Batavia kicks off 62nd meet on Monday night

When Batavia Downs Gaming kicks off its 62nd racing season on Monday night patrons will be treated to free on-track programs, a sparkling new $1.5 million Bar and Grille with a distinct respect for history named Grandstands, and a lively promotions schedule.

Racing will be Monday (except Aug. 25), Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through Labor Day and then Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until closing day Dec. 6. Post time is 7:05 p.m. each evening and 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, and Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. Altogether there are 60 racing dates with 11 races each night.

The New York Sire Stakes rolls into town for four engagements on Aug. 2, Sept. 3, 5 and 6 and the Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace, the track's showcase event, will be held on Oct. 4. Over $1 million in stakes money will be up for grabs this season.

The wagering menu has changed as the historic track has added a second Pick-4 wager and a third Daily Double. The early Pick-4 will be on races 2-3-4-5 and the late Pick-4 will remain on races 7-8-9-10. Daily Double wagering will be offered on races 1-2, 4-5 and 9-10. Once again, four Superfectas will be offered, but the races this year will be 3-6-8 and 11. Each will have a 10-cent minimum.

Marketing director Martin Biniasz has put together an exceptional promotional schedule. On Saturday, Aug. 2, the first 750 racing fans to Player’s Club will receive a ticket good for a Batavia Downs Gaming Tote Bag. The tickets can be redeemed in the Paddock Room after the seventh race.

Other big events scheduled are Armbro Flori night; a look back at the 20-year anniversary of the $268,756 Breeders Crown Trot held at the Downs. Hot Dogs and Sodas will be just 50 cents all night long.

The $10,000 All-Star Drivers Challenge kicks off on Sept. 10. A different All-Star will be in town for eight consecutive Wednesday nights to compete for the $10,000 winner takes all top prize. This event doubles as a Breast Cancer Fundraiser with all the proceeds raised going to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester. 

Ben Webster night will be held on Sept. 13 as the Downs honors the Hilton, New York, native who began his career right here at Batavia Downs. The 69 year-old Webster won over 4,300 races and his drivers earned over $43 million during his illustrious career. Several of his biggest wins will be shown on the closed circuit monitors including his Hambletonian victory with Historic Freight and Little Brown Jug win with Seatrain. (Batavia Downs)

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