Harness fans will celebrate the history and future of harness racing this Saturday when Batavia Downs teams with the United States Trotting Association to present 'Back to the Track' night.
Back to the Track is a promotion designed to bring fans out for an evening at the harness races as a means of recapturing the excitement they remember from earlier visits. A variety of special incentives are planned.
Batavia Downs and 20 other harness tracks around the U.S. will each give away a trip to the 2010 Little Brown Jug, the brightest jewel in the pacing Triple Crown, on September 23. There are two ways to become eligible to win the trip. Either download a VIP pass, and deposit it a box located next to Players Club or play the Back to the Track handicapping contest. One name will be picked via a drawing to win.
Beginning at 5:00 p.m., the first 500 fans to visit Player’s Club will receive a coupon for a free Back to the Track baseball cap, redeemable in The Paddock Room following the evening’s seventh race.
Additionally, food and beverage specials will be served all evening in The Paddock Room, including: $1.50 Sahlen’s Hot Dogs and soda, $2 drafts, a chicken BBQ for $8.50 and free coffee from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Soda and drafts are served in a commemorative Back to the Track cup.
Drivers and trainers will be signing autographs from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., a handicapping seminar, hosted by Todd Haight, begins at 5:45 p.m. There will be a dedicated betting window for beginners. A horse and groom will be on-site until 8:00 p.m., giving racing fans a chance to learn more about the sport and a representative from the USTA will be on hand to answer questions. All events taking place in The Paddock Room.
Players Club bonuses include a free taco from compliments of Taco Bell and a special handicapping contest for prizes. Sign up to play the handicapping contest begins at 5:00 p.m. at Players club. Batavia Downs racing programs will be free of charge also beginning at 5:00 p.m.
(Batavia Downs)