Batavia, NY — The 2024 winter meet kicked off at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Jan. 4) and the wagering success the track realized last year picked up right where it left off as a new single card handle record was set during opening day. Betting from all sources totalled $390,922 and that easily topped the old record of $348,205 set last February. “We had great … Continue reading Batavia crushes betting mark; Morrill wins six on opener »

Batavia, NY — Although the summer/fall meet at Batavia Downs concluded less than four weeks ago, the new year brings a new season of harness racing at the oldest lighted harness track in North America as The Downs kicks off their 2024 winter race meet on Thursday (Jan. 4) at 3 p.m. This is the second straight year Batavia Downs has offered live winter racing … Continue reading Batavia Downs kicks off 2024 overcoat meet on Thursday »

Batavia, NY — With the books now finalized after the last live card of racing took place on Saturday (Dec. 9), Batavia Downs saw a major growth in handle that started last January during their first winter meet in 20 years, and ended the year showing a 75% increase in wagering over the track’s previous record high. The total all source handle for the entire … Continue reading Batavia Downs realized a 75% handle increase in 2023 »

Batavia, NY — Dominance by a pair of horsemen was center stage on Saturday’s (Dec. 9) closing night card at Batavia Downs as driver Kevin Cummings and trainer Sam Smith put forth a pair of relentless efforts that yielded some very lofty numbers. Coming into the final night of the meet, Smith was tied with fellow trainer Shawn McDonough for the dash title of the … Continue reading Cummings wins eight, Smith takes six in Batavia closer »

Batavia, NY — The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs have announced the top driver, trainers and horses from the summer and fall live racing meet who will be honored for their efforts during the Night of Distinction awards presentation that will be held on closing night at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 9). Post time for … Continue reading Top horsemen and horses to be feted at Batavia Down Saturday »

Batavia, NY — After three unsuccessful starts in the track’s top class for female pacers, Mcnatural L got the job done at long odds in her fourth attempt in the $15,000 Distaff Open I Handicap on Wednesday night (Dec. 6) at Batavia Downs. Dave McNeight III put Mcnatural L in the pocket behind Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) who was busy on top stepping quarters … Continue reading Mcnatural L trips to Batavia Open victory »

Batavia, NY — The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs has announced that driver Kyle Swift will receive the 2023 Rising Star Award during the Night of Distinction awards presentation that will be held at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 9). After driving at fairs and in qualifiers for two years, the 18-year-old Kyle Swift earned his … Continue reading Kyle Swift named Rising Star at Batavia Downs »

Batavia, NY — Persistent rain and a sloppy track set the stage for racing at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Dec. 2) but the inclement conditions didn’t prevent Ricky B Sharp from excelling in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature. Credit List (Kyle Cummings) grabbed the first lead before relenting to Staghouse (Ray FIsher Jr.), who pulled past the eighth to take the front … Continue reading Ricky B Sharp cut through the mud at Batavia Downs »

Batavia, NY — For the second time this meet, Jim McNeight Jr. visited the winner’s enclosure five times during the Wednesday night (Nov. 29) card at Batavia Downs to further enhance what has been a career year for the 27-year-old reinsman. His first foray with five came on October 6. McNeight won with Mach Of Shame (1:59, $6.90), Fear Her Touch (1:57.2, $13.80), Chipper Daisey … Continue reading Five more wins for Jim McNeight Jr. at Batavia Downs »

Batavia, NY — After bouncing back from an untimely break last week and despite a jump in class for this start, Johnny Boy got back in the win column by taking the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Nov. 25). Kevin Cummings sent Johnny Boy to the front, grabbed the lead past the quarter and then controlled the race … Continue reading Johnny Boy upsets top trot, Morrill wins five at Batavia »