As a direct result of the relentless snowstorm that has crippled most of western New York, Batavia Downs has announced that it will forgo live racing for the remainder of the week. The programs that were originally scheduled for Friday (November 21) and Saturday (November 22) have been cancelled.
The decision was made jointly this morning (Thursday) by Batavia Downs management and the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association. Both parties agreed it was the only thing to do.
Bruce Tubin, president of the WNYHHA, said, “In view of the devastating storm that has kept our horses from their daily exercise routine, our trainers from leaving their homes, and our blacksmiths and veterinarians from attending to our horses, I have mutually agreed with Batavia Downs management to cancel our Friday and Saturday race cards. There was physically no way for us to properly prepare our horses to race this weekend.”
Todd Haight, director/general manager of live racing at Batavia, added, “It would have been impossible for the equine athletes to compete at the highest level when most haven't been able to leave the barn for days. The decision to cancel this early takes the pressure off all parties involved. Our main goal now is get the barn area cleared of snow and the racetrack in the best possible condition for next Wednesday. We regret having to cancel but it was the right thing to do to make sure we didn’t experience any injuries on or off the track.”
Further concerns sighted were about horsemen who ship in from areas that have been devastated by the snow and the changing conditions forecast over the next two days taking the weather from cold and snowy to a rapid meltdown and flooding by the weekend.
In light of these cancellations, pending approval from the New York State Gaming Commission, there will be two double-headers carded on the last two Saturdays of the meet. November 29 and December 6 will now offer two complete cards of racing at 12:15 p.m. and 6:35 p.m. Live racing at Batavia is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, November 26 – that leaves eight cards of live racing over six days.
Please note the new draw schedule. The Friday and Saturday afternoon cards will be drawn on Tuesday. The Saturday night cards will be drawn on Wednesday. The final two Wednesdays will be drawn on Friday, as always. The box will close at 9 a.m. If you have any questions please contact race secretary Joe Zambito at 585-344-6161.
Haight also noted that starting Wednesday, November 26, the purses will increase by 20 per cent in an effort to help the horsemen through the cancellations and as they come to the five-week winter break at the end of the meet.
(Batavia)