Batavia, NY — After a lengthy rain delay due to a mid-summer deluge that moved through Genesee County halfway through the card, a full field of of top class mares convened in the $13,500 Distaff Handicap pacing feature that was won by Center Attraction. 

A stiff tussle for front-end dominance took place off the gate between Summer Lovin (Kevin Cummings), Imprincessgemma A (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) with Center Attraction forging her way to the lead in a swift :27.1. From there she took control of the race with Summer Lovin securely tucked in the pocket. Center Attraction then made her way to the half in :56.3 and three-quarters in 1:25.4 without any pressure from behind. But after the girls made their way into the last turn, Summer Lovin popped the deuce and advanced towards the leader. The two mares paced side by side to the top of the stretch where Center Attraction separated herself by a neck and won in 1:55.2.

It was the 25th career win for Center Attraction ($4.60) who is owned by her trainer Robert Anderson, in partnership with Pamela Schreiber. 

Jim McNeight Jr. was the top driver at the Downs on Tuesday after he scored a grand slam in the bike. Besides Center Attraction, McNeight also won with Escape The House (1:56.3, $4.80), Lunar Credit (2:00.1, $3.50) and Walk It Talk It (1:56.2, $6.10). 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (July 31) at 6 p.m. 

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page. 

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Batavia Downs opened their 2024 summer/fall meet on Saturday (July 27) night with the 3-year-old pacing filly division of the New York Sire Stakes in town featuring two six-horse fields that vyed for $58,100 each.

The first division was won by A Few Choice Words (Courtly Choice-Top Choice Hanover) who made every station a winning one. 

Jim Marohn Jr. put A Few Choice Words on the point off the gate and skated through fractions of :28.2, :57.2 and 1:25.3 before Stepabovetherest (Braxton Boyd) pulled from third and tried to advance. But the closest she would get to the leader would be second, next to the pocket-sitting Leanne’s Choice (Marcus Miller) because A Few Choice Words turned for home and paced with authority to the line where she won in 1:54.

It was the third win in a row and sixth out of the last seven for A Few Choice Words, who is owned by Clancy Farms and trained by Blake Macintosh. 

Then there was an upset in the second division when She’s Epic (American Ideal-Booya Beach) shook loose and flew home late at 15-1. 

Camerican (Jim Morrill Jr.) grabbed the lead from Peace Talks (Jim Marohn Jr.) just before the quarter and then tempered the pace to the half in :57.4. Camerican continued her easy lead around the third turn and up the backstretch until She’s Epic (Tyler Buter) pulled from fourth and made her way to second by three-quarters in 1:26.4. She’s Epic pulled alongside Camerican and the pace got decidedly more intense as the fillies matched strides around the final bend and into the stretch. Despite their best efforts, neither girl could get ahead until three pylons from the wire where She’s Epic lived up to her name and rode a :26.4 final panel to a one-half length victory in 1:54.

It was the third win of the year for She’s Epic ($33.40) who is owned by John Cummins and trained by Travis Alexander. 

Buter got the hat trick on Saturday after winning two $20,000 Excelsior legs with Hurricaneaphrodite (1:54, $3.90) for trainer John McDermott and Tempville (1:56.1, $4.90) for trainer George Ducharme. Ducharme also trained the winner of the third Excelsior leg, Villannah (1:55.2, $13.80) driven by Jim Morrill Jr. who also had a hat trick on Saturday night. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Tuesday (July 30) at 6 p.m.  

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — The New York Sire Stakes will make its first stop of 2024 at Batavia Downs on Saturday (July 27) night when a select group of 3-year-old pacing fillies will line up in two six-horse divisions valued at $58,100 each. This will be the fifth leg of the state series this year for these girls and they should be in prime form for some big efforts.

In the first division, Stepabovetherest (Huntsville-Step Beyond) has only made four starts this year, but one of them was a 1:52.3 win in an Excelsior leg at Tioga Downs while another was her career best, 1:49.4 victory at Vernon Downs in the NYSS, where she won by 1-1/2 lengths. She then missed three weeks before her next start, which was a fourth place finish in the NYSS at Saratoga Raceway. She may have been short with the extra time off and could get back to her regular form here.

Stepabovetherest has drawn post three for trainer Nicholas Devita who has regular driver Braxton Boyd aboard for this race.

A Few Choice Words (Courtly Choice-Top Choice Hanover) was a perfect four-for-four in Excelsior action earlier this year, including her lifetime mark of 1:51.4 at Vernon Downs, before moving up to the NYSS in her last start at Saratoga where she won again in 1:54.1. This week she drew a favorable inside post and looks to get win number six of the year.   

Moving inside for the first time in three weeks, Jim Marohn Jr. will be in the bike again and begins from post two for trainer Blake Macintosh.

Leanne’s Choice (Courtly Choice-Village Madonna) was winless in three NYSS starts before dropping down to Excelsior action where she got her first win of 2024. She bumped back up to the NYSS level in her last start and put in a brilliant effort, finishing third in a 1:53.2 mile at Saratoga. With the pylon position here, She is definitely a player.

Erv Miller has Marcus Miller between the wheels once again from post one.

In the second split, Peace Talks (American Ideal-Triple V Hanover) is the top money earner for this age and gender in the NYSS so far this year with two wins and four second place finishes in six 2024 starts. One of those wins was a 1:50.4 lifetime best win at Tioga Downs in June. Peace Talks, who was the NYSS 2-year-old filly pacing champion, has come back very strong this year and is looking to defend her title. Early indications are she has a very good shot at doing that.

Starting from mid-pack post four, Jim Marohn Jr. will be up behind the filly for the first time this year for trainer Chris Ryder.

Camerican (American Ideal-Camille) comes into this event on a two race win streak that includes a victory in the $90,000 Park MGM filly pace final and a seasonal mark of 1:53.2 at Saratoga. Last year, Camerican was a multiple NYSS winner who finished third in that final along with a third place finish in the Breeders Crown behind winner My Girl EJ. She also took her lifetime mark of 1:50.2 during her first year of racing when she won the International Stallion Stake at the Red Mile. Camerican has already been race timed faster this year in a 1:50.1 mile at Vernon Downs three starts ago where she finished third.

Trainer Ron Burke has assigned Jim Morrill Jr. duty at the lines for this outing and they will start from post six.

The NYSS races will go as races eight and 10. There are also three $20,000 Excelsior races on the card and they are programmed as races five, six and 11.

Post time for the first race on the season opening card at Batavia Downs is 6 p.m.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — All connections of horses who will be racing at Batavia Downs this year should note that a new text line has been established to relay vital information regarding draws and racing action for the upcoming meet that will start on Saturday, July 27.

Horsemen and women can sign up for this service by texting bataviadowns to 407.536.9945.

Please note that this number has changed since the start of this service two weeks ago. If you originally subscribed at 732.363.7700, you need to re-subscribe to the new number listed.

By subscribing to this service, you will be notified immediately when there is a need to fill races or if there is any change in schedule. So all are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Live harness racing returns to Batavia Downs on Saturday (July 27) as the 2024 summer/fall season gets underway with a full 15-race card that starts at 6 p.m. The season runs through Saturday (Dec. 7) and features a 56-day meet.

The opening night card includes the first visit of the year from the New York Sire Stakes as the 3-year-old pacing fillies will be on hand to compete in two $58,100 divisions. There will also be three Excelsior races going for $20,000 each, bringing the total stake purses available that night to $176,200. 

The live schedule changes several times throughout the year. It starts out with a Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday schedule through August 17. Then it switches to Wednesday, Friday, Saturday through November 23 with the exception of Friday (Sept. 6) which will be dark due to the special Monday (Sept. 2) Labor Day matinee card starting at 1:15 p.m. The final two weeks of the meet cut back to Wednesday, Saturday. Post time for all race days — with the exception of the Labor Day matinee — will be at 6 p.m.

Once again, there is a hearty slate of New York Sire Stake action. The state-bred series will be in action on Saturday (July 27-$103,000 3-year-old filly pace), Wednesday (July 31-$103,000 3-year-old colt pace), Wednesday (Aug. 7-$93,000 2-year-old colt pace), Wednesday (Aug. 14-$93,000 2-year-old filly pace), Wednesday (Aug. 21-$93,000 2-year-old colt trot), Saturday (Aug. 24$103,000 3-year-old colt trot and $103,000 3-year-old filly trot) and Wednesday (Aug. 28-$93,000 2-year-old filly trot).

Also on that NYSS double-header 3-year-old colt and filly trotting card on Saturday (Aug. 24) will be the Down’s signature event, the Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational pace that will go for $100,000 this year. Free Kane Pace T-shirts will be given away on that night.

Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs, looks to build on the record wagering that the track realized earlier this year.

“I am looking forward to the upcoming meet, anticipating that the momentum from the highly successful winter meet will continue for the remainder of this year. We set several betting records during our early year meet and hopefully we can keep that going during this session,” said Hoover.

Looking to drive that momentum is Tom Agosti, who recently joined the staff at Batavia Downs as the new race secretary. He will be responsible for putting together the competitive fields that will be featured throughout the year.

Agosti has established a new text line to relay vital information regarding draws and racing information for the upcoming meet. Horsemen and women can sign up for this service by texting bataviadowns to 732.363.7700. Subscribing to this service will be advantageous to all when it comes to filling races or having immediate knowledge of any changes in schedule. All are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

Bettors will have plenty of opportunities with a wagering menu that includes three Doubles, 10 Exactas, 10 Trifectas, nine Superfectas, two Pick-3’s, two Pick-4’s, one Pick-5 and one Jackpot Super High Five available on every 10-race card.

All the top drivers will be back including last year’s top five leaders Jim Morrill Jr., Kevin Cummings, Dave McNeight III, Kyle Cummings and James McNeight Jr.

Leading trainers Sam Smith, Shawn McDonough, Dave Russo, Tammy Cummings, James Rothfuss and Ryan Swift will also be back along with a host of others.

The clubhouse will be open for all race dates and offer a varied menu. Every Friday and Saturday will feature a buffet while the other race nights have a menu provided by the Center Street Smokehouse. The Railbar will always be open for live racing.

Patrons will also have plenty of promotions to look forward to throughout the year.

On opening night there will be free programs in the grandstand and the Lotta Cash Giveaway, where customers can deposit non-winning tickets wagered on Batavia Downs races for a chance to win two $250 betting vouchers and a Batavia Downs Gaming Play and Stay package that includes one night’s stay at the Batavia Downs Gaming Hotel, $25 in gaming Free Play and a $50 dinner certificate to Fortune’s.

The Play and Stay promotion will also be held every Wednesday during the meet where customers can deposit non-winning tickets wagered on Batavia Downs races for a chance to win a Batavia Downs Gaming Play and Stay package that was previously described.

Also on Wednesday is the Finale Frenzy promotion where you get $25 gaming Free Play when you wager $25 on the last race at Batavia Downs.

And there is also the Early Bird Daily Double, where you receive $10 in gaming Free Play when you wager at least $10 at the same time on the Early Daily Double.

Plus every live racing program includes a $5 gaming Free Play coupon.

All promotions require participants be Players Club members and gaming Free Play is subject to required base points being earned before redemption. Full rules are available in the program and online. You can watch all the live racing action for free on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel and free, full past performance programs for every live race night will be available on the Batavia Downs website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the live racing tab.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs, has announced that Tom Agosti has been named as the new race secretary for Batavia Downs starting with the 2024 summer/fall live meet.

“Since coming to Batavia, I have been serving double-duty as both director of live racing and race secretary and in order to have both positions be better managed, I have decided to hire Tom to handle the daily draws so I can concentrate more on running the business,” said Hoover.

“With Tom’s knowledge of the local horse colony and their connection’s needs for proper classification, having him write the condition sheet here to be reflective of the meet they are coming from will be advantageous to all racing participants.”

Agosti has been a fixture on the western New York harness racing circuit since 1977 when he launched a 31-year driving career that ended in 2011 due to back issues. During that time, Agosti won 1,435 races, $4.4 million in purses and multiple driving titles.

Shortly after parking his race bike for the final time, Agosti was hired as the assistant race secretary at Buffalo Raceway in 2011, moved to the top spot there in 2014 and has held that position ever since.

Agosti has also served as the race secretary at The Red Mile early meet since 2016 along with his duties as charter and program director. He has given up his positions there to transition to the Batavia job.

Although Agosti loved being in Kentucky, he said the opportunity to take the Batavia position was something he could not pass up. 

“Working at the Red Mile was great. I loved the people down there and it was just an overall great environment to be in. But it was only three months out of the year. The position at Batavia amounts to seven months overall, including the winter meet, and the best thing is I get to go home every night,” said Agosti.

“Like Don, I also feel having a uniform condition sheet bridging the two meets will be beneficial for all the local horsemen and will also help the smaller stables be more successful year round. Our main objective here is to have the racing be fair and equitable for everyone involved.” Live racing kicks off at Batavia Downs on Saturday, July 27 at 6 p.m. 

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Mark Gilmour of Orchard Park, New York, passed away on Friday (April 19) after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Mr. Gilmour was a lifelong member of the harness racing community, having been born into it as the son of Hall of Fame driver and trainer Buddy Gilmour, grandson of Hall of Fame driver and trainer Levi Harner and nephew of five Gilmour uncles who also all trained and drove.

After getting his driver’s license at age 18 in 1979, Mr. Gilmour would go on to drive for the next 28 years, posting 355 wins with just under $2 million in earnings while driving across the northeast United States and Canada. He had a career year in 1985 when he posted 51 wins and $302,000 in purses. He occasionally catch-drove for Billy Haughton at Saratoga Raceway and did pilot the Open pacer Willow Napoleon (1:57.1, $341,147).

Mr. Gilmour is survived by his longtime partner Ann Pascarella, sisters Karen (Alan) Murphy and Lori Gilmour and cousin Dale Gilmour.

There are no visitations scheduled, however there will be a private service held in May. Mr. Gilmour will be laid to rest with his parents William “Bud” and Gwen Gilmour in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation or Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York.

By Tim Bojarski for UNY USHWA

Batavia, NY — The horses lined up for the final time this winter at Batavia Downs on Monday (Feb. 26) and the card featured a $12,000 conditioned pace that was won by Ball Diamond (Keith Kash Jr.), who claimed her second win of the year.

Ball Diamond got away in the pocket behind Lanas Desire (Dave McNeight III) who paced to the half in :58.1. There, All About Lynx (James McNeight Jr.) was rolling on the outside and eventually drew even with the leader around the last turn, just before heading into the stretch. But both horses were soon to be passed by the tripped-out Ball Diamond, who found clear sailing by the pylons and bolted to the line, ahead by one-half length in 1:56.2.

Ball Diamond ($8.90) is owned by Bruce Soulsby and Dannie Hostetler and is trained by his driver Kash.

Kash accounted for three driving wins on Monday after also winning with So So Incredible (1:56.1, $5.40) and Long Legged John (1:57.3, $11.60), who he also owns and trains.

Monday’s card concluded the 2024 winter racing meet at Batavia Downs. Live harness racing will resume at The Downs on Saturday (July 27) when the summer/fall meet kicks off.

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — The finals of the Western New York Trackmaster Series for trotters were held at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Feb. 22) and in the main event, Flyhawk El Fuerte pulled off the upset in the $20,000 TM79 division.

P C Foreign Affair (Jim Morrill Jr.) grabbed the lead from post eight and maintained a gapped advantage through quarters of :28.4, :58.4 and 1:28.4 while Flyhawk El Fuerte (John Cummings Jr.) kept close in the pocket. With no serious threat coming from behind, the top two trotters traversed the last turn, where Cummings tipped Flyhawk El Fuerte and went on the attack. As they entered the stretch, Flyhawk El Fuerte had a full head of steam and blew past P C Foreign Affair to win by 2-½ lengths in a season’s best 1:58.3.

Flyhawk El Fuerte ($12.20) is owned by Kathleen Pratt and Andrea Lehmann and is trained by Joe Skowyra, who sent two winners postward on Thursday.

There were also two division finals for the TM74 class.

The $15,000 group was bested by Classic Sunny (2:00.1, $3.70), who was one of two winning drives for Kevin Cummings. Classic Sunny is owned by Anthony Alessi and Fred Yellen and trained Scott Bompczyk.

The $8,000 split was won by Finnick Odair (2:01.4, $3.70) who was driven by Brett Beckwith for owner/trainer Rose Russo.

There was also a trio of Open events on Thursday’s card that highlighted the best horses on the grounds.

In the $15,000 Handicap for fillies and mares, Shecouldbegood N (Kyle Swift) made a first over move at three-quarters trying to reel in the frontrunning Ball Diamond (Keith Kash Jr.). Still trailing by 1-½ lengths at the head of the stretch, Shecouldbegood N paced furiously to the wire and won by one-quarter length in 1:56.3.

It was the 40th career win for Shecouldbegood N ($9.60) who is owned by Michael Milazzo and trained by Candace Bandstatter, who also had two winners on Thursday.

The $14,000 Handicap for male pacers went to Primo Uomo (Brett Beckwith) who led at every station before holding off a late-closing Optical Illusion N (Jim McNeight Jr.) to win by one-half length in 1:54.2, which was a new seasonal mark.

The heavily backed Primo Uomo ($2.60) is owned by Chris and Dale Lawton and trained by David Dewhurst.

Beckwith had a driving hat trick during the card.

Finally in the $15,000 Handicap trot, E Street (Jim Morrill Jr.) was never challenged as he led from gate to wire to score an easy 1-¼ length upset victory in 1:58, which was also a new seasonal mark.

It was the second straight win for E Street ($20.80) and owner Elite Harness Racing. Rachelle Mungillo trains the winner.

Morrill ended the day with two driving wins.

Driver Dave McNeight III tied Beckwith with three wins on the day, however all three of his provided huge payoffs. “Triple Sticks” won with Magical Mistress (1:55.4, $24.40), Mayweather Hanover (1:56.2, $37.40) and VJ Panderosa (1:56.4, $47.60).

There was also an instant jackpot in the day’s final event when the 1-2-9-3-4 pentafecta combination returned $5,524.10 for a 20-cent wager.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Feb. 26), which is the last day of live racing for the winter meet. Post time will be at 3 p.m.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Batavia Downs hosted the $93,000 finals of the Western New York Trackmaster Series on Monday (Feb.19) and in the featured TM79 match-up for $20,000, Long Train Runnin ran his win streak to five to claim the winner’s share of the purse.

Proven Desire (John Cummings Jr.) led the field at the quarter, but then watched as stablemate Long Train Runnin (Billy Davis Jr.) breezed by in the second turn to take control of the mile. Once on top, Long Train Runnin backed off the half to a mere :59 before stepping to three-quarters in a slick :28.1. Dogfight (Jim Morrill Jr.) tried to mount a challenge during that third panel but it failed before they hit three-quarters. As they spiralled out of the last turn and headed into the stretch, Proven Desire vacated the pocket and dug in hard, trying to catch the leader. But despite a valiant effort, he came up a neck short as Long Train Runnin finished strong to win again in a season’s best tying 1:55.3.

It was the fifth win in only six starts this year for Long Train Runnin and it pushed his 2024 bankroll to $30,250 for owners Paige Usiak and William Emmons. Jim Clouser Jr. trains the winner.

There were two consolations for the TM79 class. The $10,000 leg was won by Silverhill Blaze (1:56.1, $3.90) who was driven by Jim Morrill Jr. for trainer Andy Torre who co-owns with Kristen Torre and the $9,000 leg was won by Henrico (1:56.3, $31.00) who was driven by Billy Daivs Jr. for owner/trainer Courtney Wright.

The $17,000 TM75 final was won by Stonebridge Hypnos (Jim Morrill Jr.) who held pylon position as she sparred with Major Authority (Dan Yetman) through quarters of :27.3 and :56.4 while Thatmomentinlife (Billy Davis Jr.) tracked from the pocket. As the race approached three-quarters, Major Authority faded while Stonebridge Hypnos and Thatmoentinlife pulled away from the field around the final bend. As the pair paced to the wire, Thatmomentinlife pulled and did advance on the leader, but Stonebridge Hypnos was just too good and held on to a one-half length margin of victory in 1:56.2.

It was the third win in a row and fourth of the year for Stonebridge Hypnos ($3.00) who has now earned $23,300 this year for owner Mike Torcello and trainer Sam Smith.

The consolation for the $8,500 TM75 group was won by Harry Hoo N (1:56.3, $11.60) who was driven by Billy Davis Jr. for owner Harry Wortzman. Shawn McDonough trained the winner.

Then in the $14,000 TM71 final, Missplacedrock (Kyle Swift) followed Howmacs Hank (Billy Davis Jr.) to the half in :58.2 when Artistic Spirit (Drew Monti) joined the fray. Artistic Spirit pushed Howmacs Hank to three-quarters and they paced that piece in :28.4. The top two continued to match strides around the last turn while Swift drifted three-wide with Missplacedrock and started to drive him as they headed into the lane. Missplacedrock caught the pair in mid-stretch and eventually slid by to win by one-half length in 1:57.

It was the fourth win of the year for Missplacedrock ($6.10) who increased her 2024 bank to $19,340 for owner Rose Campbell. Greg Johnson was the winning trainer.

There were also two consolations for the TM71 group.

The $7,500 split was won by Beddanburg (1:56.3, $5.40) who was driven by Drew Monti for owner/trainer Chris Petrelli and the $6,500 division was won by Bettor Country (1:58.2, $2.60) who was driven by Billy Davis Jr. for owner Ben Ortiz and trainer Shawn McDonough.

Drivers Billy Davis Jr. and Jim Morrill Jr. both had Grand Slams during the day while trainers Shawn McDonough, Chris Petrelli and Rock Vinci all had two wins apiece.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Feb. 22) at 3 p.m. and the card will feature the $43,000 finals of the Western New York Trackmaster Series for trotters. Also, there will be a $3,267 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

There are only two days of live racing left in the 2024 winter meet at Batavia Downs. The final day of action is Monday (Feb. 26).

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs