combines that with Kevlar cloth to do the patches. The combination of the tube under the new patch material gives the area every opportunity to heal and grow out properly in a short amount of time.

Freeman has been plying his trade at harness tracks in New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania for almost 40 years now and many times works hand in hand with vets. As a result, hundreds of horses have been made sound quicker, allowing them to get back in the box much sooner.  

Also a farrier, Freeman is an accredited member of the American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF) and helps other professionals in the field understand and benefit from his technics.

Post time for the first race on Saturday is 6 p.m.

Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School one of only 26 statewide to make the College Board's AP District Honor Rolll

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
Principal Tim McArdle announced Monday that Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School is one of 447 (only 26 schools in NYS) school districts in the United States and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the eighth Annual AP District Honor Roll!
 
It is the only school in Genesee County listed on the Honor Roll.
 
This is the second time the school has received this honor in the last four years for increasing the number of students enrolled in AP courses and also increasing overall performance on the exams.  
 
Along with increasing AP course opportunities, Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School has also seen significant gains over the last five years in the AP classroom: 
  • student participation by 85 percent
  • numbers of exams given overall by 31 percent
  • percentage of students scoring a 3+ by 60 percent
The link to the Honor Roll is here.

Hawley to pistol owners: 'Preserve the Second Amendment by keeping your pistol certified'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In his ongoing efforts to preserve our Second Amendment rights, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today reminded pistol permit holders to recertify their permits by Jan. 31 in order to prevent them from becoming invalid.

If your pistol permit was issued before Jan.15, 2013, you must recertify your permit before Jan. 31. If your permit was issued on or prior Jan. 15, 2013, the deadline is five years after the date the permit was issued.

“Unfortunately, this is a new mandate on pistol permit holders in New York and the first year that owners have to recertify,” Hawley said. “The deadline is coming up and many New Yorkers may be unaware of these new requirements.

"As much as we may disagree with the unconstitutional Safe Act, if we come out in droves to recertify it will send the message to state leadership that we cherish our Second Amendment right to bear arms, and will not be silenced by any big government policies, as frustrating as they might seem.”

If you are a New York state pistol permit holder and need to recertify your license or would like more information, please visit the New York State Trooper Website here. Additionally, feel free to contact my office with questions at (585) 589-5780, or email me at hawleys@nyassembly.gov.

Downtown Batavia Revitalization Initiative Public Workshop at City Hall

By Billie Owens

The public is invited to a City of Batavia Downtown Revitaliation Initiative Public Workshop from 6:30 to 9 p.m. tomorrow (Dec. 14). It will be held at City Hall, One Batavia City Centre.

The question is "What Brings You Downtown?" and your input is sought on the future of Downtown Batavia, which has been awarded $10 million from the state for this initiative. The initiative's Local Planning Committee would like to know what you love about downtown and what amenities would bring you there more often.

Event Date and Time
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Downtown Batavia Revitalization Initiative Public Workshop is Thursday evening at City Hall

By Billie Owens

The public is invited to a City of Batavia Downtown Revitaliation Initiative Public Workshop from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday (Dec. 14). It will be held at City Hall, One Batavia City Centre.

The question is "What Brings You Downtown?" and your input is sought on the future of Downtown Batavia, which has been awarded $10 million from the state for this initiative. The initiative's Local Planning Committee would like to know what you love about downtown and what amenities would bring you there more often.

Residents, businesses, property owners and anyone with an interest in revitalizing Downtown Batavia is encouraged to attend the workshop. 

House fire reported on Judge Road in Alabama

By Billie Owens

albamafiredec122017.jpg

UPDATED 12:40 p.m.

A candle may have sparked a structure fire at 2210 Judge Road shortly after 8 a.m. that caused smoke inhalation and burns for one resident of the apartment building.

Alabama Chief Gary Patnode said the cause is under investigation but the resident mentioned a candle before being transported to ECMC by Mercy EMS for treatment.

A dog in an upstairs apartment succumbed to the smoke and two cats were rescued, including one that required emergency medical assistance from volunteer personnel at the scene.

The apartment complex is a former store that contains four units, but only two were occupied.

When Alabama fire was first dispatched, there was an upstairs resident who was unaccounted for and firefighters immediately searched the upstairs unit. The man is a former Alabama volunteer and his wife is a current volunteer. After some phone calls, Patnode said, the man was located at another location and was safe.

Another person was evaluated at the scene by Mercy personnel.

A quick response helped get the fire knocked down quickly, Patnode said, but he credited the resident, primarily, for closing the door behind her when left the structure.

"The homeowner did the right thing," Patnode said. "She closed the door upon exiting the apartment, which primarily kept (the fire) confined to their apartment. The fire was oxygen deprived upon our going in there. Pretty much, it burned itself out."

---------------

Initial reports below:

A house fire is reported at 2180 2210 Judge Road, Alabama. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Pembroke, Oakfield, East Pembroke, Elba, Darien, Shelby and the city's Fast Team. No people are entrapped, but there may be animals inside. The third platoon is requested to stand by in city fire headquarters.

UPDATE 8:48 a.m.: Two people have minor burns on their hands. One is at the house next door and the other is at the church on the corner. Mercy medics are responding. Law enforcement is responding. Traffic will be shut down by fire police at Route 63 and Gorton Road, and Route 63 and Macomber Road.

UPDATE 9:02 a.m.: Code enforcement and National Grid requested to the scene.

UPDATE 9:05 a.m.: Indian Falls was also called and now Akron is asked to stand by in the Indian Falls' station. 

UPDATE 9:14 a.m.: Alabama command reports the fire is under control.

UPDATE 9:17 a.m.: Any tanker called but not yet deployed is returned to service. A fill-in from Town of Batavia is requested to Oakfield Fire Hall.

UPDATE 9:18 a.m.: Corfu is called to stand by in its own quarters.

UPDATE 9:26 a.m.: Fire is out; doing overhaul and ventilating.

UPDATE 9:33 a.m.: One person was transported to ECMC with minor burns and suffering from smoke inhalation. Another person is being evaluated by medics at the scene.

UPDATE 9:38 a.m.: The pet dog died in the fire and was just removed by firefighters. Responders are trying to resuscitate one pet cat and another one made it out safely.

UPDATE 9:48 a.m.: The ailing cat was successfully resuscitated and is fine now.

UPDATE 10:13 a.m.: Town of Batavia fire and Sheldon fire requested to return to scene. 

UPDATE 10:14 a.m.: Elba requested to stand by in quarters.

UPDATE 12:45 p.m.: Crews are picking up.

Buffet breakfast with Santa at Le Roy Moose Family Center, plus cookie decorating and games

By Billie Owens

Everyone is invited to have Breakfast with Santa at the Le Roy Moose Family Center from 9 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17. The located ion 21 Bank St., Le Roy.

Join us for a breakfast buffet, cookie decorating, games and, of course, Santa!

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday!

Event Date and Time
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Genesee County Master Gardeners hosted 4-H Holiday Centerpiece Workshop

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

On Dec. 7, the Genesee County Master Gardener Volunteers hosted a “How to Make A Holiday Centerpiece” workshop for more than a dozen local 4-H members from across the county.

The youth learned about various types of evergreens that can be used to make festive holiday arrangements, many of which can be found in their own backyards. The kids then used the greens to make their very own holiday centerpiece to take home and enjoy.

To learn more about the Genesee County Master Gardener or 4-H Programs, visit our website: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/

WNY horseman Jim Compton to receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo of Jim Compton and horse Michael Scores, courtesy of Tim Bojarski.

By Tim Bojarski, for the Upstate New York Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association:

Jim Compton has been a respected western New York horseman for over 35 years. He trained, drove and bred many horses that are still remembered at his home tracks for their competitive nature and success.

For his years of dedication to the sport, the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) will present him with the Lifetime Achievement Award in the winner’s circle at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 16) during the 10th annual “Night of Distinction” awards ceremony.

Compton’s full time job was working for General Motors in Rochester, but his passion was for harness racing. So in 1978 he started moonlighting at the farm of local driving legend Fred Haslip to learn the ins and outs of the business. After a few years he got his trainer's license and in 1983 he drove his first race.

Compton and his wife Sandra always ran a small but successful stable, racing horses like Sly Hi, No Parking Zone, Splurging Rita, Gasper Again and Held For Ransom, who won multiple Opens at Batavia Down, Vernon Downs and Buffalo Raceway en route to amassing 51 lifetime wins.

When Held For Ransom’s career was over, Compton bred him to one of his race mares named Suspicious Burns and the result of that breeding was a horse named Michael Scores.

Michael Scores was a New York Sires Stake star and rock-solid overnight campaigner for 11 years. He won 86 races and earned $668,079 lifetime without ever seeing the Grand Circuit. He set track records at Tioga Downs (1:50.4) and at Batavia Downs (1:52.1) when he won the 2006 Kane Memorial Pace. And he will always be remembered for his “intentionally parked out” style of racing.

Compton’s numbers were not gaudy, however they were efficient. On the training side he had 578 wins out of 2,892 starts with $1.9 million in purses and a UTR of .337. As a driver he won 522 races out of 2,725 starts and made $1.13 million in purses and a UDR of .330. And all the horses he either trained or drove were 50 percent in the money over his entire career.

Post time for Saturday night’s card is 6 o'clock.

The Elba Craft Show folks offer 'huge shout out' to those who made this year's event successful

By Billie Owens

A Letter of Thanks from the Elba Craft Show folks:

Thank you, MR. Palmer, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Cusmano, Mrs. Cronkovich, Glennda, Mr. Tower, Mrs. Stucko, Ms. Bush, Mrs. Pedro, Mrs. Kent, Mrs. Christopher, the booster clubs that showed up, all the volunteers from National Honor Society, Student Council, we could not have done it without you. 

Mel, I just want to let you know that you went above and beyond and w so appreciate you. Thank you again for everything you do for us.

This is why I always say ELBA ROCKS…..

I WOULD LIKE TO Thank the Brayden Salvaterra Memorial Foundation for bringing in the bounce house. The 50/50 raised $154.00 to be donated to this wonder foundation. The foundation gives back to the school and community in so many ways and we are grateful.

Thank you to the Boy Scouts for showing what scouting is all about. I am proud to be associated with such a fine group of young men. You worked hard all day and all I heard was wonderful things about you guys. You were polite, courteous, respectful and funny at times. (yeah, I know, doesn’t sound like our boys). Thank you to Jamie Belluscio, you are awesome with the boys helping them keep on track and getting the orders to the vendors. You definitely had more patience than I. Thank you to the kitchen crew Frank, Brian and Shawn.You guys did a fantastic job considering the boys brought you 30 orders all at once hahaha.

Thank you to the parents for letting us have their boys all day and thank you for instilling in them good behavior. Our scouting program would not work without your continued support. Also would like to thank Ron and Herm for setting up and all their behind the scenes work. Also, a shout out to Lauren Zuber, thank you for coming and helping set up on Friday night it was greatly appreciated.

I would like to thank each and every one of the vendors that came out and supported the Elba Scouting program, without you this event would not have been possible. Thank you to all the customers/shoppers that came out and supported us and the crafter/vendors. I would also like to thank the Sheriff’s Department for coming out and fingerprinting and photographing the children. And thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Claus for surprising us with a visit.

I would like to thank all our businesses that donated to our Grand Door prize which was worth well over $800. Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you to Harvester 56 for letting us borrow the chairs.

To My dear friend Ruth, thank you for setting up my booth and selling my baked goods all day. Luv u.

And as always last but not least my Queen Kim, there are no words to explain my gratitude. I luv you to the moon and back.

If I have left anyone out I am truly sorry it was an oversight, so many to thank to make this a success.

If I have left anyone out I am truly sorry it was an oversight, so many to thank to make this a success.

Thank You

Mark your Calendars

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Lori McClurg

Chairperson

Lucky McTrucky wins heavyweight battle at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Lucky McTrucky, driven by Drew Monti, wins at Batavia Downs.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

It was a hard fought race between two game opponents, but Lucky McTrucky came out on top of Jimi Wind Ricks in the $9,000 feature pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Dec. 9).

Lucky McTrucky (Drew Monti) inherited the lead from the pylons as no one else in the field left. Now lined up in post-position order, the leader strolled the group to the half in a very pedestrian :59 split. Eager to challenge at that point, Jimi Wind Ricks (Billy Davis Jr.) came with a rush at the three-eighths and drew alongside Lucky McTrucky up the backside and that began a very contentious encounter.

After a :27.4 third panel, Jimi Wind Ricks got the lead on the outside by over a half-length but could not clear as Lucky McTrucky stayed game and would not let him go by. They continued to fight around the far turn with both Monti and Davis rocking and knocking their respective mounts, hoping each other would give way. They hit the straight and were still going at it but Lucky McTrucky gained a slight edge and held it to the wire where he won by a half-length in 1:55.1.

It was the 42nd lifetime win for Lucky McTrucky ($7.30) who is owned by Tessa Roland and trained by J.D. Perrin.

In the $8,500 Open III pace, Big Ricky (Ron Beback Jr.) took a mostly overland route to defeat the heavily favored David The Saint (Ray Fisher Jr.) by a length in 1:56.4. Big Ricky ($9.70) is owned by William Emmons and is trained by James Clouser Jr. 

Driver Shawn McDonough had a big night at the Downs, winning three races including the nightcap with Best Ears who blew up the tote board with an $86 mutuel.

The final week of the meet kicks-off when racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Dec. 15) with post time at 6 p.m. There are only two more nights of racing in 2017.

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