Just before the start of the second race, a major wind-driven rainstorm rolled into Genesee County and inundated the area. By the time that race was completed, the track had gone from fast to sloppy and continued to degrade from there.
As a result, unsafe track conditions developed and the management of Batavia Downs decided to cancel the remainder of the 12-race card, sighting concern for the safety of the horses and horsemen.
Todd Haight, Batavia Downs Director/Manager of live racing, said, “The track had washed out from the deluge of rain and became unsafe to race on so we had to do what was best for the horses when it became evident that conditions were not going to improve. It was unfortunate because we had a very large crowd on hand for Back to the Track night but it was the right thing to do.”
All Back to the Track activities originally planned for tonight has been rescheduled for next Saturday (Aug. 9) and will be combined with the Old Fashion Night promotion that was already assigned to that date.
Patrons are also reminded to bring back their racing programs from tonight (Aug. 2) anytime for a free replacement the next time you come to the track.
Live racing resumes tomorrow, Sunday Aug. 3, at Batavia Downs with a 1:15 p.m. post.
(Batavia Downs)