Batavia Downs recently concluded its 65th season of live racing with a slight decline in on-track handle and a huge increase in export handle

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Live on-track handle decreased three per cent from 2010, while export handle increased an impressive 28 per cent. Total handle for the 72 race dates was up one per cent.

“We knew coming into this season duplicating last year’s numbers when we were up four per cent wasn’t going be easy,” said Todd Haight, in his first year as general manager at Batavia Downs. “But we definitely have some positives to build on.

“We had our biggest opening night handle since 2002 and our largest single on-track handle since 2003. Another positive was how well received our export signal was throughout North America. Moving forward, with slight tweaks to our racing and stakes schedule, I think we’ll be in better shape next year. I’d like to thank our customers and horsemen for their continued support.”

An all-time track record performance by Aracache Hanover in the $40,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial topped the list of impressive stakes performances during the meet. The four-year-old posted a 1:51.1 win in Batavia's signature race of the season.

Other stakes highlights included a track record by New Album, 1:52.4, in a New York Sire Stakes event for three-year-old pacing fillies and a track record-equalling performance by Forever Just, also in an NYSS event, for two-year-old colt and gelding pacers.

Fleet-footed square-gaiter Mach Ten went a perfect six for six during the summer-fall meet and was named Horse of the Year. He’s owned by Diane Mahiques and is trained by Michelle Gramza.

Jack Flanigen repeated as dash leading driver, finishing with 124 wins, well ahead of John Cummings, Jr. who had 101 wins, while Ray Fisher, Jr. was one behind him with 100.

Alex Giuliani and John Mungillo shared trainer honours, winning 44 races each. John Graham was third with 42 wins.

Pending New York State Racing and Wagering Board approval, America’s oldest lighted harness track will reopen on July 23, 2012.

(Batavia Downs)