Live harness racing action returns to Batavia Downs on Tuesday, Jan. 13 as the 2026 winter meet gets underway at the oldest lighted harness track in North America.
The January/February session will take place every Tuesday and Thursday through Feb. 5, with first post time at 3 p.m.
This year marks the fourth year in a row that The Downs will host this overcoat meet and Nicolle Fortes, who is the Director of Live Racing, is happy to see the action getting back underway.
“We’re excited and proud to welcome fans back to Batavia Downs for winter racing in Western New York! We look forward to providing exciting live racing, great entertainment, and the welcoming atmosphere our fans have come to know and love,” said Fortes.
The wagering menu will remain the same as the recently completed 2025 meet with a wide variety of betting options each night. On a 10-race program, besides win, place and show in every race, there will be three daily doubles, 10 exactas, 10 trifectas, nine superfectas, two Pick-3’s, two Pick-4’s, one Pick-5 and one Jackpot Super High Five, all with low minimum wagers.
During the winter racing campaign, Batavia Downs will offer special “Post Time Race Day” food specials at the three on site restaurants.
- 34 Rush: Tuesday - pulled pork sandwich and fries, $13; Thursday - chicken and biscuits, $13.
- Homestretch Grill: Tuesday - chili cheese dog and fries, $12; Thursday - BLT chicken sandwich and fries, $14.
- Fortune’s Italian Steakhouse: Tuesday - Caprese chicken over penne pasta, $24; Thursday - 8 oz. strip steak with 5 oz. lobster tail, $45.
Seating will be available in the enclosed grandstand area including the Finish Line Suite and the Park Place betting level as the Clubhouse & Rail Bar will be closed for scheduled maintenance operations.
There will also be an array of race day promotions available for on-track guests during the winter racing season.
- Race programs purchased will include a $5 Free Play Coupon that can be redeemed after earning one (1) base point and may be redeemed at Player’s Club any time after the sixth race.
- There is an Early Bird Daily Double where a minimum $10 total wager on the early Daily Double garners $10 in Free Play on the gaming floor. (Customer wagers at least $10 to receive $10 free play)
- The Tuesday Finale Match Play where a minimum $25 total wager on the last race at Batavia Downs garners $25 Free Play on the gaming floor. (Customer wagers at least $25 to receive $25 free play)
- The Thursday Match Play where a minimum $25 total wager on the same race at Batavia Downs garners $25 Free Play on the gaming floor. (Customer wagers at least $25 to receive $25 free play)
- The Thursday Non-Winning Ticket Stay & Play Promotion where participants can print their name on any non-winning tickets wagered at Batavia Downs (minimum wager must be $1.00) and deposit them in the drawing box located at either the ITW or Park Place betting level. One winner will be drawn prior to the final race of the evening and that winner will receive a Stay & Play package.
- The Facebook Photo Promotion where during the month of January, participants can snap a photo of themselves and their group at the track, share it and tag the Batavia Downs Racetrack Facebook page to be entered to win two printed programs and a $20 Free Play for the winner and their guest.
All promotions are subject to official rules that are available on-site.
The top drivers in Western New York will all be returning including Batavia Downs' four-time driving champion Drew Monti, along with Kevin Cummings, Joe Chindano Jr., Kyle Swift, Kyle Cummings and a host of other local top talent. In addition, North America's fourth leading dash driver of 2025, Brett Beckwith, will be back at Batavia for the winter session. With limited starts, Beckwith was the second leading driver at last year's winter meet with 27 wins and will look to top the standings this session.
Three-time training leader Sam Smith will also be back in action with his large stable and will face strong competition from other top conditioners including Shawn McDonough, Chris Petrelli, David Russo, Tammy Cummings and many others.
Batavia Downs will continue to provide free downloadable full past performance racing programs on its website and will stream all the action as it happens every night on Batavia Downs' YouTube channel. Due to the nature of winter racing and changing weather conditions, racing fans and participants are advised to check the Batavia Downs Facebook page for any race day updates.
(with files from Batavia; all dollar amounts listed in USD)