Batavia Downs will celebrate the accomplishments of world champion and trotting track record holder Archangel on Wednesday, November 21.
Archangel, a son of Credit Winner--Michelles Angel, was purchased for $120,000 in 2010. Earlier this year, he set a world record on a half-mile track on July 7 at Yonkers Raceway when he won the Yonkers Trot, the first leg of the Trotting Triple Crown, in 1:54.1.
Then, on September 9, he lowered the Batavia Downs trotting all-age and three-year-old record when he cruised to victory in a New York Sire Stakes event in 1:54.3. His final time was more than two seconds faster than the previous record of 1:56.4 set by Earl in 1993 in the Provenzano Trot.
In two years of racing, Archangel earned $906,680, including $771,386 during his sophomore season. His lifetime best of 1:53.1 came at Vernon Downs and was equalled at Lexington.
In addition to a commemorative coffee-mug giveaway, a special meet-and-greet session with owner/trainer Peter Arrigenna and co-owner Alan Hainsworth will be held in the track lobby beginning at 5:30 p.m. On display will be some of the trophies won during the 2012 campaign.
“We wanted to buy a top quality horse, one that could be dominant on the New York Sire Stakes and eventually become a Grand Circuit horse,” Hainsworth said. “He did that and more. He earned a lot of money for us and it’s really been an amazing ride. I got a chance to meet some great people along the way.”
Hainsworth and partners purchased another son of Credit Winner for $170,000 at the recently-concluded Harrisburg sale and are hopeful they have another champion.
“He’s extremely well bred and is a carbon copy of 'Arch,'” Hainsworth added. “Not only do I have confidence in his breeding but in my trainer as well.”
The track is expecting a nice crowd on Wednesday night.
“Back in the day, the night before Thanksgiving used to be one of the biggest nights of the year,” said Todd Haight, the track's general manager. “I’m confident we’ll have a nice crowd on hand, many thanks to Pete and Alan for making this happen.”
(With files from Batavia)