By Mike Pettinella
For Video News Service
Billed as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” the Kentucky Derby will generate hours of enthusiasm this weekend for patrons at Batavia Downs Gaming.
“There’s something in the air on Derby Day. It’s like our Super Bowl,” said Ryan Hasenauer, vice president of Business Development for Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., parent company of the gaming facility, harness horse racing track and hotel on Park Road.
Ryan Hasenauer, vice president of Business Development at Batavia Downs Gaming, holds the T-shirt and mint julep glass that await guests who have purchased tickets for the Kentucky Derby Gala this Saturday. Photo by Mike Pettinella.
Post time for the 151st edition of thoroughbred racing’s crown jewel eventat Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., is set for 6:57 p.m. Saturday (Eastern Time). It could be pushed back a few minutes, however, depending on last-minute wagering and how horses are behaving getting to their post positions.
Activities at Batavia Downs Gaming (are there are several) actually get underway on Friday with advance wagering on the Derby at all OTB branches and EZ-Bet locations and at the ITW (Intertrack Wagering) site at Batavia Downs.
Those who opt to place at least a $100 bet at Bataviabets.com will receive a $25 voucher for wagers at a later time, Hasenauer said.
Many of the ladies at the gala will be dressed in style, similar to those in this photo from a past gala. Photo courtesy of Batavia Downs Gaming.
On Saturday, the Downs kicks things off with a chicken barbecue dinner promotion starting at 11:30 a.m., followed by the “main event” – the annual Kentucky Derby Gala from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the clubhouse.
Hasenauer said the “first come, first served” chicken barbecue will be set up inside of Park Place on the first floor. He said that promotion sold out (600 dinners) last year by 5 p.m.
“It costs $35 but you get back $25 in free play and also receive a $5 bet on the Derby,” he said. “So, basically, you’re eating for five bucks. Plus, everyone receives a free program for the Derby.”
Big screen televisions will be showing the Derby as well as the Churchill Downs races leading up to the Run for the Roses.
The Kentucky Derby Gala is sold out, Hasenauer said, noting that the 275 people who have paid $175 each will receive a free $20 wager on the Derby, $60 in free play on the gaming floor, a complimentary mint julep glass, Kentucky Derby T-shirt, open bar and buffet dinner.
“This year’s T-shirt has a comic book theme because the first Saturday in May is also Free Comic Book Day,” he said while displaying a shirt and glass.
“Everyone gets dressed up for the event and we’ll run two contests — one for best dressed and one for the best hat,” he said. “The two winners will receive a free stay at the hotel, free play and free food on their next visit to Batavia Downs.”
Additionally, three other gathering places at Batavia Downs — The Gatsby, 34 Rush and the bar inside Park Place – will be selling the mint julep glasses for $5.
“Order a mint julep for $5 and keep the glass,” Hasenauer said.
Coors Light representatives will be at 34 Rush from noon to 2 p.m. for beer sampling, and WGR 550AM radio will be broadcasting live from 2-5 p.m. Saturday at 34 Rush, Hasenauer added.
While the day is one of anticipation and thrills for horse racing fans, it is a highly profitable one for the business.
Hasenauer said the Derby will generate about $1 million in handle just on that race itself from all WROTB sources.
“The reason why the Derby is so exciting is that it’s a 20-horse field,” Hasenauer offered. “With more horses in the field, there are more horses to cover, if you will. If someone wants to bet on this race, he or she may not pick just two horses, but maybe pick five to get all the horses they like.
“And that puts more money in the pool. If a longshot wins the race, (then) the exacta, trifecta and superfecta may pay into the thousands.”
Hasenauer in his colorful (to say the least) Derby outfit. Photo courtesy of Batavia Downs Gaming
Hasenauer said he will be there throughout the day, wearing his yellow suit highlighted with red roses, and expects WROTB President Byron Brown, Chief of Staff Steven Casey and Communications Director Mike DeGeorge to be on site as well.
KENTUCKY DERBY MAY 3, 2025
— Coverage starts: 2:30 p.m. ET; Post time: 6:57 p.m. ET; Where: Churchill Downs; Louisville, Kentucky; TV: NBC; Streaming: Peacock; YouTube TV; Fubo; 1 ¼ mile race.
— 2025 Kentucky Derby post positions, jockey, odds:
1 — Citizen Bull, Martin Garcia (20-1)
2 — Neoequos, Flavien Prat (30-1)
3 — Final Gambit, Luan Machado (30-1)
4 — Rodriguez, Mike Smith (12-1)
5 — American Promise, Nik Juarez (30-1)
6 — Admire Daytona, Christophe Lemaire (30-1)
7 — Luxor Cafe, Joao Moreira (15-1)
8 — Journalism, Umberto Rispoli (3-1)
9 — Burnham Square, Brian Hernandez Jr. (12-1)
10 — Grande, John Velazquez (20-1)
11 — Flying Mohawk, Joe Ramos (30-1)
12 — East Avenue, Manny Franco (20-1)
13 — Publisher, Irad Ortiz Jr. (20-1)
14 — Tiztastic, Joel Rosario (20-1)
15 — Render Judgement, Julien Leparoux (30-1)
16 — Coal Battle, Juan Vargas (30-1)
17 — Sandman, Jose Ortiz (6-1)
18 — Sovereignty, Junior Alvarado (5-1)
19 — Chunk of Gold, Jareth Loveberry (30-1)
20 — Owen Almighty, Javier Castellano (30-1)
Also eligible: 21 — Baeza, Flavien Prat