Batavia Downs is the oldest lighted harness track in North America, opening on September 20, 1940. Home to many great horses,drivers and races over the years, Batavia Downs reopened on July 29th 2002 after being closed for nearly 5 years. The track hosted its last season of live racing in 1997, before its license expired on June 30, 1998 and was not renewed because of financial problems.

Pictured to the right is the last racing program from October 18, 1997. Pictured below is an ad for the 1988 $250,000 Breeders Crown Aged Mare Trot held at Batavia Downs. The race was won by Armbo Flori who trotted to a winning time of 159.3.

Soon after its closure, Western Regional Off Track Betting who had been in discussions with the previous owners to purchase the track, announced they had acquired the facility and planned renovations and live racing for the 1999 season. Unfortunately Western OTB's plan did not set well with other racetracks in NY, and in particular with "operating partner" Buffalo Raceway. Both Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs had shared race dates throughout the season for over 50 years until Batavia's closure.

Buffalo Raceway, along with other racetracks in NY state feared competition from OTB/Batavia Downs. In order for Western OTB to operate Batavia Downs as a racetrack a change in law was needed. Due to the opposition from these tracks the change in law was continually shelved and Batavia Downs sat idle. Finally in June of 2001 after making aggreements and concessions with the opposing parties OTB was able to get the necessary legislation passed. Govenor Pataki signed the legislation into law July 25, 2001 in the city of Batavia and Western OTB was legally allowed to operate Batavia Downs.

In March of 2002, Western OTB was granted a live racing license and reopened on Monday night July 29, 2002 to a crowd of over 5000.

Pictured below is the opening night program from Batavia Downs on July 29, 2002 along with the retro souvenir program that was handed out and modeled after the 1946 Program

Check Out Photos of Older Batavia Downs Programs

Click on the links below, to hear some classic Batavia Downs radio jingles from the 1950s.

On May 18th a new era began at Batavia Downs with the introduction of 586 Video Lottery Terminals at the new Batavia Downs Gaming. The VLTs will help the track financially and also give a much needed boost to the purses for horseman.

An arial shot of Batavia Downs courtesy of track photographer Paul White.

Skyvision - Retirement Ceremony

Skyvision is honored in the Batavia Downs Winners Circle on November 30, 2007.
The classy 14 year old gelding has 69 wins and earnings of over $345,000 in his career.

Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot

Iroquoindianbrave and driver John Cummings Jr. win the Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot,
named in honor of the long time Western NY horseman who passed away in October.

Keith Kash Jr. - Leading Driver & Trainer

Keith Kash Jr. receives a winner's circle presentation as the leading
2007 Batavia Downs driver and trainer in wins.

Jack Flanigen - 3000 Driving Wins

Long time Western NY driver Jack Flanigen gets his 3000th driving victory
on Saturday October 20, 2007 at Batavia Downs.

2007 Robert Kane Memorial - Slickest Hanover

Slickest Hanover and driver Jim Morrill Jr. take the 5th edition of the Robert Kane
Memorial on October 6, 2007 winning in 1:54.1.

Princess Maddie - 2yo Filly Trot Track Record

Princess Maddie with driver Jim Morrill Jr. set a new track record
of 2:00.4 for 2yo Filly Trotters on September 21, 2007.

Isabella Blue Chip - 3yo Filly Pace Track Record

Isabella Blue Chip and driver Howard Parker set a new track record at Batavia Downs
for 3yo Filly Pacers winning in 1:54.1 in NYSS action on September 5, 2007.

Bet To Win - 3yo Colt Trot Track Record

Bet To Win with driver Jim Morrill Jr. lower the 3yo trotting track record at Batavia
to 1:59.0 on August 1, 2007.

Photos from the 2006 Season at Batavia Downs

Photos from the 2005 Season at Batavia Downs

Photos from the 2002 and 2003 Season at Batavia Downs