In the third $7,500 "Dash for Cash", a one-mile harness race for area high school seniors racing for college scholarship funds, Lindsay Hilburger, representing Notre Dame of Batavia High School with professional driver Dave McNeight III alongside, led all the way to take the first place scholarship cheque of $3,000 on Saturday night (Sept. 15) at Batavia Downs.
Sonia Nevinger (Alexander) took second place and a $2,000 scholarship cheque, Leanne King (Pembroke) was third and earned a $1,200 scholarship while Jessica Levins (Batavia High School) took the fourth place spot and $800 in scholarship funds. Jamie Marshall (Elba) was fifth and received a $500 cheque.
The final time of 2:08.2 was by far the fastest running time of any of the scholarship races.
“It was nice to see such a large turnout,” Todd Haight, General Manager of Live Racing said.
The track apron was packed with fans of all ages as they came out to cheer on their classmates and favourite schools.
The scholarship race is a partnership of the New York Sire Stakes, the Harness Horse Breeders of New York, the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association, Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs.
(Batavia Downs)