Batavia, NY --- Northfield invader Spit Happens made his Batavia Downs debut a winning one when he went wire-to-wire in the featured $9,000 Open trot on Friday night, Nov. 13.
Starting from the rail, Spit Happens, with Ray Fisher, Jr. aboard, set a leisurely early half of 1:00.2 and sprinted home in :59.2, including a final stanza of :29.2 for a 1-1/4 length score in the weekly trotting feature. The 7-year-old, gelded son of Humorous Harry is trained by Crist Hershberger for owners George and Rose Bonomo. It was the fourth win in his last five starts.
Another son of Humorous Harry, Jack Sparrow, with Jim McNeight driving, found the two hole early and tracked the winner around the racetrack to be second, while last week’s Open winner, Hello Carlo with Troy Boring, trotted up to be third.
The win machine Up Front Northern notched his 17th win of the season in the evenings 10th race, a $6,000 claimer. Jimmy Whisman, who had a driving triple, was in the sulky for trainer D.J. Millner. Up Front Northern has season’s earnings of more than $57,000.
Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. Post time is 7:05 p.m.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
November 8, 2009
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
November 5, 2009
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
November 2, 2009
Arm and a Leg with reinsman Kevin Cummings cruising to
victory in $8,500 Open Handicap.
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
October 31, 2009
Being assigned the outside post-position and having to close into a very soft opening half (1:02) didn’t make any difference as Joe Page, a 4-year-old Mr Lavec-Well Cast gelding, was much the best going on to a 5-¾ length win in 2:01. Sam Schillaci was once again in town to drive for trainer Mike Delano and owner Joe Cicatello.
Cade Callihan with Ray Fisher Jr. trotted up for second while Fessup Fred and Kevin Cummings came in third.
“He’s unbelievably sharp right now,” reinsman Sam Schillaci said, “he’s got a brush like a pacer.” Schillaci was referring Joe Page’s explosive move when he went from last to first in an eight of a mile.
The win was Joe Page’s seventh of the 2009 campaign. He’ll surely get strong consideration for Horse of the month with third wins and two seconds in October.
2008 Downs leading trainer/driver Ron Beback Jr. made quite an impression Friday night guiding home five winners including three that he trains. D J Millner had a training double.
Racing continues at America’s oldest lighted harness track on Saturday night, post time is 7:05 p.m.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
October 26, 2009
Tim Bojarski-Kevin Cummings-Alex Guiliani--Sherri Holliday--Todd Haight
Batavia, NY --- President Tim Bojarski of the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association made a special winner's circle presentation honoring the driver, trainer and horse of the month for September on Saturday night at Batavia Downs Casino.
Kevin Cummings was honored as the driver of the month. The 39-year-old reinsman dominated with 33 wins, 36 seconds and 29 thirds in 178 starts. His UDR was .352 and his drives earned $150,755. Cummings is well on his way to his first ever Batavia Downs dash leading driver title.
Sherri Holliday was named the trainer of the month. A perennial leading conditioner on the Western New York circuit she won 18 races with 13 seconds and four thirds from 57 starters. Her win percentage for the month was an impressive 31.6 percent and her UTR was .466. She’s currently the leading trainer at the Summer-Fall meet.
Outlaws Ransome took home horse of the month honors. He went three for four in September including an Open handicap score on September 19. His seven wins this year at the Downs leads all horses. Trainer Alex Guiliani accepted the award for owner Richey Edward Myers.
Each received an embroidered tote bag with their name on it.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
October 25, 2009
#6 New York Prime with Tom Agosti in the sulky getting up on
the far outside to win the $8,500 Open Handicap.
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
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
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
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
October 22, 2009
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
October 18, 2009
#1 New York Prime with Tom Agosti getting up on the far outside
to win the weekly pacing feature.
Batavia, NY --- On Friday the much improved trotter Joe Page took the weekly trotting feature; on Saturday night a much improved pacer did the same thing. New York Prime remained unbeaten in Western New York when he won the featured $8,500 Open Handicap Pace on Saturday night at Batavia Downs Casino.
Getting away in the pocket from his assigned one post, New York Prime with Tom Agosti at the controls sat in the garden spot behind the talented 3-year-old Allamerican Improv (Ray Fisher, Jr.) through fractions of :27.4, :57.1 and 1:25.3.
All American Improv had a two length lead at the top of the stretch but New York Prime was able to out-finish that rival and go on to a one length score in a brilliant 1:54, considering temperatures at post were in the high 30s. Triple Bars and Ken Holliday finished third.
The win was the 16th of the season for New York Prime, a 6-year-old altered son of Bettor's Delight and the 1:54 time was a new lifetime mark.
New York Prime is now a perfect three-for-three since being claimed for $8,000 on September 25 by trainer Alex Giuliani for owner Richey Edward Myers of Phoenix, Arizona. Trainer Neal Russo originally claimed New York Prime at Vernon Downs for $5,000 and went two-for-two with him at America’s oldest lighted harness track.
Reinsman Jack Flanigen continued with his hot hand, scoring a driving triple, while Jimmy Whisman, Troy Boring and Tom Agosti had driving doubles.
Batavia Downs Casino offers one of its best deals ever when racing resumes on Tuesday night. Purchase one clubhouse buffet at the regular price, $13.95, and receive $10.00 back in Casino free play. Post time is 7:05.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
October 17, 2009
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
October 11, 2009
Foiled Again and Matt Kakaley cruising to victory in 1:52.3.
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.
Scorpion Moon with Jack Rice winning the 3rd annual
Brian Schroeder Memorial trot in 1:58.2.
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.
Popular 11-year-old pacer Rockysbreezybuddy being retired
with a special winners circle ceremony
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
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
October 9, 2009
Matt Kakaley will drive favored Foiled Again.
Batavia, NY --- Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi and JJK Stables' Foiled Again headlines the field in the seventh annual $40,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace to be held Saturday night (Oct. 10) at Batavia Downs Casino.
This year’s edition shapes up as one of the fastest fields of pacers ever assembled at America’s oldest lighted harness track. The eight horses that will go behind the starting gate for the seventh race have combined lifetime earnings of more than $4.3 million. The field includes three pacers with lifetime marks of under 1:50 and one millionaire. Probable post time is 8:55 p.m.
Foiled Again, who drew the rail, ships to Western New York off a 1:50.2, wire-to-wire score at Harrah’s Chester. He’s earned $538,000 this season. His major wins this season include the George Morton Levy at Yonkers and the Battle of Lake Erie at Northfield Park. Matt Kakaley will be in town to do the teaming for trainer Ron Burke. Foiled Again is a 5-year-old son of Dragon Again.
Special Report, a hard hitting 7-year-old gelding by Keystone Raider, starts from post three for trainer Kim Asher and driver Larry Stalbaum. Special Report’s $1.3 million in career earnings leads the field. He’s earned more than $221,000 this season for owner Hugo Iodice.
Bulletproof Enterprises' Riggins will start from post seven for driver Jack Rice and conditioner Tracy Brainard. The talented 4-year-old colt by Art Major is a winner at the Meadowlands this season in 1:48.4. His 2009 earnings stand at $240,000. He’s performed well at several different racetracks this season.
The rest of the field includes #2 Mizuno, #4 Eagle Real One, #5 The Awful Truth, #6 Lislea Moran and #8 Scotts Rolls Royce.
Last year, Kenneth J, with Jim Morrill, Jr. in the bike, won the Kane Memorial and established a new track record of 1:52. If the weather co-operates the track record could be in serious jeopardy.
The Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace is named for the former chairman of the board at Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation, owner of Batavia Downs Casino.
Yonkers track record holder Baby Boy Grin looks like the horse to beat in the third annual $10,000 Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot, which will be contested as the fifth race on Saturday’s super card.
A private purchase earlier this season, Bay Boy Grin lowered Yonkers Raceway’s all-age track record on September 24, when he trotted to an 8-1/4 length score in a sizzling 1:54.4 with Larry Stalbaum at the controls for trainer Kim Asher.
Earl’s 1:56 trotting track record, established in 1993, could also be in jeopardy.
Baby Boy Grin, a pacing-bred 4-year-old Grinfromeartoear gelding, opens at 2-1 on the morning line.
Scorpion Moon, who finished second behind Baby Boy Grin four nights ago at Pocono Downs, looks to turn the tables with Jack Rice picking up the catch drive for trainer Tracy Brainard.
Brian Schroeder was a trainer/driver on the Western New York circuit for many years. He was particularly successful in developing young trotters.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photo courtesy of Ed Keys USTA
October 8, 2009
Rockysbreezybuddy (#2) winning the 2003 Kane Memorial.
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
(Batavia NY) --- The spotlight race of the 2009 harness season at Batavia Downs Casino tops the race card this Saturday, October 10. It’s the 7th annual $40,000 Robert J Kane Memorial Pace, named in honor of the late chairman of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation Board of Directors. First post time for the 12-race card is 7:05. The Kane is the 7th race. Last year, a new all-age track record was established when Jim Morrill Jr drove Kenneth J to victory in The Kane in 1:52 flat.
Once again, Batavia Downs Casino will celebrate the annual Kane Memorial with its popular t-shirt giveaway. Beginning at 5:30, the first 750 patrons that sign in at Player’s Club will receive a ticket that can be redeemed for a t-shirt in The Paddock Room following the 7th race.
Also on the race card Saturday night is the 3rd Annual Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot, the biggest event of the season for older trotters at the Batavia oval.
There will be a retirement ceremony for the popular locally-owned 11-year-old Pacer, Rockysbreezybuddy. Winner of the 2003 Kane Memorial, Rocky will lead the post parade for this year’s featured race and take his final lap around The Downs oval. During his 258 career starts, Rocky scored 53 wins, 32 seconds and 43 thirds with total earnings of $230,181.
Another highlight Saturday night will be a check presentation ceremony following the 3rd race as Batavia Downs Casino presents Mercy Flight of WNY with a check for $15,634.35. The check represents funds raised at the track’s August 30 Family Fun Day and a September 16 Golf Tournament at Terry Hills.
The Kane Memorial is traditionally one of the track’s busiest nights. Clubhouse reservations are encouraged. They may be made by phoning (585) 343-3750.
Contact: Hank Nevins
(585) 343-3750 x468
October 4, 2009
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
October 3, 2009
#4 Jack Sparrow holding off Joe Page to win the $8,500 Open Trot.
Batavia, NY --- A sloppy racetrack, unseasonably cool temperatures and a furious backstretch challenge couldn’t stop Jack Sparrow from winning the featured $8,500 Open Handicap trot, Friday night’s (Oct-2) at Batavia Downs Casino.
With trainer/driver Jim McNeight at the controls, Jack Sparrow left for command and made the front at the quarter in :29.4. Coming to the half Jack Sparrow was under siege as Joe Page with Sam Schillaci were up to challenge and take a short lead.
Side by side the two square-gaiters continued their all out war up the backside trotting the third quarter in a brilliant :28.3. Racing around the final turn “Jack” and “Jimmy” were able to regain the lead and fight off Joe Page’s very gallant bid to win by a head in 1:59.4
Last weeks Open winner A Work In Progress (Mike Baumeister) finished a distant third.
Jack Sparrow, a 6-year-old chestnut son of Humorous Harry notched his 9th win of the season for owner Mike Calimeri. Going off the public choice Jack Sparrow returned $5.10 to win.
Kevin Cummings, already well ahead in the driver’s standings guided home four more winners, Friday night. Ray Fisher Jr. and Sam Schillaci had driving doubles. Jim Graham and Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr. had training doubles.
Racing fan are reminded of Saturday nights promotion. In conjunction with the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association, Batavia Downs is guaranteeing that one patron will win the 8th race superfecta; all possible winning combinations will be given out free of charge beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Players Club. The patron holding the ticket of the actual winning superfecta numbers will win the one dollar payoff.
“It’s an interesting promotion,” Mike Kane, Vice President of Live Racing said. “What makes it so interesting is somebody is going to win but nobody knows how much until the race is over. We want to thank the Horseman for partnering with us on this promotion.”
Batavia Downs is currently racing every Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday night. Post time is 7:05. Racing fans that can’t make it to the track can keep abreast of all the racing action on Time Warner cable, “Batavia Downs Live” airs at 7:00 p.m. More information can be found on-line at www.bataviadownscasino.com
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
September 27, 2009
#4 Robin of Locksley with Ron Beback Jr. holding on over Arm and a Leg.
Batavia, NY --- A sloppy racetrack couldn’t rain on the parade of Robin of Locksley from winning his first $8,000 Open Handicap pace of the Summer-fall meet, Saturday night (Sept-26) at Batavia Downs Casino.
Using his good early gate speed, reinsman Ron Beback Jr., put Robin of Locksley on the lead and they went wire to wire to win by a head in 1:58.2.
Turning for home “Robin” appeared to be in hot water as a first over Scotts Rolls Royce (Jimmy Whisman) was up to challenge and the favorite, Arm and a Leg (Kevin Cummings), was gearing up three-wide on the far outside but they were all in futile chase as “Robin “ was able to dig in and hold on. Arm and a Leg wound up second and “Scott” finished third.
Robin of Locksley won for the 6th time this season for owner Pete Spaeth and trainer Bob Gruber III. The 7-year-old son of JK Outlaw raised his lifetime earnings to over $185,000.
Bob Gruber also conditions Escape Pass, who was victorious in the co-featured $7,000 Open II pace.
Leading driver Kevin Cummings continued with his hot hand guiding home five more winners, he had 4 on Friday night. D J Millner scored a four-bagger on the training side.
Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday nights, post time is 7:05 p.m.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
September 26, 2009
A Work In Progress with Ken Holliday winning the $8,000
Open Handicap Trot.
BATAVIA, NY --- For the second week in a row A Work In Progress was victorious in the weekly trotting feature, Friday night (Sept-25) at Batavia Downs Casino.
Just like last week, Ken “Doc” Holliday put A Work In Progress on the lead and they put up all the numbers en route to a 1-1/4 length score, in 1:59.3. The improving Manfromnantucket (Jack Flanigen) closed down the center to be second, while Jack Sparrow (Jim McNeight) rallied from last to be third.
A Work In Progress, a 5-year-old, altered son of SJ’s Caviar is owned Betty Tauber of New Brunswick, N.J. and trained by Sherri Holliday. The winner’s share of the $8,000 purse raised his season’s earnings to more than $39,000. He paid $4.30 to win.
Leading dashwinning driver Kevin Cummings extended his lead by driving four winners on the Friday program. Former Downs regular Sam Schillaci and Ken Holliday had driving doubles.
America’s oldest lighted harness track is currently racing on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Post time is 7:05 p.m., eastern.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
September 24, 2009
Sun Island with trainer/driver Dan Daley crusing to easy score.
Batavia, NY --- The 2009 New York Sire Stakes season came to a close Wednesday night (Sept-23) at Batavia Downs Casino with three divisions of New York Bred Late Closers for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters.
The fastest of the three winners was the Cr Excalibur-Sunrise Isle gelding Sun Island. Put right on the lead by trainer/driver Dan Daley, Sun Island trotted to a three length score in a lifetime best 2:01.2 for his third win of the season.
The contignent of Ann-Mari Daley, Charles Iannazzo, Richard Lombardo and Albert Crawford own Sun Island, whose freshman earnings are now over $37,000.
“He won handily tonight,” Dan Daley said. “We got kind of a late start with him but I think he’s going to be a really nice 3-year-old.”
The Purple Haze stables He’s So Savvy dug in down the lane for a neck score in 2:03.2 for his second win of the season for trainer Jessica Okusko and reinsman Howie Okusko Jr. The Malabar Man-Twitty colt has over $22,000 in earnings.
Iroquoindianburn won the first Late Closer of the evening, a non-betting event, in 2:05.1. Alan Schwartz was in the bike for trainer Raheim Strong. The Malabar Man- Iroquoindianscent colt won for the first time in his career.
Two track records were broken this season in the New York Sire action. Russell Hill became the fastest 3 year-old colt trotter ever at America’s oldest lighted harness track when he won in 1:57.4 in rein to Jim Morrill Jr. OK Braveheart became the fastest 3 year-old colt or gelding pacer when he romped in 1:52.2 also with Jim Morrill Jr. driving.
Sister Kae pulled a shocker when she scored at odds of 19-1 in the $8,500 Mares Open pace. Jimmy Whisman was at the controls for trainer D J Milner. Sister Kae closed up the passing lane to defeat 35-1 longshot Pauline Seelster (Tom Agosti) in 1:56.3. The two combined for a $519 exacta.
Everyone from Batavia Downs Casino wishes all local horsemen competing in the rich New York Night of Champions to be held at Vernon Downs this year the best of luck.
Racing resumes Friday night, the first of 12 gets underway at 7:05 p.m.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
September 20, 2009
Outlaws Ransome surging late in the passing lane to win the
$8,000 Open Handicap.
Batavia, NY --- The pocket rocket, Outlaws Ransome, was up in time to win the featured $8,000 Open Handicap, Saturday night (Sept-19) at Batavia Downs Casino.
Recently claimed for $10,000 by Richey Edward Myers of Phoenix Arizona, Outlaws Ransome continues to pay back high dividends as he’s moved all the way up to the handicap ranks. Tom Agosti was in the sulky for trainer Alex Giuliani.
Getting away second behind the front running Robin of Locksley (Ron Beback Jr.), Outlaws Ransome simply bided his time in the 2-hole until the field of six turned for home. Down the lane Agosti guided Outlaws Ransome to the passing lane and they were able to reel in “Robin” by a head in 1:55.3. Arson Ant (Troy Boring) who finished fourth was placed third.
Outlaws Ransome ($9.70) notched his 8th win of the season and raised his 2009 earnings to over $33,000.
Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday nights, post time is 7:05 p.m. In addition to live harness racing Batavia Downs Casino offers simulcast wagering from some of North America’s top tracks. The casino floor featuring over 600 slot 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
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
September 19, 2009
A Work In Progress take the open trot with Ken Holliday driving.
Batavia, NY --- A Work In Progress, owned by Betty Tauber of East Brunswick New Jersey, went wire to wire to win the $8,500 featured Open II Handicap Friday night (Sept 18) at Batavia Downs Casino.
Put right on the lead by Ken “Doc” Holliday, A Work In Progress withstood a challenge from favorite Fessup Fred (Kevin Cummings) up the backside and the late bids of pocket sitter Craiger (Jimmy Whisman) and a closing Manfromnantucket (Jack Flanigen) to score by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:59.
Driver Ken Holliday returned to the sulky on Wednesday after being sidelined for almost two months with a farm injury.
Tom Agosti had quite a day and evening. While jogging in the morning he was thrown and dragged after the horse he was training broke his bit. He spent the afternoon getting checked out at the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo and returned just in time to drive home four winners. Agosti suffered only minor scraps and has some discomfort in his back but besides that is fine.
Racing continues at America’s oldest lighted harness track on Saturday night, post time is 7:05 p.m.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
September 17, 2009
First Tail U See with Ron Abbott trotting to easy score in fastest
NYSS Late Closer.
Batavia, NY --- Batavia Downs Casino hosted two events on Wednesday (Sept. 16) -- more NYSS Late Closers and 144 golfers that participated in the first ever Batavia Downs Casino Golf Tournament with the proceeds going to benefit Mercy Flight of Batavia.
On the racetrack three divisions were held for 2-year-old trotting fillies, each carrying a purse of $12,800. Two daughters of Conway Hall and one of Dream Vacation were victorious.
The fastest of the three winners was First Tail U See (Conway Hall-Speedrise Hanover). She trotted to a five length score in 2:04.3. Trainer/driver Ron Abbott was in the sulky for owners Stephan Mehrbach and Edward Reich. First Tail U See is now three-for-four lifetime with earnings of more than $12,000.
The Dream Vacation-H F’s Gal filly Thergosmyvacation came from off the pace to score in 2:04.3 for trainer/driver Joesph Moeykens. She’s owned by Laurie Moeykens. Her third win of the season raised her earnings to more than $17,000.
Trainer/driver John Cross guided the Conway Hall-Mamba Hanover freshman Come Dance With Me to a head victory in 2:05.2. She won for the third time this season for owner John Smiel.
Pembroke Primo took the $8,500 Filly and Mare Open in 1:57.2. Batavia Downs leading dash driver Kevin Cummings was in the bike for trainer John Cummings, Sr.
Settling in sixth, Pembroke Primo put in a strong brush up the backside, while three-wide, and was in front as seven of Western New York’s best distaffers turned for home. The win was her 11th of the season and raised her 2009 earnings to more than $58,000.
The Downs clubhouse was rocking with 144 golfers in for dinner and a program of live harness racing after their round of golf at Terry Hills golf course. The tournament raised $7,500. America’s oldest lighted harness track has now raised more than $15,000 for Mercy Flight.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
September 13, 2009
Arm and a Leg with driver Kevin Cummings holding off Triple Bars.
Batavia, NY --- It was a special night in Western New York as the Downs honored former leading driver Gaston Guindon, and a special horse, Arm and a Leg won the featured $8,000 Open Handicap.
With 2009 leading reinsman Kevin Cummings in the bike, Arm and a Leg notched his fourth Open win of the 2009 Summer-Fall meet in 1:55.3, for owners Mark Jakubik and John Cummings Sr.
Arm and a Leg ($3.70) fired out of the gate from his assigned outside post and put up all the numbers, including a :30.2 second quarter breather, enroute to a neck victory over a fast closing Triple Bars with Jimmy Whisman, Sparky and Tom Agosti wound up third.
The victory was the 11th of the season for Arm and a Leg who raised his seasonal earnings to almost $70,000. The 6 year-old altered son of Nobleland Sam is trained by John Cummings Sr.
I had a great evening “The Gasser,” Gaston Guindon said, “I can’t believe how many of my friends came out to see me.” The French-Canadian raced in Western New York for 29 years. “The memories I have of this track are incredible, I want to thank all the people I drove for especially Dennis Cummings, I think we won about 700 races together.”
America’s oldest lighted harness track is currently racing every Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday nights, post time is 7:05p.m.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
September 12, 2009
Batavia, NY --- His name seems better suited to an NHL team roster than a harness racing program, but mention Gaston Guindon to veteran race fans at Batavia Downs Casino and you’ll see that instant smile of recognition. The spunky French-Canadian dominated America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track in the 1980s as one of the leading drivers.
During his more than 35-year career, Guindon won 3,080 races and his drives earned more than $6.8 million. “The Gasman” ruled the 1987 Western New York racing season with 274 wins. From 1980 until 1987 he averaged over 200 wins per season. He was always one of the most sought after catch drivers on the WNY circuit. He retired in 2004.
Legendary Buffalo News racing writer Maury May aptly described Guindon as “a soft-spoken, non-braggart, who lets his driving do the talking.”
Bart McCracken, the former “Happy Handicapper” for the Buffalo News developed a way of making money at the races and called it the Gassystem. A system that always showed a profit, when “The Gasser,” another one of Guindon’s nicknames, drove a horse at odds of 10-1 or less from posts 1-5.
“He was very professional and always a gentleman to race against,” said Bruce Tubin, President of the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association.
On Saturday night (Sept. 12) Batavia Downs Casino proudly honors this outstanding harness reinsman with a special meet and greet session in the track lobby from 6 until 7 p.m., a special racing program and the Gaston Guindon Open Pace.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
September 10, 2009
Batavia, NY --- The summer-fall meet continued on Wednesday (Sept. 9) at Batavia Downs Casino, with three divisions of New York Sire Stakes Late Closers for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers, each carrying a purse of $12,800.
Steel Rein was the fastest of the three divisional winners, going coast to coast in 1:58.2. William Bailey was in the sulky for trainer Ann Yurenka. The Teeth Of The Dog-Mindy’s Sister gelding had to withstand a serious challenge from Lislea Reardon (John Stark, Jr.) around the last turn before going on to a one length score. Steel Rein is now a three-time winner for owners Nancy Swede and New York Standardbreds LTD.
Talk To Tony, with Vernon Downs regular Jimmy Whittemore, did all the talking in the final Late Closer of the evening, as he held off odds-on favorite Park Lane Midnight and Stephane Bouchard to win by one length in 1:58.4, in wire-to-wire fashion. Talk To Tony, an Artiscape-Muggins Hanover gelding, is owned by Jay Sears and John Campagnuolo. Ray Van Dreason does the conditioning. The win was Talk To Tony’s third of the season.
Favorite Bullville Player kicked off the Late Closers as he was put right on the lead by Stephane Bouchard and they never had an anxious moment, winning by a comfortable three lenghts in 2:00.2. Breeder Crevani Farms owns the Bettor’s Delight-Bullville Gabettie gelding. Steve Crevani is the trainer. The victory was Bullville Player's third of the 2009 campaign.
NYSS Late Closers continue next Wednesday night, Sept. 16, as the 2-year-old trotting fillies will be in town.
Pauline Seelster, with Ray Fisher, Jr., won the $9,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace. She was well driven by Ray Fisher, Jr., who took advantage of post one and a speed bias that produced eight gate-to-wire winners on the Wednesday evening program. Dennis and Paula Cummings own the 7-year-old daughter of Camluck. Dennis Cummings is also the trainer. The win raised Pauline Seelster's lifetime bankroll to more than $189,000.
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
September 6, 2009
Arm And A Leg with Kevin Cummings cruising to victory.
Batavia, NY --- Again proving he’s the best pacer in Western New York, the popular sidewheeler Arm And A Leg was victorious in the $8,500 Open Handicap on Saturday night (Sept-5) at Batavia Downs Casino.
Arm And A Leg was sent right to the front by Downs dash leading driver Kevin Cummings and they never had an anxious moment in cruising to an easy 5-1/4 length score in 1:54 flat. Triple Bars (Jimmy Whisman) was second and Oh Gee Whiz (Jim McNeight) completed the top three.
This was Arm And A Leg’s third Open win during the 2009 Summer-Fall meet and his 10th win this season. He’s a 6-year-old son of Nobleland Sam. John Cummings Sr. trains and co-owns with Mark Jakubik. Going off as the favorite Arm And A Leg paid $4.30 to win.
America’s oldest lighted Harness track will present a special Labor Day matinee program; post time is 1:15 p.m. Food specials include an $8.00 Chicken Barbeque and $1.00 Hot Dogs served in the Paddock room and a $6.95 lunch buffet in the Clubhouse, all available from noon until 4 p.m.
In addition to live racing from August to December, Batavia Downs Casino offers simulcast wagering from some of North America’s top tracks. The gaming floor, featuring over 600 of the area’s hottest slot machines is open from 10:00 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily. For more information call 585-343-3750 or go on-line at www.bataviadownsasino.com.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
September 5, 2009
OK Braveheart with Jim Morrill Jr. all alone at the wire breaking
the Track Record at Batavia Downs for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers.
Batavia, NY --- As advertised the New York sired 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers were expected to put on quite a show, Friday night (Sept-4) at Batavia Downs Casino, and show they did not only breaking the track record once but in all three divisions.
Getting Personal’s 1:53.2 record for 3-year-old male pacers, set in 1993, was clearly on the line with 22 extremely talented sophomores in town to compete for more than $200,000 in New York Sire Stakes money.
It didn’t take long for a new record to be established as it came in the very first race. OK Braveheart, with Jim Morrill, Jr., went right to the front, opened an insurmountable lead at the half and cruised to a 10-1/2 length score in 1:52.2 to break the previous record by a full second. The final time was just two-fifths of a second off Kenneth J’s 1:52 all-age track record.
OK Braveheart (Bettor's Delight-Color Me Beachy) scored his ninth win of the season and raised his 2009 bankroll to more than $199,000 for owners David Scharf, Rick Phillps and Chuck Pompey. Former Batavia Downs trainer Chris Oakes is the conditioner. OK Braveheart is currently the points leader for the New York Bred Night of Champions finals to be held at Vernon Downs on September 26.
“He felt so good. I just let him roll,” reinsman Jim Morrill, Jr. said. “If I would have chased after him he might have paced in :51 (1:51) and a piece.”
Morrill also drove Kenneth J to the all-age record last year.
Tim Bojarski, President of the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association made a special presentation.
Handsome Harry with Jim Morrill Jr. holding off Where's Waldo.
Division two, the slowest of the three divisions, wasn’t slow at all; in fact it was faster than Getting Personal's previous record.
Handsome Harry (Dream Away-Princess Jocelyn), again with Jim Morrill, Jr., brushed to command coming to the half and paced a :28 final stanza to score in 1:53. Mark Ford is the trainer. Ralph Del Priore, Jr. and Harry Doyle are the owners of Handsome Harry, who notched his 12th win of the season. His 2009 earnings now stand at more than $211,000.
Hypnotic Blue Chip and Jim Morrill Jr. edging past Go Go Solano at the wire.
The last, but certainly not least, NYSS division came in race nine. This race would be the closest of the three with the unbeaten gelding Go Go Solano (Bettor's Delight-Real Excitement) and Aaron Merriman and the very well regarded colt Hypnotic Blue Chip and Jim Morrill, Jr. hooking up around final turn and putting on quite a stretch battle.
Pacing his last quarter in a sizzling :27.2, Hypnotic Blue Chip was able to get up at the wire to prevail by a quarter-length in 1:52.3 over the previously unbeaten Mark Capone-trained gelding. Capone was the trainer of former track record holder Getting Personal.
Hypnotic Blue Chip’s (Art Major-A Traceofmagic) 11th win of 2009 raised his seasonal earnings to more than $360,000 for owners Rachel Frost, Stable 45, Robert Murphy and Mark Harder, who is also the trainer.
“I had to work harder than I thought I would,” Morrill said in the winner’s circle. “I’m a little out of breath, that other horse (Go Go Solano) gave us all we wanted.”
For the second time this season Morrill swept all three NYSS divisions.
Live racing at America’s oldest lighted harness track continues this holiday weekend on Saturday night; post time is 7:05 p.m. The Downs will present a special matinee racing program on Labor Day, post time is 1:15 p.m.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
September 3, 2009
Batavia, NY --- Valuable points and big purse money will be on the line when 3-year-old New York sired colt and gelding pacers hit the track when racing resumes Friday night (Sept. 4) at Batavia Downs Casino.
With only two more opportunities remaining after Friday night, September 12 at Saratoga and September 17 at Yonkers, the race to earn enough points to make the Vernon Downs $175,000 Night of Champions finals is clearly underway. The top nine point getters make the finals.
A total of 22 of New York’s best sophomore pacers will battle it out in three divisions -- races one, seven and nine -- with total purse money of over $200,000.
Among the notables in town on Friday night is the Art Major-A Traceofmagic colt, Hypnotic Blue Chip. With a lifetime mark of 1:49.2 set earlier this season at the Meadowlands, he’s one of the fastest horses ever to race at Batavia Downs since the track opened in 1940.
Hypnotic Blue Chip has seasonal earnings of more than $338,000 and will once again get the services of former Downs leading driver Jim Morrill, Jr. Mark Harder is the conditioner.
“I didn’t have a great trip with him last week at Yonkers,” Morrill said. “I got caught behind bad cover and had to use him early. I thought he raced really well.”
Despite the less than stellar trip Hypnotic Blue won by 1-1/4 lengths, pacing in 1:53.4, including a last quarter of :28.1.
The Downs track record for 3-year-old pacers is 1:53.2, set in 1993 by Getting Personal.
Hypnotic Blue Chip is currently holding down the ninth and final starting spot for the Vernon Downs finals, with 100 points. A win is worth 50 points.
The Dream Away-Princess Jocelyn colt Handsome Harry, the current point leader with 250 points, looks like the horse to beat in the seventh race. He’s already a 12-time winner in 17 starts this season for trainer Mark Ford. He will also have the services of Jim Morrill, Jr., who drove him to an easy victory in a non-betting NYSS race at Yonkers last Saturday night. Handsome Harry sports seasonal earnings of $178,652.
OK Braveheart (Bettor's Delight-Color Me Beachy) should be a heavy favorite in the opener. Currently second in the point standings with 225 points, OK Braveheart has eight wins to his credit his season in 20 starts. Jim Morrill, Jr. will once again be at the lines for trainer Chris Oakes. OK Braveheart, a winner in 1:53.3 at Yonkers last time, has earned $166,156 this year.
Post time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Racing fans wishing to dine in the clubhouse are strongly advised to make a reservation. Please call 585-343-3750.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Driver Jeff Gregory winning the 1987 bike race.
(Batavia NY) --- The popular driver’s bike race returns to Batavia Downs Casino on Labor Day, this Monday, September 7, as part of the holiday harness racing matinee. First post time for the 12-race card is 1:15.
All patrons entering the track between 12:00n and 2:30 p.m. will receive an entry form on which to guess which of eight (8) harness drivers will win a bicycle race conducted on the Batavia Downs track after the seventh race. Entry forms will then be deposited by the patron in one of eight sealed boxes representing each of the drivers. Following the bicycle race, eight names will be drawn at random from the box of the winning driver. Those eight fans will each win one of the eight bikes used in the bicycle race. Winners must be present to win.
Last year’s winner Denny Bucceri will be back to defend his title. Driver’s participating for the first time includes Ray Fisher Jr., Jimmy Whisman and Lee Dahn.
“The driver’s bike race has become very popular over the years,” said Todd Haight, promotion-marketing specialist at BDC. “The tradition started in 1981. It’s a quarter-mile race and the drivers have a lot of fun competing against one another,” Haight added.
In addition to the bike race, patrons will have the opportunity to enter the Batavia Downs Casino Cash Cube. Three customers will be selected at random for the chance to win up to $1000 in cash and free play.
Labor Day food specials include $1.00 hot dogs and an $8.00 chicken barbecue in The Paddock Room and a $6.95 lunch buffet in The Clubhouse.
Hank Nevins
(585) 343-3750 x468
Batavia, NY --- Big Stick Lindy, Shaq Is Back and Margarita Man won their respective $56,590 divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters on Wednesday night (Sept. 2) at Batavia Downs Casino. All of the winners are trained and were driven by for former Batavia Downs regular Ray Schnittker.
The fastest of the three divisions was race six as the Credit Winner colt Shaq Is Back cruised to a wire-to-wire, nine length score in 2:01.1. Out of the Victory Dream mare Vivica Hall, Shaq Is Back notched his third win of the season for owners Givemecredit Stable. He has more than $74,000 in lifetime earnings.
Shaq Is Back was getting a serious challenge from the Dream Vacation gelding Kona (Brad Kramer) as the field turned for home but when he made a costly broke Shaq Is Back was left with an insurmountable lead.
Margarita Man raised his record to five wins in six lifetime starts when he trotted to a comfortable 3-1/4 length gate-to-wire score in 2:02.3. The Malabar Man-Margarita Miss gelding raised his bankroll to almost $80,000 for the Margarita Man stable.
Big Stick Lindy started off the trifecta of NYSS races by taking advantage of the rail and an early miscue by favorite RC Serpent to go coast-to-coast to win by a diminishing neck in 2:02.4. The Conway Hall-Peace A Pie colt is owned by the contingent of Schnittker, KR Breeding, Steven Arnold and Jerry Silva. This was Big Stick Lindy’s second career win, which raised his earnings to more than $58,000.
“They’re all good horses,” Schnittker said in the winner's circle after his hat trick of Sire Stake winners.
The three NYSS wins gives the Schnittker barn an excellent chance of having three horses in the September 26 Night of Champions finals at Vernon.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
September 1, 2009
Batavia, NY --- New York bred freshman colt and gelding trotters headline the Wednesday evening (Sept. 2) program at Batavia Downs Casino, as almost $170,000 in New York Sire Stakes money will on the line.
Sons of Conway Hall, Credit Winner and Malabar Man start out as the morning line favorites in each of the three divisions that carry a purse of $56,590 each.
Last year's 2-year-old trotting sensation Donttellmywife established a new Downs track record when he cruised around America’s Oldest Lighted harness track in 1:59.3.
The third race starts off the stakes action. RC Serpent (Conway Hall-Dixie Crystal), already a three-time winner in his career, looks like the colt to beat. In his last three starts he’s won NYSS events at Monticello and Tioga and come up a nose short at Saratoga. Dan Daley is the trainer/driver. RC Serpent has earned $52,792 so far in five lifetime starts.
Another Conway Hall colt, Jackson Leebrook, a NYSS winner at Saratoga and Tioga, could have a say in the outcome if he is able to overcome his tricky outside post for trainer/driver John Stark, Jr.
The most contentious of the three divisions takes place in race six. Sons of Credit Winner, Malabar Man, Dream Vacation and Conway Hall figure to battle it out in this one.
Former Batavia Downs regular Ray Schnittker sends out the morning line favorite, Shaq Is Back. The Credit Winner-Vivica Hall colt has won at Tioga and Saratoga and was beaten a head last time out at Monticello. He’s already earned $46,999.
Kona, a Dream Vacation-Our Maggie Rose gelding, figures right there for driver Brad Kramer. Kona also comes off a second place finish at Monticello after winning earlier at Saratoga. He is trained by Rob Harmon.
Ultimate Athlete (Malabar Man-Classical Speed) comes off an impressive victory last time out at Monticello and could give a good account for trainer/driver John Stark, Jr.
Margarita Man, already a four-time winner with NYSS wins at Buffalo, Tioga and Saratoga, starts out as the favorite in race nine. The Malabar Man-Margarita Miss gelding has 2009 earnings of $51,368. Ray Schnittker is the trainer/driver.
Crazy Reminder (Malabar Man-Back On Track) should go another big trip from the rail for Stephane Bouchard and trainer Larry Remmen. In six lifetime starts Crazy Reminder has not been worse than second and has wins at Goshen and Buffalo.
A new wagering format will be in place on Wednesday night. Post time is 7:05 p.m. The Pick-4 wager will now have a 50-cent minimum while Superfecta wagering will be offered on all races with the exception of races one, two and seven.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
August 31, 2009
Martin C. Basinait, President and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track betting and
Batavia Downs Casino with the Winners of the 2009 Wiener Dog races, Jane Smart,
son Jeremy and Jake Arnold.
Batavia, NY --- You know it’s a close race when the photo finish camera is needed to decide the outcome. That’s exactly what happened in the annual wiener dog races, held Sunday afternoon in front of a packed house, at Batavia Downs Casino.
Thirty-eight dachshunds participated in five heats with the winner of each returning for the finals. Owners of the top three finishers won slot machine free play - $100 for first, $50 for second and $25 for third. All participating dogs received a doggy bag from the event sponsor, Pet Supplies Plus of Batavia, and wore tiny racing jackets from Joyce’s Racing Silks of Elba.
At the wire it was 2-year-old “Jake Arnold,” owned by Jane Smart of Batavia, who stuck his little nose out to defeat “Lewis,” owned by Matt Leach, and “Rudy,” a winner from two years ago, owned by Ron Schiller.
“I had my son Jeremy at the start line and I was at the finish,” a very happy Jane Smart said. “He’ll be back to defend his title next year,” she beamed. This was “Jake’s” second time participating in the wiener dog races at The Downs.
The wiener dog races served as the finale to Batavia Downs Casino’s Family Fun Day, which also raised $7500 for Mercy Flight of Batavia. This was accomplished by sponsorships of nine of the afternoon’s harness races, a silent auction, proceeds from the sale of snow cones and cotton candy and private donations.
“It really turned out to be a fun day all around,” said Michael D. Kane, Vice President of OTB and Racing and Operations. “It’s nice to see those smiling faces while raising money for such a great cause,” he added.
Batavia, NY --- Batavia Downs Casino will have a new wagering menu when racing resumes on Wednesday night (September 2), Vice President Michael D. Kane announced.
Batavia Downs Casino currently offers two Pick-4 wagers nightly on races two through five and seven through ten. “We are reducing the minimum to 50 cents,” Kane said. “The Pick-4 is one of our most popular wagers and by dropping the minimum we’re hoping to increase the size of the pool. We’ve had too many 3 out of 4 payoffs this season and by dropping the minimum that should take care of that problem.”
Also being added are five more Superfecta wagers. Superfecta wagering will now be offered on all races with the exception of races 1, 2 and 7.
"We’re listening to our customers who have indicated that they want more Superfectas, so we decided to add five as long as there are enough betting interests. We didn’t add them to every race because we want to protect our early double and the Pick-4s by offering one less pool to wager on in those races.”
The Batavia Casino stakes season continues on Wednesday night with three divisions of New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters. Each carries a purse of $56,590. Post time is 7:05 p.m.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
August 30, 2009
Batavia, NY -- Arson Ant took full advantage of the rail and made every pole a winning taking the featured $8,500 Open Handicap, Saturday night (Aug. 29), at Batavia Downs Casino. With regular reinsman Troy Boring in the sulky, the 4-year-old The Firepan-Miss Amanda Sue gelding paced to his eighth victory of the season in 1:55.2.
“The rail is big for him because he doesn’t leave real well,” Troy Boring said. “He’s got a really big heart and is hard to get by when he makes the front.”
Favored Scotts Rolls Royce and Jimmy Whisman, moved alongside Arson Ant at the top of the stretch but his bid came up a head short and had to settle for second while Oh Gee Whiz with Jim McNeight came on to be third.
Breeder Peter Arrigenna is also the owner and trainer of Arson Ant whose nearing the $100,000 mark in lifetime earnings.
The first matinee of the season takes place on Sunday, Aug. 30. Post time is 1:15 p.m. Three New York bred Late Closers with purses of $12,800 each, for 3-year-old pacing fillies, highlight the afternoon program.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
August 29, 2009
Witch Is Bettor with Jim Morrill Jr. under wraps at the wire just
missing the Batavia Downs track record by 1/5th of a second.
Batavia, NY --- Witch Is Bettor, Eagle Way and Indulge Me, all driven by Jim Morrill Jr., won their respective divisions in New York Sire Stakes action, Friday Night (Aug. 28) at Batavia Downs Casino.
Almost $200,000 in New York Sire Stakes money was up for grabs for the 3-year-old pacing fillies.
The fastest and most impressive winner was Witch Is Bettor, who just missed the Downs track record, when she scored under wraps by four lengths in 1:54.2, just missing Isabella Blue Chip’s 1:54.1 record.
Coming to the half Witch Is Bettor and Morrill unleashed a powerful three-wide brush to assume command heading into the clubhouse turn and coast to victory--not bad considering the temperature was an unseasonably cool 65 degrees.
“She got a little grabby so I tipped her out and let her pace, I didn’t want to sit behind the 4-horse (Keep It Fair) so I went on with it,” Morrill said, “ If I had known we could have broke the record I would have let her pace a little more.”
The Bettor’s Delight-Witch Hanover filly is owned and trainer by Robert Horowitz and Jerrold Spitzberg of New Jersey. The win was Witch is Bettor’s sixth of the season and raised her 2009 earnings to over $142,000.
Eagle Way and Jim Morrill Jr. taking the first New York Sire
Stakes race of the evening.
Eagle Way, going off an overwhelming favorite started off the trifecta of Sire Stakes races when she took the short around to win in 1:56.1 by 1-1/4 lengths. Getting away second Morrill sat the pocket behind Up Front Kellie Jo (Wally Hennessey), angled to the passing lane as the field turned for home to win going away.
“We were going so slow I thought Wally’s filly would carry me and she did” Morrill said.
The Dream Away-Western Dancer filly notched her fifth win of the season for owner Frank Dettore Horse Racing LLC of Ohio. Mark Ford is the conditioner. Her 2009 bankroll stands at over $158,000.
Indulge Me and Morrill Jr. holding on in three horse photo finish.
The photo camera was needed to decide the order of finish in final stakes event of the evening as three very talented fillies were charging to the wire. When the dust settled it was Indulge Me holding on to win over pocketsitting Perfect Launch (Greg Merton) and a wide All Spirit (Jim Marohn Jr.) in 1:55.2. Moving at the quarter, Indulge Me and Morrill put up all the numbers to tally her sixth win of the year for owners Robert and Lauren Tucker and trainer Ed Lohmeyer of New Jersey. The win boosted Indulge Me’s lifetime earnings to more than $500,000.
The 2009 stakes season at Batavia Downs Casino continues on Sunday afternoon. Three Late Closers, also for the 3-year-old pacing fillies, will be contested. Sunday post time is 1:15 p.m.
Racing resumes on Saturday night, with post time set for 7:05 p.m.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
http://harnessracephotos.tripod.com
August 27, 2009
Batavia, NY --- The stakes season will continue on Friday night when 22 extremely talented 3-year-old New York-bred pacing fillies ship into Western New York to compete for almost $200,000 in New York Sire Stakes purses.
Back in 2007, the last time the sophomore pacing fillies were in town, Isabella Blue Chip established a new track record when she paced in 1:54.1.
“We have some awfully good fillies coming in,” Joe Zambito, Batavia Downs Racing Secretary said. “If the weather cooperates I wouldn’t be surprised if the track record was broken”
The first of three New York Sire Stakes divisions will kick-in race four.
The Dream Away--Western Dancer filly, Eagle Way, will start out as the 5-2 favorite. She’s currently the points leader in the race to the Sept. 26 Night of Champions, to be held at Vernon Downs. Eagle Way has Sire Stakes wins at Saratoga, Monticello and Yonkers. Jim Morrill, Jr., the leading driver on the New York Sire Stakes circuit this season, will pilot.
“I picked her over a few others in there,” Morrill said, “I have driven many throughout the years for Mark Ford, and I though she was in a good spot. She’s really a good filly.”
Jim Morrill will drive the 7-5 favorite in race eight, Witch Is Bettor. The Bettor’s Delight--Witch Hanover filly has season’s earnings of more than $109,000. She has two Sire Stakes wins at Yonkers and one at Tioga Downs this season. Bob Horowitz is the conditioner.
“I’m undefeated on her and have always had something left in the tank,” Morrill observed. “I’m expecting another big effort.”
Race 10 will conclude the Stakes action for evening. Once again, Jim Morrill will drive the morning line favorite. This time he’ll sit behind the Bettor’s Delight--Summer Child, filly Indulge Me for trainer Ed Lohmeyer.
“She’s arguably the best New York-bred filly out there when she brings her best game,” Morrill said. “She was very good the night I won with her at Saratoga.”
Indulge Me has Sire Stake wins at Yonkers, Saratoga and Monticello.
Racing fans that wear their New York Sire Stakes baseball caps that were given out on July 31 will receive $2.00 in casino free play. The offer begins at 5:30 p.m. at Players Club and only patrons enrolled in promotion on July 31 can take advantage of the offer.
This offer is also available on September 2, when the 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters will be in town and on September 4, when the glamour division, the 3-year-old pacing colts, make their way around America’s oldest lighted harness track.
The first of 12 races on Friday night gets underway at 7:05 p.m.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
August 22, 2009
Jack Sparrow with Jim McNeight trotting to victory in the $8,000
Open Handicap Trot.
Batavia, NY --- For the second time this season the popular square-gaiter Jack Sparrow was victorious in the featured trot of the week, Friday night (Aug-21) at Batavia Downs Casino.
Leaving from post five in the field of six, trainer/driver Jim McNeight was able to fire “Jack” out to command after an eighth of a mile but that was short lived as last week's Open handicap winner, Australian Stock (Kevin Cummings), was up to challenge and took over the lead as the field raced to the opening quarter in :29.
Once seating arrangements were complete McNeight moved “Jack” back to the front as they trotted around the paddock turn the first time. Trotting to the half in :59.3 and three-quarters in 1:29.4, Jack Sparrow had plenty left in the tank down the lane to win by a comfortable 1-1/2 lengths in 1:59, despite racing with broken equipment. Australian Stock held on to the place spot while Zapphappy Kash, with Hall of Fame driver Clint Galbraith, got up for third.
Michael Calimeri owns Jack Sparrow, a 6-year-old altered son of Humorous Harry. The victory was the 40th of his career and raised his lifetime earnings to over $210,000. He returned $3.90 to win.
Dash leading driver Kevin Cummings scored a hat trick on the Friday night 12-race program while Tom Agosti and Robert Verney had driving doubles. Trainers Cliff Keene and Bob Gruber III conditioned a pair of winners each. The Lisa Lederhouse stable had another winner and is off to a blazing start at the 2009 Summer-Fall meet, currently winning at over 33 percent.
Racing resumes Saturday night; post time is 7:05 p.m. Racing fans can win up to $500 by playing the Odd/Even Challenge. Sign-up to win begins at 5:30 p.m. at Players Club.
In addition to live harness racing Batavia Downs Casino offers simulcast wagering from America’s top racetracks and Video Gaming. The gaming floor featuring over 600 machines is open from 10 a.m.until 2 a.m. seven days a week.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
www.harnessracephotos.com
August 20, 2009
Aruba Vacation with Dan Daley winning the first $12,700 Late Closer.
Batavia, NY --- Three divisions of New York Bred Late Closers for 2-year-old Colt and Gelding trotters were contested on Wednesday night (Aug-19) at Batavia Downs Casino. Each carried a purse of $12,700.
The fastest of the three winners came in the first division, carded as race number two. Aruba Vacation, a Dream Vacation-Dixie Hill gelding put up all the numbers en route to a 9-length victory in 2:03.4. Dan Daley is the trainer/driver for owners Howard stables, Ann-Mari Daley and Richard Lombarbo. Locally owned Wrinkle This (Troy Boring) was farther back in second while Naughty Image (Dude Goodblood Jr.) wound up third.
Dream Vacation, standing at Winbak Farms, notched his second winner of the night, this time with Headingforaruckus for owner Dennis Robert Beaver. Kevin Cummings drove for trainer Kirk Desmond. Headingforaruckus got up to score by a ¼ length in a 5-horse blanket finish in 2:05.4. Vagra with Doug Ackley closed in to be second while Gunshy Kosmos (Ron Beback Jr.), who held a stretch lead, had to settle for third.
BJ’s Super Trooper (Dilibert Hanover-Yankee T) won the final Late Closer of the evening in 2:04.4 by a neck in tow to Jimmy Whittemore for owner/trainer Jeff Deslandes and William Bramer. Longshot Blues And BBQ’s (Dude Goodblood Jr.) led until the deep stretch and finished second. Signal Hill Ginger, with former Downs reinsman Mark Whitcroft rounded out the top three.
Pembroke Primo, moving up from the claiming ranks, closed from last to first to win the $9,000 Filly and Mare Open in 1:56.1. Kevin Cummings was in the sulky for owner/trainer John Cummings Sr. and Mark Jakubik.
Racing resumes Friday night, August 21. The first of 12 gets underway at 7:05 p.m. Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing every Monday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday Night. For more information go online at www.bataviadownscasino.com.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
www.harnessracephotos.com
August 18, 2009
Batavia, NY --- Three divisions of New York bred 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters, with purse money of $12,700 each, highlight the 12-race Wednesday evening (August 19) Batavia Downs Casino program. The action gets underway at 7:05 p.m.
Race two kicks off the Late Closing action. Aruba Vacation, by Dream Vacation, starts out at 5-2 on the morning line for trainer/driver Dan Daley. Aruba Vacation has earned over $7,300 after making four lifetime starts -- three against New York Sire Stakes competition and one in the Tompkins-Geers at Tioga. Also entered is the locally owned Wrinkle This, a Wrinkle In Time colt who is already a three-time winner, his last victory coming at the Caledonia fairgrounds.
Division two is carded as race five. Another Dan Daley juvenile, Sun Island, figures to get most of the attention. The CR Excalibur gelding comes off a second place finish in a $30,786 NYSS event at Saratoga. George Ducharme, trainer of Downs 2-year-old track record holder Donttellmywife, sends out the Malabar Man colt He’smyman. Local reinsman Jack Flanigen will be at the controls.
Race ten will be the final Late Closer of the evening. Incentive Hall, fresh off a second place finish last Sunday afternoon in a $25,149 New York State Fair event, looks poised for a big effort. The Conway Hall colt is trained by Jim Mulcahy. Kevin Cummings will be back in the sulky.
The Wednesday program also features the $9,000 Filly and Mares Open pace. Jezzabell Hotspur, already over $65,000 in seasonal earnings starts out as the favorite. Sherri Holliday conditions the talented side-wheeler for owner Betty Tauber. Chris Page will be in town to drive.
America’s oldest lighted harness track is currently racing every Monday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday. Simulcast action from North America’s top tracks is offered every day but Tuesday and the Gaming Floor, featuring over 600 slot machines is open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
(Batavia NY) --- Sunday, August 30, will be a day for “winners and wieners” at Batavia Downs Casino.
Officially designated as “Family Fun Day,” an auction featuring a variety of items signed by NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly and the wildly popular wiener dog races will highlight the day’s activities. All proceeds from the events will benefit the Batavia site of Mercy Flight of Western New York.
The auction will be held from noon to 5:00 p.m. in The Paddock Room on the lower level of The Downs. The autographed Kelly items include a #12 jersey, an official Jim Kelly Hall of Fame football and an official Bills helmet. They were donated by Thomas and Catherine Barzycki of Great Lakes Plastic in Buffalo.
A full matinee card of harness racing begins at 1:15. The popular wiener dog races follow the last race of the day, approximately 4:30 p.m. Eight wiener dogs will race in five heats with the top finisher from each heat competing in a 5-way final. Owners of the top 3 finishers in the finals will receive free play for Batavia Downs Casino. All participating dogs will receive “doggie bags” from Pet Supplies Plus, the official sponsor.
Batavia Downs Casino is also sponsoring a golf tournament to benefit Mercy Flight. It will be held at Terry Hills Golf Course on Wednesday, September 16.
Anyone wishing to donate items to the auction or learn more about the Family Fun Day events or the golf tournament may contact Promotional Marketing Specialist Todd Haight at (585) 343-3750 (Ext 445).
Contact: Hank Nevins (585) 343-3750 x468
August 16, 2009
Scotts Rolls Royce with driver Jimmy Whisman winning the
Saturday night Batavia Feature
Batavia, NY --- Scotts Roll Royce has been one of the best horses in Western New York this season and on Saturday night (Aug-15) at Batavia Downs Casino racing fans got to see why.
Stepping up from the claiming ranks, Scotts Rolls Royce unleashed a powerful burst of speed around the final turn to win going away in the featured $9,000 Open Handicap. The final time of 1:54.4 was the fastest pace so far during the 2009 Summer-Fall meet. Jimmy Whisman was at the controls for owner- trainer Greg Luther of Ohio. The win was the 12th of the season for Scotts Rolls Royce ($18.40) and raised his 2009 earnings to over $53,000.
Triple Bars (Robert Verney), first-over in the mile finished a game second while Oh Gee Whiz (Jim McNeight), who led for most of the mile, wound up third.
Kevin Cummings continued with his hot hand (and bruised arm) guiding home four more winners to increase his lead in the drivers standings. Jimmy Whisman scored a hat-trick while Jim McNeight and Robert Verney had driving doubles.
Racing resumes on Monday night at America’s Oldest Light Harness track, post time is 7:05 p.m. Mondays in August are Seniors Night, Beginning at 5:30 p.m., all seniors 55 and over that swipe their Players Club card receive a free racing program and a $2.00 discount at the Paddock Room concession stand.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
August 15, 2009
Australian Stock with Kevin Cummings at the controls cruising
to victory in the $9,000 featured Trot at Batavia Downs.
Batavia, NY --- The saying you can’t keep a good man down certainly applied to Batavia Downs Casino dash leading driver Kevin Cummings on Friday night (Aug-14). Back in the bike after a nasty spill on Monday night, Cummings won the featured $9,000 Open Handicap Trot with Australian Stock and the $7,200 co-featured Open II trot with Ima a Cricket Also. Both horses are conditioned by D. J. Millner.
“My hip still hurts and I’m all bandaged up (his arm and elbow) but I’m happy to be back,” Cummings said in the paddock before the start of the races.
Leaving from post-seven in the weekly trotting feature Cummings had Australian Stock quickly on the lead after an eighth of a mile but yielded the front to last weeks open trot winner, Jack Sparrow, and Jim McNeight. Not content with second, Cummings moved Australian Stock back to the front at the three-eighths and trotted home strongly to the wire to score in 1:58.4. Jack Sparrow was a 1-1/2 lengths back in second and Manfromnantucket (Jack Flanigen) finished farther back in third.
“He’s razor sharp right now, once I got him back on the lead I didn’t think they would beat him, DJ’s done a nice job with him,” Cummings said in the Winners Circle.
The victory was the seventh of the season for Australian Stock, a 5-year-old son of Angus Hall. He raised his 2009 earnings to over $45,000 for owner David Slyman of Ohio.
Ima a Cricket Also, parlayed a perfect trip into a 10-1 upset score in the co-feature. Firing out of the gate from post-eight, Cummings was able to drop in the two-hole as the field entered the Clubhouse turn. Sitting in the garden spot until the final turn, Cummings pulled the 7-year-old daughter of Armbro Laser to the outside and was up to challenge pace-setter Joe Page (Tom Agosti) at the top of the stretch. Down the lane, Ima a Cricket Also, powered away to a 1-1/2 length score over a closing Cade Callihan (Ray Fisher Jr.) in 1:59.3. Joe Page finished third.
“Batavia Downs Live”, the 3 ½ hour live television broadcast debuted Friday night in the Buffalo market on the Universal Sports network channel 114. The races are also available on Verizon Fios channel 460 and off-air with a digital converter on channel 2-2. The broadcast begins at 7:00.
The Batavia races also available in the Rochester market and surrounding counties on Time Warner channel 98. Please be advised the races will not be aired on Saturday night (Aug-15), on channel 98, the show returns on Monday night.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
www.harnessracephotos.com
Batavia, NY --- Handicapper Tom Wiate of Niagara Falls defeated over 300 contestants to win the first $1,000 Handicapping contest of the season at Batavia Downs Casino. He wins $500.
Wiate and Tom Kelley of Batavia both finished with 44 points but Wiate was victorious via the tiebreaker. The total mutuel prices of the winners he selected was $52.00. Kelley’s winners equaled $34.40. He wins $250.
Warren Ristine of Hamburg finished with 43 points and pockets $125.
Jean Leddell of Rochester had 41 points and takes home $75.
Francine Monteleone of Batavia rounded out the top five and cashed for $50, after finishing with 40 points. A tiebreaker was also needed to determine the fifth spot.
All prize money can be picked up on Saturday night (Aug-15) beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Players Club.
The next $1,000 contest will be Friday night, September 18. Contest forms can be picked up on the day of the contest starting at 5:30 p.m. at Players Club.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
August 13, 2009
Batavia, NY --- Batavia Downs Casino will host the first of three free $1,000 handicapping contests on Friday Night, August 14. The free contests are open to all Players Club members (there is no charge to be a players club member) that do not hold a valid New York State racing license.
Contestants can pick up their contest forms beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Players Club located on the second floor of America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track. All contest forms must be submitted by post time of the evening’s first race, 7:05 p.m.
The contest consists of Batavia races 1-9. Contestants are required to select a primary and alternate pick; the alternate pick will only be used in the case of a late scratch.
Contestants receive points based on where their selections finish. If a contestants selection wins they receive 5 points, a second place finish is good for 3 points and a third place finish is worth 1 point.
Contestants are also required to circle two best bets in which they receive double points.
The five contestants with the highest point totals at the end of the contest will share in the $1,000 prize money with the winner of the contest receiving $500 in cash.
“It’s and excellent opportunity for our customers to show off their handicapping skills and make some money,” Track Analyst Todd Haight said. “We expect to see a very nice crowd Friday night.”
Complete rules can be found on-line at www.bataviadownscasino.com
Batavia Downs Marketing Department
August 11, 2009
Batavia, NY --- Batavia Downs Casino dash leading driver Kevin Cummings suffered injuries to his hip and elbow in a spill on Monday night (August 10). The accident occurred going into the first turn, during the ninth race, a $4,000 claiming trot. The 38-year-old Cummings was driving veteran 13-year-old square-gaiter Devilinhiseyes.
I’m really not sure what happened,” Cummings said. “Things got tight and the race bike got jerked from underneath me. When the left wheel tipped sideways I knew I was in trouble. I just let go of the lines and landed on the ground.
“My hip is really bruised, that’s where I hit the ground and my elbow has a hole in it. I lost a chunk of skin,” Cummings added. “Its really sore today.”
Taking Tuesday off, Cummings plans to be back in the sulky when racing resumes at America’s oldest lighted harness track on Wednesday night.
“As of now I plan on racing Wednesday night,” the father of four said. Devilinhiseyes was apprehended after the race and was fine. No other horses or drivers were injured.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
August 8, 2009
Jack Sparrow and Jim McNeight cruise to victory in Batavia Feature.
BATAVIA, NY – Tonight marked the second Friday of Live Racing here at America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track. Patrons enjoyed a fine evening and an excellent card with two feature races of the best trotters in Western New York. The first event was the ninth race on the card and open handicap trot, with the 3-1 morning line favorite and Yonkers invader Light Headed among the field. The ninth had a purse of $9,000. The second feature was the eleventh race, the open handicap II trot with a purse of $7,500.
Racing to victory in this evening’s first feature contest was Jack Sparrow with driver-trainer Jim McNeight at the controls, trotting to the mile in 1:59.2. Behind for the place was Australian Shock and Kevin Cummings. Zapphappy Kash with Clint Galbraith rounded out the money for the open trot. Jack Sparrow took the early lead and only gave it up briefly just after the ¼ pole but gained back control quickly in time to do the ½ in 1:00.1. Jack Sparrow led the way to the wire and held off Australian Shock after a late surge from the pocket coming down the final stretch to give Jim McNeight a driving double. Michael Callmeri of Falconer, NY, owns this 6-year-old chestnut gelding by Humorous Harry. The winning mutuel price was $6.00.
Taking tonight’s open II trot at the wire was Manfromnantucket with Jack Flanigen in the sulky. The duo trotted the mile in 2:01.2, with Ima Cricket Also and Kevin Cummings in for the place. Roy and Steven Lindell completed the generous $887.00 trifecta. Ima Cricket Also led the way and began to see a surging Manfromnantucket after the ¾ pole and Kevin Cummings could not hold off the fast closing Manfromnantucket at the wire. Manfromnantucket is a 4year-old gelding by Giant Hit. He is owned by trainer Allan McCarty of Hamburg owns him. Tonight’s winning mutuel price for the eleventh race was $36.20.
The 2009 meet at Batavia Downs Casino will continue this Saturday evening. Be sure to come out this as we celebrate the career of famed double-gaited gelding and world record setter Excalibur by rolling back prices on Zweigles hot dogs and soda to just 50 cents each! These special prices are valid anytime between 5:30 and 10:30 PM in the Paddock Room. Thrilling harness racing action gets underway 7:05p.m.
Jeff Rizzo, Marketing Intern
jrizzo@westernotb.com
Photos by Paul White
www.harnessracephotos.com
August 7, 2009
Batavia, NY --- It was one of the biggest nights in Batavia Downs history. A new world record and new track record in the same night, and it came 32 years ago. Excalibur, with Fred Haslip at the controls, set the world record for a double-gaited gelding when he trotted home in 2:03.3. That matched his lifetime best pace record, set earlier in his career. The combined time of 4:07.1 erased the previous record, set by Leon in 1939. His time was 4:07.5, performed in an era before time was kept in fifths of a second.
Later that same evening Stanley Dancer would team the great pacing filly Mistletoe Shalee to a new track record, when she went wire-to-wire in 1:59.1, in a New York Sire Stakes event for 3-year-old pacing fillies.
On Saturday night (August 8), Batavia Downs Casino continues its tradition of honoring a horse that has a profound impact in the history of harness racing in Western New York. This year we honor Excalibur, the locally owned horse that set the world record back in 1977. The sensational double-gaited gelding came on the local scene as a pacer in 1972 when Fred Haslip and Paul Zambito, Jr. purchased him for $3,500, an excellent investment considering he made his owners almost $200,000 lifetime. Driver, trainer, and co-owner Haslip used Excalibur predominately as a pacer until he was a 6-year-old, but noticed he did not take kindly to hobbles.
“I never dreamed he wanted to trot until 1974 when I had trouble getting him going in training. He had been a decent pacer up until that point and was making money, but he wasn’t happy on the pace,” Haslip remarked in 1977. Additionally, upon further investigation in 1974, Haslip discovered that Excalibur’s mother, Spanish Lady, was a royally bred trotting mare. His best mile as a pacer was 2:03.3, set in 1974.
Between 1975 and 1977, Haslip used Excalibur to his strength as a double-gaited gelding, competing in pacing and trotting events each year. However after the 1977 season Excalibur would strictly remain on the trot.
During his career he would start 169 times and make 50 winner's circle appearances. He notched 12 victories with hobbles on and 38 as a square gaiter. Excalibur raced until the veteran age of 14, retiring in 1982. His combined lifetime earnings were $196,668. He was always a force in the featured trotting events at Batavia Downs and Buffalo Raceway and because of his uniqueness, a fan favorite.
Come out to Batavia Downs Casino this Saturday as we honor the gusty gelding by rolling back prices to 1977. Zweigles hot dogs and sodas will be just 50 cents beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Paddock Room all night long. The Batavia Downs program will feature a special four-page insert with newspaper clippings and photos of Excalibur, as we take a walk down memory lane.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
August 6, 2009
Jezzabell Hotspur with Chris Page holding on in Downs feature.
BATAVIA, NY – It was a fine summer night in Western New York for harness racing, and an even better night for driver Tom Agosti as he drove home the first four contests on the Wednesday night program.
This evening’s feature event was the tenth race on the card, an Open pace for fillies and mares with a purse of $9,000.
Hitting the wire first in the weekly distaff feature was the 8/5 favorite Jezzabell Hotspur with Chris Page at the lines, pacing to the mile in 1:57.1 for her 11th win of the season. In for the place was Pauline Seelster with Tom Agosti in the sulky to complete the $19.20 exacta. Spacie Jessie and James Dunn came in for the show for her 2009 Batavia Downs Debut .The fractions for Jezzabell Hotspur were 28.1, 58.4, and 1:28, respectively. Jezzabell Hotspur led wire-to-wire, with driver Chris Page having to ask for more speed around the final turn as Pauline Seelster and Spacie Jessie closed in, but she had enough to stay on top for the win.. Jezzabell Hotspur is a 7-year-old mare by Anthony P. Betty Tauber of East Brunswick, NJ owns her. Sherri Holliday is the trainer. The winning $2 mutuel price was $5.20.
Jeff Rizzo, Marketing Intern
jrizzo@westernotb.com
Photos by Paul White
www.harnessracephotos.com
August 4, 2009
Princess Robyn with Brian Cross just getting up on the outside
to score over Waltzing Bertie and Jack Flanigen in a photo finish.
BATAVIA, NY – Summer Live Racing was in full swing on Monday night at America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track. Patrons enjoyed 3 divisions of Late Closers for the 3-year-old trotting fillies. The Late Closer races began at 6:45 p.m. with a non-wagering event and continued in races 4 and 10 on the 12 race card, each with a purse in excess of $12,000
Someway and driver-trainer Brian Cross took the first Late Closer contest of the night in a time of 2:03.2. Someway led wire-to-wire with little competition from the rest of the six-horse field. Someway is a filly by Conway Hall-Heaven Tonight. “She raced well,” said the driver, trainer, and part owner Brian Cross after he posed in the winning photo with Someway.
Racing to victory in the second Late Closer event of the evening, and the 4th race on the card, was Princess Robyn with Brian Cross at the lines, doing the mile of the $12,600 race in a swift 200.1. Waltzing Bertie and Jack Flanigen put up all the numbers but Cross was able to get “Robyn” up at the line to edge out Waltzing Bertie by a neck. Princess Robyn, a filly by Conway Hall-Peace N Harmony, is trained by part owner David Dziengiel. The winning mutuel price was $4.50.
Hitting the wire first in the last Late Closer race of the night, the tenth race on the card with a purse of $12,700, was the favorite Anikawiesahalee and Jay Randall., The time of this mile was 2:02.2. Nowerland Collins and Brian Cross lead the way until the final turn for home when Anikawiesahalee took command and powered away to a three-length score. Anikawiesahalee is a filly by Credit Winner-Sahalee. Michael Pozefsky of Gloversville, NY owns her and Maureen Salino is the trainer. The winning mutuel price was 2.60
Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Post Time is 7:05 p.m.
Jeff Rizzo, Marketing Intern
jrizzo@westernotb.com
Photos by Paul White
www.harnessracephotos.com
August 2, 2009
Arm and a Leg, with Kevin Cummings driving, are all alone
at the wire in Batavia Downs Casino featured pace.
BATAVIA, NY – It’s not often top Open pacer Arm And A Leg gets to start from the rail but when he does he usually takes advantage of it. That’s exactly what happened when he cruised to victory in the $9,000 Open Pace on Saturday night at Batavia Downs Casino.
On yet another beautiful evening in Western New York, Arm And A Leg, with regular pilot Kevin Cummings in the sulky, moved to the front past the quarter, after letting Set Alight (Jimmy Whisman) go, opened up an insurmountable lead after throwing in a :28.2 third quarter, and romped to a 4-1/2 length win, pacing the mile in 1:55.2 in the weekly pacing feature. Former Downs track record holder Michael Scores, with Jack Flanigen, got caught up in a terrible blindswitch around the last turn but finally shook loose turning for home and closed well to be second while Kermunn (Ron Beback, Jr.), who was first over in the mile, wound up third.
Arm And A Leg ($4.40), a 6-year-old son of Nobleman Sam, notched career win number 30 and raised his lifetime earnings to over $185,000. He’s earned almost $55,000 this year for co-owners Mark Jakubik and John Cummings, Sr., who also conditions.
Triple Bars, with Robert Verney at the lines, got up in the final strides to take the co-featured $7,500 Open II pace in 1:56.4 over a very game Robin of Locksley and Kevin Cummings. Scott’s Rolls Royce with Jimmy Whisman finished third. Triple Bars is an 8-year-old gelding by Island Fantasy. Sherri Holliday trains for owner Betty Tauber of East Brunswick, New Jersey. Triple Bars returned $8.40 to win.
Kevin Cummings, currently the leading dash driver after the first week of racing at America’s Oldest Lighted Harness track, scored a driving hat trick while Jack Flanigen brought home a pair of winners.
Live racing will continue this Monday night at Batavia Downs Casino with three New York bred Late Closers for 3 year-old trotting fillies headlining the 12-race program. One of the Late Closers is a non-betting event that goes off at 6:45 p.m. First race Post Time is 7:05 p.m.
Every Monday night in August is Seniors night. All Seniors, age 55 and over, receive the red carpet treatment when they receive a free racing program and $2.00 discount on concession items in The Paddock Room, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Players Club. If you cannot make it out to the track, be sure to tune into Time Warner Digital Cable channel 98 in the Rochester area. It is also a prime opportunity to utilize your Dial-a-Bet account on Batavia Downs Casino at 1-800-724-4000.
Todd Haight
Marketing Coordinator
Batavia Downs Casino
August 1, 2009
Russell Hill and Driver Jim Morrill Jr. setting a new track record at Batavia Downs
Batavia, NY --- The New York Sire Stakes season got underway at Batavia Downs Casino on Friday night (July 31), in front of a large crowd thanks to perfect weather in Western New York and a baseball cap giveaway, co-sponsored by the Harness Horse Breeders of New York.
Over $200,000 in New York Sire Stakes money was up for grabs with the 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters in town to compete in three divisions. It didn’t take long for the newly resurfaced racetrack to produce a new track record. It occurred in the first stakes race of the evening.
Russell Hill, by Conway Hall out the Valley Victory mare Southwind Maywood, established the new mark when he went gate-to-wire in 1:57.4, lowering the previous record, set by The Principle in 2008, by a full second. Jim Morrill, Jr. was in the sulky for trainer Jimmy Takter.
“I heard the announcer (Joe Zambito) say we were on track record time so I let him trot enough to break the record,” Morrill said.
Russell Hill put up numbers of :28.4, :58.1, and 1:28.3 enroute to a 6-1/2 length score over Big Sky Domino with Jimmy Whisman. Dillar A Dollar with Dan Daley was a distant third.
The victory was the sixth of the season for Russell Hill, who raised his 2009 earnings to over $262,000 for owners by Al Libfeld, Marvin Katz and Sam Goldband. Going off as a prohibitive favorite Russell Hill returned $2.30 to win.
Jim Morrill, Jr. struck again in the second NYSS division, this time with Rookie Mistake for owner/trainer Jody Weidman. By CR Excalibur out of the Armbro Charger mare Nowhere Fast, Rookie Mistake moved to the lead at the quarter but had to repulse a serious challenge by favorite America and Ray Fisher, Jr. around the final turn before going on to a 2-1/4 length win in 2:00.1. Feel The Rush (Per Henriksen), who led off the gate, finished third.
“I wanted to take advantage of the rail,” Morrill said in a trackside interview. “Jody did a great job with him.”
For the evening Morrill would guide home four winners.
The victory, which was the fifth this season, raised Rookie Mistake's 2009 bankroll to over $65,000. He returned $5.20 to win. The final division for the colt and gelding trotters went to South Jersey Flash for owner/trainer/driver Steve Reisenweaver. The Credit Winner-Stock To Watch colt never had an anxious moment as he was put right on the lead by Reisenweaver and he raced unchallenged, winning by a comfortable two lengths in 2:00.4. Finishing second was Credit Blues with Per Henriksen while local favorite Hitontheflipside and Kevin Cummings wound up third.
Winning for the second time this season, South Jersey Flash raised his seasonal earnings to almost $80,000. He paid $8.80 to win.
In the overnight feature, the $8,500 Open Handicap Trot, Zapphappy Kash, with Hall of Famer Clint Galbraith, closed with a rush to win going away in 2:00.1 over Bologna with Jim Morrill, Jr. The son of El Paso Kash is owned by Clint and Barbara Galbraith and Rochester Harness Racing.
The race was named in honor of Sunny Flower, a very popular open trotter that campaigned at the Downs for many years.
Racing resumes on Saturday night with post time set for 7:05 p.m. The first 1,000 race fans will receive a booklet containing the 2009 racing schedule, stakes schedule, promotions schedule, information on the Downs' top drivers, history of the Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace, the track's showcase event, and valuable coupons good for free racing programs, daily doubles and discounted clubhouse dining. The giveaway begins at 5:30 p.m. at Players Club.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
Photos by Paul White
www.harnessracephotos.com
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