Batavia, NY — Rocknroll Shelli had one start at Batavia Downs the final week of meet last December where interference may have caused her a more favorable placing. Now after making two consecutive board hits at The Meadowlands in subsequent outings, the 5-year-old mare returned to Genesee County to claim her first win of 2023 in the $13,000 Open I Distaff Handicap pace over a … Continue reading Rocknroll Shelli wins feature; Morrill wins five at Batavia »

Batavia, NY — Former Batavia Downs driving regular Larry Stalbaum has only been racing at the Downs as a part-time ship-in in recent years as his base of operations has moved away from western New York. But after spending more time in Genesee County this past year, Stalbaum was a force to be reckoned with on opening day of the first winter meet in over … Continue reading Stalbaum steals the show in Batavia Downs winter opener »

Batavia, NY — It has been decades since Batavia Downs hosted a winter race meet at the oldest lighted harness track in North America, but that all changes on Monday (Jan. 9) when the 2023 harness racing season gets underway in Western New York. The 15-day session will run through Monday (Feb. 27) and operate on a Monday-Thursday schedule. Post time for each race day … Continue reading Batavia Downs starts 2023 with a $17,500 guarantee Monday »

Batavia, NY — The 2022 racing season came to a close at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 17) and although some declines in handle were realized, the track performed better than many national trends. The track recorded its fourth highest total on-track handle for Batavia live racing since Western Regional OTB reopened the track in 2002, finishing only $33,599 behind the 2021 totals while racing the same number … Continue reading Batavia Downs fared well among the competition in 2022 »

Batavia, NY — Closing day at Batavia Downs was cut short on Saturday (Dec. 17) after heavy snow quickly deteriorated track conditions through the early part of the card. Then it was determined after the fifth race that for the safety of everyone involved, the remainder of the races would be canceled. The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta carryover of $10,733 that was required to be … Continue reading Batavia Downs cancels for weather after five »

Akron, NY — With the 2022 meet coming to a close, the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs will honor the top performing driver and trainer in the winner’s circle on closing day, Saturday, December 17. However this year is a little different because accolades will be going to two drivers for their achievements where the training … Continue reading Cummings, Morrill both top $1 million at Batavia meet »

Batavia, NY — Closing day at Batavia Downs is this Saturday (Dec. 17) and an early Christmas present may be waiting there for some lucky player. A Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta carryover that has been growing for weeks has reached $10,733.58 and with the meet coming to a close, a mandatory payout will happen Saturday. So Batavia Downs will be offering a guaranteed $15,000 pool … Continue reading Batavia Downs offers $15,000 Hi-5 guarantee Saturday »

Akron, NY — The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs will honor three 14-year-old veteran race horses who will officially retire on January 1, 2023. These horses have competed at the Downs this season and will be presented with a trophy commemorating their outstanding careers in the winner’s circle between races during “The Day of Distinction” that … Continue reading UNY-USHWA and Batavia Downs to honor 14-year-old Iron Horses »

Batavia, NY — There were six mares in the $14,000 Distaff Open I Handicap at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Dec. 14) but it turned into a match race that saw Shallow out-duel Demeter N to claim her 12th win of the year. Jim Morrill Jr. put Shallow on the lead but Larry Stalbaum had Demeter N revved up in the breeze and they drew … Continue reading Shallow beats Demeter N in slugfest at Batavia »

Akron, NY — Ron Beback Jr. will be presented with the Good Samaritan Award by the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs for his heroic actions to save an overturned kayaker from drowning this past summer. The ceremony will take place in the winner’s circle between races during “The Day of Distinction” that will be held on … Continue reading Ron Beback Jr. to be honored by UNY-USHWA and Batavia Downs »