When reinsman Ron Beback, Jr. thinks about the 2008 season at Batavia Downs, the first word that comes to mind is 'phenomenal.' Not only was Beback the leading driver in 2008, but he was the top conditioner as well.
“If I can match last year then that would be phenomenal,” Beback said.
Live racing returns for the 63rd year on July 27 at Batavia Downs.
“I’m really looking forward to returning,” he said. “I like the track because the turns are much easier on the horses and the open barns are really nice, especially in the summer.”
In 2008, Beback was the leading dash driver with 80 wins, and horses he trained made 73 visits to the Genesee County track's winner's circle.
The likable Beback gives most of his credit to his owners.
“I really have great owners, folks like William Switala, James Martin, the Dunn Family, James, Myra, Jim, Joe and John Justyk,” said Beback.
Some of the top horses in his barn include the Open pacer Kermunn, distaff Open pacer Spacie Jessie and top square gaiter The Midas Man.
In the day of the catch driver, Beback prefers to train his own horses. “I still enjoy working with my horses in the morning.”
He’ll start out the meet with 25 horses.
Beback currently catch drives at Buffalo for trainers Bob Gruber and Lisa Lederhouse, where he’s currently third in the drivers' standings and second in the trainers' standings.
Racing fans in attendance on opening night will surely be on the lookout for the Blue and Silver colours of Ron Beback, Jr.
(With files from Batavia)