Stall applications for the 70th season of live harness racing at Batavia Downs are now available.
The applications are available on the track's website (bataviadownsgaming.com) via 'Live Racing' and then the 'Horsemen' tab.
Stall applications are also available at the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association website (wnyhha.net ) or in person at the Buffalo Raceway race office.
Stall applications must be received by Friday (July 8) according to racing secretary Joe Zambito.
The 2016 season at America’s oldest lighted harness track will feature 70 race dates and will include six matinees and three twilight programs. The meet will open on Monday, July 25 and will conclude on Saturday, December 10.
Live racing will be presented on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights to begin the season with a new first-race post time of 6:15 p.m. Sunday afternoon will replace Monday night beginning on July 31.
Holiday matinees will include Labour Day (September 5) and Columbus Day (October 10). All matinee post times are 1:15 p.m. A special Breeders’ Cup program on Saturday (November 5) will begin at 3:30 p.m.
The backstretch will open for tack on Sunday, July 17 at 8 a.m. Horses may begin arriving on Tuesday, July 19, also at 8 a.m.
The draw for opening night, which will feature New York Sire Stakes action, will take place on Thursday, July 21.
Batavia Downs will also feature a claiming series this year which will begin in August. More details on that will be available when the meet begins.
Anyone with questions should contact Todd Haight, director/GM of live racing at 585-343-3750 (Ext. 6322).
(Batavia Downs)