Video interview with Byron Brown, President and CEO of Batavia Downs, talking about the resurfacing project at the Downs, and getting ready for the Harness Racing season which opens July 26th with the Sire Stakes taking place September 6th at the Downs.
This afternoon Batavia Downs President & CEO Byron Brown announced approximately $300,000 in improvements to the Batavia Downs racetrack for the upcoming harness racing season that starts on July 26th and includes the prestigious New York Sire Stakes on Saturday, September 6th.
Brown said, “Our goal is to continue to improve the live racing experience for our current fans and hopefully attract new racing fans. Batavia Downs is an historic harness racing facility, and these upgrades will ensure that the track remains a jewel for the 2025 season and beyond. I’m looking forward to a great racing season that begins in late July”.
This week work has begun on a complete resurfacing and grading of the track to ensure better racing conditions for the drivers and horses. This is the first time since 2015 that the track has undergone this process.
The resurfacing and grading of the track is expected to be completed in a week to 10 days weather permitting.
Batavia Downs Track Consultant Gary Wolff working with Keeler Construction out of Albion, NY to resurface the track at Batavia Downs, which has not been resurfaced in 10 years.
Video interview clip with Gary Wolff, Track Consultant at Batavia Downs. Wolff currently serves as Director of Racetrack Properties at The Meadowlands in New Jersey and will serve as a consultant for the 2025 racing season at Batavia Downs. He will assist in the resurfacing, grading, re-banking and preparation of the track for the upcoming season.
Brown announced in May that Batavia Downs hired Gary Wolff as Track Consultant to oversee the track resurfacing project .
Wolff, who was born in Buffalo, NY has over 30 years of experience in track maintenance and currently also serves as the Director of Racetrack Properties for the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey.
Other improvements and upgrades announced today for the upcoming racing season:
Renovating the horse’s barn areas that includes new siding, new roofing, and painting.
Refurbishing a barn on the east side of the track
New fencing installed along turns one and two of the racetrack.
A first of its kind suite area that will be built in the enclosed grandstand.
New window tinting in parts of the grandstand area to reduce heat and glare to make it a more comfortable experience for the racing patrons.
Also, a brand-new water fountain attraction will be installed on the track infield that will replace the current fountain.
From left-Kyle Paganello/Assistant Director of Building and Grounds, Andrew Gottler/Track Supervisor, President/CEO Byron Brown, Gary Wolff/Track Consultant and Tom Balk/Director of Building and Grounds
