Labour Day traditionally marks the end of the summer season and Batavia Downs is planning on helping it go out with a bang with a full slate of racing and activities scheduled all weekend.

Byron Brown, President and CEO of Western Regional Off Track Betting, is very much looking forward to this great weekend of entertainment for the entire family and hopes to see many of them at the track during this final holiday of summer.

“Racing takes center stage at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel over the Labour Day weekend with our annual Vets Night at the Races on Friday night and then a special matinee day of racing on Monday," said Brown. "I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a fun day at the races with everything we have to offer as we continue to make Batavia Downs the premier entertainment destination in Western New York.”

On Saturday, Sept. 5, Batavia Downs will host its annual Vets Night, which combines honouring all those who served in the military with a fundraiser to help support them. 

For $40 USD guests can receive a full Italian buffet, a $2 USD horse betting voucher, $15 USD in Free Play for the gaming floor and a free live racing program that has an additional $5 USD Free Play inside. A total of $12 USD from every dinner ticket sold will go towards the Monroe County Veteran's Court Mentors.

There will also be many great items up for bids in a Silent Auction and Penny Auction, both of which will be held on-site. All proceeds from both auctions will also go towards the Monroe County Veteran's Court Mentors.

Check-in starts at 3 p.m., with post time for the first race set at 4 p.m.

Saturday's card of racing includes two $13,500 USD Open Handicap races as part of the 11-race card.

On Labour Day Monday (Sept. 7), Batavia Downs will continue its long-standing tradition of matinee racing with a full card set to go at 12:15 p.m. that also includes many activities.

The annual Batavia Downs harness driver/trainer bike race is a tradition that goes back to 1977 at the track and will once again be held this weekend. Eight local drivers and trainers will go behind the starting gate to race bicycles after the seventh race. Fans attending the races can select their favourite driver or trainer to win and if they do, those people will be entered to win one of the eight bicycles used in the race. Winners must be 18 years of age and provide proper I.D. Entries are limited to one per person. The bike race is sponsored by Lawley Insurance, Wendy J Photography and Ortiz Home Services

There will also be another great food offering in the clubhouse. For $30 USD, guests can get a half chicken barbecue dinner that includes mac salad, red potatoes, roll and butter and either a can of pop or water. Plus guests will also receive $15 USD in Free Play on the gaming floor and a $5 USD horse betting voucher. The clubhouse opens at 11:30 a.m. 

(Batavia Downs)