Horsepeople wishing to race at Batavia Downs for the upcoming 2019 championship summer/fall meet should take note that stall applications are now available on the track's website (bataviadownsgaming.com).

Simply click ‘Live Racing>Horsemen>Stall Application and Agreement’ and also ‘Stall Reservations’ links to download. The complete 2019 racing schedule can also be found at ‘Live Racing>Live Racing Schedule.’

Stall applications are also available at the Western New York Harness Horseman’s Association (WNYHHA) office located on-site at Buffalo Raceway.

Racing Secretary Joe Zambito has stated that stall applications must be received by the track no later than Friday, July 5. The backstretch opens for tack on Thursday, July 18 at 8 a.m. and horses may begin arriving on Saturday, July 20 at 8 a.m.

There is much anticipation and excitement surrounding the upcoming Batavia Downs season with the $1.8 million New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions scheduled for Saturday, September 14 and another purse increase in place for opening night.

Open I events on both gaits (with a minimum of six starters) will compete for $12,500, Open II for $11,000 and Open III for $10,000.

Claiming races at all levels will also be raised. For example, a $25,000 claimer will go for a $10,500 purse, a $10,000 claimer will go for $8,500 and a $5,000 claimer will go for $5,700.

The first draw will be held on Friday, July 19 for Wednesday, July 24, which is the first New York Sire Stake engagement of the year at the Downs.

Batavia Downs will also offer its new text messaging service for notices about draws, entries and changes to the racing schedule. Horsemen are encouraged to text the word ‘HORSEMAN’ to 51660. You will then need to reply ‘YES’ and you’ll be opted in for race office text message updates.

The 73rd season of live harness racing at America’s oldest lighted harness track features 65 race dates including eight matinee cards. The meet will open on Wednesday, July 24 and will run through Saturday, December 14.

Live racing will be presented on Sunday afternoons at 1:15 p.m. (through August), Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday evenings at 6 p.m. There will also be racing on four Mondays during the meet, including July 29 (5 p.m.) and August 5 (5 p.m.), Labour Day September 2 (1:15 p.m.) and Columbus Day October 14 (1:15 p.m.). There will also be a special 3:15 p.m. post on Saturday, November 2, which is Breeders Cup Day.

All stable inquiries should be directed to Todd Haight, director/GM of live racing at 585-343-3750 (Ext. 6322).

(Batavia Downs)