The first week of live racing at Batavia Downs produced some positive numbers in regard to betting and attendance compared to 2018.

After the last race on Sunday was over, the track had realized a 27 per cent increase in on-track handle, a 6.8 per cent increase on export betting, WROTB handle was up a total of 12 per cent, while total betting was up 11 per cent and attendance was up by 16 per cent.

“[While] we are very pleased with all of our handle numbers, the most impressive stat might be the attendance,” said Todd Haight, Batavia Downs’ director/general manager of live racing.

“Our opening-night crowd was unbelievable and that carried over into the weekend. We had the New York Sire Stakes and some really nice weather which helped, but there is a definite buzz about our championship meet in the area this year.”

Batavia Downs’ summer/fall meet continues on Wednesday (July 31) with post time at 5 p.m. The highlight of this year’s racing session at the track will be the $1.8 million NYSS Night of Champions that will be held on Saturday, September 14.

(With files from Batavia Downs)