By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
(Photo courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery)
Batavia, NY — Although the summer/fall meet at Batavia Downs concluded less than four weeks ago, the new year brings a new season of harness racing at the oldest lighted harness track in North America as The Downs kicks off their 2024 winter race meet on Thursday (Jan. 4) at 3 p.m.
This is the second straight year Batavia Downs has offered live winter racing action and if last year was any indication, the track could be in for some big betting numbers once again.
“On opening day last year, we had a great live crowd on hand and all sources pushed $257,510 through the windows which at that time, was the best one night handle at the track since 2019. Then on two successive Mondays (January 30 and February 6) we really knocked it out of the park by handling $340,602 and $348,205,” said Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing at the track.
“I hope we can pick up where we left off and the weather continues to cooperate. If that happens, I look forward to another strong meet.”
Hoover went on to point out that the track crew and their equipment are ready to take on any weather conditions to keep the track safe and fast and hopes to get through the next two months without any interruptions from Mother Nature.
The opening day card features 14 races and the draw box yielded a large number of entries from Saratoga Raceway trainers as that track is currently dark until February.
One of those trainers is Larry “The Bomber” Stalbaum, who won five races on opening day of the winter meet last year. On Thursday, Stalbaum has entered eight horses from his own stable and is driving a total of nine during the day, so he will have the opportunity to duplicate that effort.
Other horsemen and women making the 90-West trek from The Spa include drivers Shawn Gray and Billy Dobson along with trainers Alicia Gray, Amanda Kelley, Lisa Zabielski, Jaymes Mcassey, Bret Derue, John Hallett, Andy Gardner and Dale Lawton.
All the top Batavia regulars will also be returning on opening day to try and enforce their home field advantage and keep the bulk of the $153,000 in purses that are up for grabs in western New York.
Last year’s top drivers Jim Morrill Jr., Kevin Cummings, Dave McNeight III, Kyle Cummings and Jim McNeight Jr. will all be in action Thursday while leading trainers Sam Smith, Shawn McDonough, Jenn Giuliani, Tammy Cummings and Jim Rothfuss all have horses entered.
Batavia Downs will race every Monday and Thursday through February 26 and post time will be at 3 p.m. daily for all race cards.