Team MacDonald scores a hat trick at Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — The father-son team of trainer Ronald MacDonald and driver Brett MacDonald have had a very successful season at Batavia Downs this year, but Wednesday (Sept. 23) night was especially notable as they teamed up to win three races on the program, including the featured event. That race saw Gentrify bring economic growth to the coffers of the punters who backed her in the featured $12,000 AA-Open pace for distaff participants, after she made it look easy and crushed the competition.

Gentrify settled in third for about an eighth of a mile before tipping out and taking the lead from Granny’s Watching (Shawn McDonough) at the quarter in :28.2. After making that quick jaunt to the point, Gentrify set up shop and never looked back. When the race came off turn two and passed three-eighths, a three horse outer-flow formed, and was led by Utopia Blue Chip (Dale Spence). But the “breeze brigade” never advanced farther than second as Gentrify was on a mission and pulling away. When she reached three-quarters, Gentrify had opened up a three length lead, which she extended around the last turn to 4-½ at the top of the stretch. And when she straightened out for home, Gentrify swelled up under wraps and hit the line on top by 5-½ lengths and won in 1:54.3. 

It was the fourth win of the year for Gentrify ($8.06), who is owned by Edward Gorc and trained by Ronald MacDonald. 

The MacDonalds closed out their triumphant trio with Cheese Party (1:55.1, $4.18) and Expresso Beans (1:57.3, $20.78). 

Drew Monti also matched Brett MacDonald’s driving triple during the night, as the pair tied for most win honors on Wednesday. 

Live racing will resume at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Sept. 24) at 5 p.m. and there will be a $5,934 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the 10th race. 

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia Downs can always be downloaded at the track’s website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab. And you can watch all the races live as they happen for free on the Batavia Downs YouTube page.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs