Batavia, NY — On Monday (Jan. 23), Batavia Downs began a four week Pop-Up Racing Series for Western New York-based Trackmaster pacers and trotters with preliminary leg classes going for between $6,000 and $9,000 each (depending on class). Monday saw 10 series races go postward and these events provided some very competitive racing. The best pacing effort of the day was turned in by Sportskeeper … Continue reading Batavia Downs kicked off WNY Racing Series Monday »

Batavia, NY — A beaten favorite last week due to an untimely break, The Stunning Nun N bounced back in strong fashion – once again as the public’s choice – to win the $13,000 Open I Handicap Distaff pace at Batavia Downs on Thursday afternoon (Jan. 19) despite considerably inclement weather and over a sloppy track. Last week’s feature winner Rocknroll Shelli (Dave McNeight III) … Continue reading The Stunning Nun N and  Kevin Cummings star at Batavia »

Batavia, NY — A pair of $13,000 Open I Handicaps — one on the pace and one on the trot — topped a solid and bettable card at Batavia Downs on Monday afternoon (Jan. 16) and those races produced another stout handle as a result. The pacing feature came first with JM’s Delight putting in another solid effort to remain unbeaten at the Downs in … Continue reading JM‘s Delight, Big Box Hanover take Batavia features »

Batavia, NY — Rocknroll Shelli had one start at Batavia Downs the final week of meet last December where interference may have caused her a more favorable placing. Now after making two consecutive board hits at The Meadowlands in subsequent outings, the 5-year-old mare returned to Genesee County to claim her first win of 2023 in the $13,000 Open I Distaff Handicap pace over a … Continue reading Rocknroll Shelli wins feature; Morrill wins five at Batavia »

Batavia, NY — Former Batavia Downs driving regular Larry Stalbaum has only been racing at the Downs as a part-time ship-in in recent years as his base of operations has moved away from western New York. But after spending more time in Genesee County this past year, Stalbaum was a force to be reckoned with on opening day of the first winter meet in over … Continue reading Stalbaum steals the show in Batavia Downs winter opener »

Batavia, NY — It has been decades since Batavia Downs hosted a winter race meet at the oldest lighted harness track in North America, but that all changes on Monday (Jan. 9) when the 2023 harness racing season gets underway in Western New York. The 15-day session will run through Monday (Feb. 27) and operate on a Monday-Thursday schedule. Post time for each race day … Continue reading Batavia Downs starts 2023 with a $17,500 guarantee Monday »

Batavia, NY — The 2022 racing season came to a close at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 17) and although some declines in handle were realized, the track performed better than many national trends. The track recorded its fourth highest total on-track handle for Batavia live racing since Western Regional OTB reopened the track in 2002, finishing only $33,599 behind the 2021 totals while racing the same number … Continue reading Batavia Downs fared well among the competition in 2022 »

Batavia, NY — Closing day at Batavia Downs was cut short on Saturday (Dec. 17) after heavy snow quickly deteriorated track conditions through the early part of the card. Then it was determined after the fifth race that for the safety of everyone involved, the remainder of the races would be canceled. The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta carryover of $10,733 that was required to be … Continue reading Batavia Downs cancels for weather after five »

Akron, NY — With the 2022 meet coming to a close, the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs will honor the top performing driver and trainer in the winner’s circle on closing day, Saturday, December 17. However this year is a little different because accolades will be going to two drivers for their achievements where the training … Continue reading Cummings, Morrill both top $1 million at Batavia meet »

Batavia, NY — Closing day at Batavia Downs is this Saturday (Dec. 17) and an early Christmas present may be waiting there for some lucky player. A Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta carryover that has been growing for weeks has reached $10,733.58 and with the meet coming to a close, a mandatory payout will happen Saturday. So Batavia Downs will be offering a guaranteed $15,000 pool … Continue reading Batavia Downs offers $15,000 Hi-5 guarantee Saturday »