Bouchard to drive Wednesday in Batavia challenge

The $10,000 All-Star Driver’s challenge at Batavia Downs and Gaming resumes on Wednesday with Stephane Bouchard in town to drive for charity. No stranger to the Downs' winner's circle, Bouchard will need to more than 36 points to overtake Canada’s Jody Jamieson.

Bouchard began his career in 1989 and since then has racked up some pretty impressive numbers, winning more than 6,700 races more than $51 million in purse earnings. In 2007 he finished third in all of North America with 814 wins. Earlier this year he won the $645,000 Yonkers Trot with Napoleon.

All participating drivers donate their driving commission to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR). The driver with most points at the end of the eight-week competition takes home the $10,000 prize.

So far, between the driver's commission, sponsorship of races and a silent auction, over $10,000 has been raised for the BCCR.

The Driver Challenge is co-sponsored by the Purple Haze stable, the Western New York Harness Horseman Association and Batavia Downs Gaming 

Canada’s Luc Ouellette, scheduled to compete on Oct. 29, will not be participating in the Drivers Challenge. He has been replaced by Jason Bartlett. The 27-year-old Bartlett is currently the leading driver at Yonkers.

“Losing a great driver like Luc is disappointing” Michael D. Kane, vice president of live racing said, “but we’re thrilled to have a rising star of the sport like Jason Bartlett coming here to take his place.” (Batavia)

« Back