Saturday, September 28 marked the halfway point of Batavia Downs’ 2019 season, and, thus far, all indicators are showing that it has been one of the best in the track’s history.
The on-track handle is up 15.1 per cent, the export handle is up 26.1 per cent, OTB handle is up 8.7 per cent and total betting from all sources associated with Western Regional OTB is up 20.5 per cent or $820,609.
“The numbers are very impressive, but the product has been as well,” said Todd Haight, the director/GM of live racing at Batavia Downs. “Our overnight racing has been very competitive and we’ve had many guaranteed pools in conjunction with the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program which draw bettors from all over to follow our track. And our New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) Night of Champions was the jewel of the season and it has exposed many new local people to our sport as a result.”
Standardbreds set to leave the gate at Batavia Downs.
At this point of the season, Billy Davis Jr. is the leading driver with 63 wins, Jim Morrill Jr. is second with 58 and Dave McNeight III is third with 46.
On the training side, James Clouser Jr. is on top with 37 wins, Maria Rice is second with 20 and David Russo sits third with 17.
There is a tie for the winningest horse between Blue Bell Bonny and Tullow N who each have visited Purple Haze Winner’s Circle five times.
The Batavia Downs meet will continue on Wednesday (Oct. 2) with post time at 5 p.m. The meet runs through Saturday, December 15 with a Wednesday, Friday, Saturday schedule. Post time for Wednesdays is at 5 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. There is one remaining Monday, which is Columbus Day (Oct. 14), which will feature an early post of 1:15 p.m.
(With files from Batavia Downs)