Batavia remembers Dream Pace on Saturday

When the world's greatest pacers came to Batavia Downs in 1972, the showdown was labeled the "Dream Pace," and on Saturday night the dream will be remembered when Batavia Downs Gaming hosts a 35th anniversary celebration of the great Albatross and his visit to the track.

On Sept. 30, 1972, Albatross and arch-rival Nansemond faced off in the $20,000 Dream Pace at Batavia. A crowd of over 12,000 was expected to pack the historic oval to see Albatross and driver Stanley Dancer and Nansemond and Herve Filion threaten Bret Hanover's track record of 1:58.1.

While Albatross would cooperate with a great show, the weather didn't. The night was miserable in Western New York, with heavy rains and a fall chill creating a track labeled only as "good." Still, 8,630 fans showed up to watch "The Big Bird," who was coming off a world-record performance of 1:55.3 just a few days earlier at the Delaware County Fair.

Albatross, a 4-year-old son of Meadow Skipper, was made the heavy betting favorite and when the starting gate pulled away, Dancer put him on the lead, with Nansemond and Filion getting away second. 

The talented duo sprinted a brisk opening quarter of :28.4, but once in front--and in typical Dancer fashion--the brakes were on and Albatross paced a leisurely second quarter in :32.1. As the field of five pacers headed down the backstretch, the pace quickened a bit and the three-quarter time was 1:32.1.

Sensing things were going completely in favor of Albatross, Filion pulled Nansemond to the outside at the three-quarters but it was too little too late. Albatross was in complete control and sprinted home in :28.2.

In winning by a length and a half, Albatross paced the mile in 2:00.3. well off Bret’s track record. That mark would, however, fall eight years later when a legendary son of Albatross, champion Niatross, lowered the Downs record by three seconds with a 1:55 mile.

Albatross ended his great career winning 59 times in 71 starts and had lifetime earnings of over $1.2 million. “The Big Bird” was named horse of the year in both 1971 and 1972. Albatross passed away in 1998, at the age of 30.

On Saturday night, Batavia Downs Gaming celebrates the 35-year anniversary of Albatross' Dream Pace victory by giving away T-shirts and rolling back prices on hot dogs and sodas to 1972. Beginning at 6 p.m. hot dogs and sodas will be just 50 cents.

A special Saturday racing program that features news clippings and photos of the great champion is available for just 50 cents.

Also beginning at 6 p.m., coupons will be handed out in the track lobby for an Albatross T-shirt. The coupons can be redeemed in the paddock room after the seventh race, the Albatross pace. These limited edition shirts will be available while supplies last. (Batavia Downs)

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