Batavia ready to begin Drivers Challenge

Some of the top drivers in New York and Ontario won’t just be racing to the finish line beginning on Wednesday, they will be driving to raise money for charity. Eight drivers with 40,000 combined wins and lifetime purse earnings of over $400 million will compete in the $10,000 All-Star Drivers Challenge.

The drivers which include Hambletonian Oaks winner Jeff Gregory, Meadowlands Pace winner Jim Morrill Jr. and Luc Ouellette, a winner of several Breeders Crown races, are donating one night to drive at Batavia Downs Gaming to benefit the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester.

This event is sponsored by the Purple Haze stable, The Western New York Harness Horseman Association and Batavia Downs Gaming.

The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) is a local grassroots organization dedicated to eradicating breast cancer through action and advocacy. The not-for-profit organization was formed in 1997. The BCCR is a member organization of the National Breast Cancer Coalition and the New York State Breast Cancer Network. The group is, at present, the only independently operated organization focused specifically on breast cancer in the Greater Rochester Region.

For eight consecutive weeks, a different driver will appear each Wednesdayat the Downs to compete for a winner take all $10,000 prize.

Each driver will be required to race in eight races, 1-4, 5-9 and will accumulate points basedon where their horses finish. The driver with the highest point total at the end of the competition will win the $10,000 purse. The drivers will race from each position, starting at the rail in race 1 and finishing their night in post 8 for race 9.

The horses they drive will be drawn at random.

Points will be awarded in the following manner: 9 points for first, 5 points for second, 3 points for third, 2 points for fourth and 1 point for fifth. If the All-Star driver’s horse is scratched, he receives 2 points.

All participating drivers will donate their 5% commission for that evening to the BCCR.

Wanda Polisseni’s Purple Haze stable is the major sponsor of the event. “I have lost so many family members and friends to cancer that somehow we have to find a cure” Polisseni said. “I’m happy to support Harness Racing by being involved in this Challenge.”  

Michael D. Kane, Vice President of Live Racing at Batavia Downs Gaming says this unique event is a win-win for everybody.

“Our fans have asked for something like this, and to help out another charity is a great thing.” Kane pointed out last year the Downs raised over $10,000 for two different charities in Western New York.

Local drivers from the Batavia circuit have graciously given up eight drives each Wednesday to the All-Stars.

“It’s our pleasure to help out in this great cause” Bruce Tubin, the president of the Western New York Harness Association said. “It’s also a great way to highlight our product to new fans”. What Tubin is referring to is that several individuals and business have sponsored races and many of those people will be coming to the Downs for the first time. Clubhouse reservations have tripled on 

some Wednesday nights that the Challenge will take place.

The drivers will hold a Meet and Greet session in the track lobby from 5:45 p.m. until 6:50, and a silent auction for Harness Racing Memorabilia will be held. Included in the auction are signed bobbleheads of Brian Sears, Tim Tetrick and Jim Morrill Jr.

Listed below are the drivers and the dates they are scheduled to appear.

September-10   Howard Parker

September-17   Howard Okusko Jr.

September-24   Jody Jamieson

October-1         Rick Zeron

October-8         Jim Morrill Jr.

October-15       Stephane Bouchard

October-22       Jeff Gregory

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