Batavia Downs announces 2026 winter racing dates

Batavia, NY — After successful meetings with the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association, the Board of Directors of Western Regional Off Track Betting have announced that they will host live winter racing at Batavia Downs in January and February for the fourth straight year.

The eight day meet will be conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting on Tuesday (Jan. 13) and ending on Thursday (Feb. 5) with all post times at 3 p.m., pending approval from the New York State Gaming Commission.

The current summer/fall meet ends on Saturday (Dec. 20), and that will give all racing participants a 24 day break over the holidays before the action resumes at the oldest lighted harness track in North America.

Further information regarding anything about the upcoming meet will be released as opening day draws near.  

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs