Batavia Downs opened its 2024 winter meet last Thursday (Jan. 4) and celebrated with a new all-source handle record of $390,922. Now, only four days later on Monday (Jan. 8), the second session of racing for this early season has again recorded a new high after $421,221 was wagered on the afternoon card.
The increase is the latest jump in this upward handle trend at The Downs that began last winter and has continued ever since.
“It’s good to see the interest our product has continued to draw over this long period of time," said Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs. "We have picked up new customers this past year and clearly they have been supporting us through the windows. We are currently on a great trajectory and we certainly hope it continues.”
Bettable races and quality horses have been key and Monday’s feature race was just one example. The $20,000 Open I Handicap Pace for fillies and mares was won by Australian expat Magical Maya A, who notched her second North American victory in only her fourth attempt after she cruised gate to wire at The Downs.
Driver Larry Stalbaum left and meandered his way to the front with Magical Maya A, taking that position as Imprincessgemma A (Brett Beckwith) released her approaching the quarter. Once in command, Magical Maya A stopped the clock in :28.2, :58 and 1:26.3 with only Imprincessgemma A staying close. After rounding the turn, Imprincessgemma A dipped inside of Magical Maya A and made up some ground as they paced towards the wire. But Magical Maya A was game and hung onto the lead by over a length in 1:56.1.
The victory was the 10th lifetime win for Magical Maya A ($7.60). The six-year-old Bettors Delight mare is owned and trained by her driver, Stalbaum.
After winning the eighth race on Monday, the 12-year-old Santana Beach (Jim Morrill Jr.) hit a career milestone by notching his 50th lifetime win. Trained by Andrew Torre, who co-owns with Kristen Torre, Santana Beach has now earned $336,464 from his efforts in 297 career starts.
John Cummings Jr. was the driving leader on Monday as he registered four winners during the afternoon. “Junior” won with BJ Lorado (2:00.1, $3.40), Shadow One (1:57.2, $3.50), So Amazing (1:57.2, $3.40) and Jumpinthejailhouse (2:01, $7). Trainer Brianne Sinclair sent Cummings' first two winners to post before adding her third win of the day with Windemere Ryan (1:57.4, $7.60), who was driven by Drew Monti. Sinclair ended up batting 1,000 as she only had three horses entered on Monday.
Live harness racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday at 3 p.m. and there will be a $1,422 carryover in the Pick 5 wager that starts in race one.
(With files from Batavia Downs)