Batavia, NY — The nearly week long winter storm that has gripped western New York and necessitated the cancellation of live racing at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 15), has once again forced track officials to cancel live racing at The Downs for Thursday (Jan. 18) due to the ongoing effects of the extreme weather conditions. Simulcast at the track will remain open. Live racing … Continue reading Batavia Downs cancels live racing for Thursday »

Batavia, NY — As a result of the crippling winter storm western New York has experienced over the past 48 hours and the expected continuation of snowfall and dangerous road conditions through tonight, Batavia Downs has canceled live racing for Monday (Jan. 15) out of an abundance of caution for the safety of the horses, horsemen and woman and fans. Live racing will resume as … Continue reading Batavia Downs cancels live racing for Monday »

Batavia, NY — A sloppy track combined with heavy snow that started to fall after the third race provided some messy going at Batavia Downs on Thursday afternoon (Jan.11), but it didn’t take away from competitive racing and several very close finishes. The features were a pair of $15,000 Open I Handicap races that were written for each gait. First in the $15,000 Open I … Continue reading Comeonover Hanover, Lanjo Lee winners at Batavia »

Batavia, NY — Batavia Downs opened their 2024 winter meet last Thursday (Jan. 4) and celebrated with a new all-source handle record of $390,922. Now only four days later on Monday (Jan.8), the second session of racing for this early season has again recorded a new high after $421,221 was wagered on the afternoon card. The increase is the latest jump in this upward handle … Continue reading Punters bet $421,221 as Batavia Downs sets new record handle »

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 »