The 'Dog Days of Summer' at Batavia Downs means it's time for the annual Genesee Feeds Wiener Dog races. That popular event is once again happening this Sunday afternoon (Aug. 28) with post time for the first Dachshund race scheduled for approximately 4:20 p.m.

The race will take place after the completion of the live 11-race live harness racing card.

Last year, Heidi Kaiser’s Dachshund ‘Piglet’ made his third Batavia appearance and cruised to a comfortable victory, defeating nine other fleet-footed Wiener-racers in the championship final.

On Sunday, seven heats will be contested with each heat winner scoring a $25 free play voucher to Batavia Downs Gaming. The heat winners will then return for a championship race where the winning owner getting $100 in free play, second place finisher gets $75 in free play, and the third place finisher receives $50 in free play. The owners of the top three finishers will also get two complimentary buffets in the Batavia Downs clubhouse.

All entrants will receive doggie bags for their athletes from the official sponsor of the Wiener Dog races, Genesee Feeds of Batavia.

The Wiener Dog races are one of the biggest promotions of the season at Batavia Downs and the main event of 'Family Fun Day' at the races.

"Family Fun Day is one of my favourite live racing days” said director / GM of live racing, Todd Haight. “The kids always have a great time. You can bring the whole family out because there is something for everyone and you can eat, drink and enjoy everything going on for the entire afternoon and it costs next to nothing.”

Treat the kids to a fun, affordable day out with $1 Sahlen's hot dogs, soda, and snow cones and free pony rides from 2 - 4 p.m., sponsored by Castilone Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep of Batavia. There will also be special appearances by Pringles The Clown, Mr. Scribbles, Jason the Juggler and other fun activities for kids of all ages. And everything is presented in a clean, safe environment where they can just enjoy themselves.

Admission and parking are free and live harness racing action begins at 1:15 p.m.

For more information including news, upcoming schedule, promotions and race replays, go to bataviadownsgaming.com/live-racing.

(Batavia Downs)