Batavia, NY — The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs have announced that Drew Monti and Sam Smith are the top driver and trainer for the summer/fall race meet at the Genesee County oval whose season will conclude on Saturday (Dec. 7). Monti entered the final week of racing at Batavia with an insurmountable lead in the … Continue reading Drew Monti and Sam Smith take titles at Batavia Downs »

Batavia, NY — The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association is proud to announce that longtime western New York blacksmith, Ray Cable, will be given their 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for his over 60-years of work and dedication to the horses who raced at Batavia Downs. Cable was born on March 12, 1945 in Effingham, Illinois and followed his father … Continue reading Ray Cable to receive Lifetime Achievement from UNY-USHWA at Batavia »

Batavia, NY — Winter hit Batavia Downs hard on Saturday (Nov. 30) night and a spate of scratches due to weather related transportation issues shortened many of the fields. But the horses that did show up went dashing through the snow and that included the winners of the night’s two feature races.  The $14,000 Open Handicap pace went to post first and Melanion N made … Continue reading Melanion N, Biscoe take Batavia features in a flurry »

Batavia, NY — Despite not finishing worse than second in her last four starts, Oaxacan Dream N was overlooked by the betting public and sent off at 20-1. That turned out to be a mistake as the 8-year-old mare turned in a winning effort in the $12,000 conditioned pacing feature for fillies and mares on Wednesday (Nov. 27) night.  Dave McNeight III sent Oaxacan Dream … Continue reading Oaxacan Dream N lights up the board in Batavia distaff pace »

Batavia, NY — A $13,000 Open Handicap for both gaits topped the bill at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 23) night and each event was won with opposing race strategies. The pacing feature went to Melanion N who went gait to wire in impressive fashion. Drew Monti sent Melanion N forward off the gate and got the lead on the outside at the :27.3 quarter. … Continue reading Melanion N, Dougadougadew split Batavia features Saturday »

Batavia, NY — After scoring an upset win from an outside post last week at Batavia Downs, Mucho Macho moved up in class and did the exact same thing at The Downs in the $9,500 featured trot on a wet and chilly Friday (Nov. 22) night over a track rated sloppy.  John Cummings Jr. left from post seven and shot right to the front with … Continue reading Mucho Macho wins second straight in Batavia feature »

Batavia, NY — It was no vacation for Scenic Adventure after high winds and heavy rain blew into Genesee County prior to her race. But the mare treated it like a day at the beach after handling her peers in the featured $11,000 pace for female sidewheelers at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 20) night.    Scenic Adventure (Drew Monti) took a quick, easy lead and … Continue reading Scenic Adventure splashes to victory in Batavia feature »

Batavia, NY — Batavia Downs leading driver, Drew Monti, added to his already considerable lead on Saturday (Nov. 16) night after bagging five more winners during the proceedings. Monti won with Soul Assassin (1:55.2, $6.70), Actor Hanover (1:56.1, $22.60), Parmesan N (1:56, $4.10), Stratosphere (1:55.4, $2.60) and Power And Grace (1:58.3, $6.90) who will be further covered later.  Monti now has 102 wins for the … Continue reading Drew Monti wins five at Batavia Downs Saturday  »

Batavia, NY — Benefitting from post one and a perfect trip, Crazy Brother Jim (Rock Vinci) scored an easy victory in the $9,500 featured trot at Batavia Downs on Friday (Nov. 15) evening.  Longshot Alan (John Cummings Jr.) left from post seven and bolted to the lead in easy fashion. With Crazy Brother Jim following from second, Alan set easy fractions of :29.4 and 1:01.2 … Continue reading Crazy Brother Jim was well adjusted in Batavia feature  »

Batavia, NY — A $23,931 carryover and $75,000 guaranteed pool through the USTA Strategic Wagering Program for the Pick-5 wager at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 13) night generated $79,508 new money, producing a $102,701 total pool that yielded the biggest mutuel payout ever in the history of Batavia Downs going all the way back to 1940.  After the prohibitive favorite, Raylan Drew ($3.10) won … Continue reading Longshots drive $41,412 Pick-5 payout at Batavia Downs »