For the second time this season, the management of Batavia Downs along with the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association has announced that starting Wednesday, Oct. 13 purses for all races held at the track will be increased by 10 per cent.

As was the case earlier this year, the increase is due to the continued success in business the VLT’s have seen on the gaming floor and the brisk action at the windows for the horses as per-race betting is up 18 per cent.

“This is the kind of news we like to announce," said Todd Haight, General Manager/Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs. "Because of our loyal customer base at the track and the unbelievable support our gaming floor gets from all our guests, we are able to raise our purses again so our horsemen can continue to race for some of the best money available in the upstate region all year.”

With the new increased structure in place, the bottom purse at the Downs will be raised from $4,200 to $4,600, a $10,000 claimer will go for $9,800 and the top purse will jump from $12,300 to $13,500.

(Batavia Downs)