Batavia Downs has announced that Shane Hoehn will be joining its staff as Assistant Race Secretary and Program Director for the upcoming live harness racing meet that begins on July 26.

Hoehn was born and raised in Vernon, New York and started working at Vernon Downs right out of high school. During his 20-year tenure there, he started out selling programs and eventually became their full-time Race Secretary, a post he held for seven years.

In 2010, Hoehn left his duties at Vernon to pursue his own business venture. However, in 2012, he went back to his racing roots and took the Assistant Race Secretary position at Saratoga Raceway, where he worked until 2014.

“I am looking forward to coming to Batavia Downs and get back into racing full time. I have never been to western New York and am very excited to move there and get started. I have known [Batavia Downs Race Secretary] Joe Zambito for quite a while and am looking forward to working with him,” said Hoehn.

As much as Hoehn is anxious to starting his new position, track management is equally pleased with the new addition to their team.

“In an era that requires personnel in our industry to wear many hats on a daily basis, Shane Hoehn brings 22 years of experience in racetrack administration with him to Batavia Downs and will be a valuable asset to the racing community here,” said Todd Haight, Director and General Manager of Live Racing at the Genesee County oval. "We look forward to getting him settled in and underway in with his duties.”

Batavia Downs will open its 2017 live racing season on Wednesday, July 26 and will host 71 cards of harness racing action through Saturday, Dec. 16.

(Batavia Downs)