Batavia Downs is the oldest lighted harness track in North America, opening on September 20, 1940. Home to many great horses,drivers and races over the years, Batavia Downs reopened on July 29th 2002 after being closed for nearly 5 years.
The track hosted its last season of live racing in 1997, before its license expired on June 30, 1998 and was not renewed because of financial problems.
Pictured to the right is the last racing program from October 18, 1997. Pictured below is an ad for the 1988 $250,000 Breeders Crown Aged Mare Trot held at Batavia Downs. The race was won by Armbo Flori who trotted to a winning time of 159.3.
In March of 2002, Western OTB was granted a live racing license and reopened on Monday night July 29, 2002 to a crowd of over 5000.
Soon after its closure, Western Regional Off Track Betting who had been in discussions with the previous owners to purchase the track, announced they had acquired the facility and planned renovations and live racing for the 1999 season.
Unfortunately Western OTB's plan did not set well with other racetracks in NY, and in particular with "operating partner" Buffalo Raceway. Both Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs had shared race dates throughout the season for over 50 years until Batavia's closure.
Buffalo Raceway, along with other racetracks in NY state feared competition from OTB/Batavia Downs. In order for Western OTB to operate Batavia Downs as a racetrack a change in law was needed. Due to the opposition from these tracks the change in law was continually shelved and Batavia Downs sat idle. Finally in June of 2001 after making aggreements and concessions with the opposing parties OTB was able to get the necessary legislation passed. Governor Pataki signed the legislation into law July 25, 2001 in the city of Batavia and Western OTB was legally allowed to operate Batavia Downs.
Pictured below is the opening night program from Batavia Downs on July 29, 2002 along with the retro souvenir program that was handed out and modeled after the 1946 Program
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| Batavia Downs Jingle 1 | Batavia Downs Jingle 2 | Batavia Downs Jingle 3 | Batavia Downs Jingle 4 |
On May 18th a new era began at Batavia Downs with the introduction of 586 Video Lottery Terminals at the new Batavia Downs Gaming. The VLTs will help the track financially and also give a much needed boost to the purses for horseman.
The winners circle presentation to the connections of One More Laugh and driver Jeff Gregory.
-Paul White Photo-
The winner's circle presentation to the connections of Aracache Hanover and driver Trevor Henry.
-Paul White Photo-
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