Horsepeople wishing to race at Batavia Downs for the upcoming 2020 summer/fall meet should note that stall applications are now available on the track’s website (www.bataviadownsgaming.com).
Simply click and follow the Live Racing>Horsemen>Stall Application, Agreement & Reservations links to download. Stall applications are also available at the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association office located on-site at Buffalo Raceway.
The complete 2020 racing schedule can also be found at Live Racing>Live Racing Schedule.
Batavia Downs will conduct a 43-day meet this year with daily purses down roughly 20 per cent from last year due to the gaming floor closure since Mid-March.
“We have worked closely with the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association to do what was best for them with regard to our purses this season, as well as for future meets given the current conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Todd Haight, the track's director/GM of live racing.
Racing Secretary Joe Zambito has stated that stall applications must be received by the track no later than Friday, July 3.
During the meet, Open I events (on both gaits and including filly and mare pacers) will compete for $10,000, while the Open II will race for $9,000 and the Open III will go for $8,000.
The backstretch will open for both tack and horses on Saturday, July 18 at 8 a.m.
Batavia Downs offers a text messaging service for notices about draws, entries and changes to the racing schedule. Horsepeople are strongly encouraged to text the word 'HORSEMAN' to 51660. You will then need to reply 'YES' and you will be opted in for race office text message updates.
The 74th season of live harness racing at America’s oldest lighted harness will kick off on Saturday, July 25 and will run through Saturday, December 12.
(Batavia Downs)