by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Batavia Downs has named Ralph Horton as their new track superintendent today, replacing Fran Mruczek, who retired from that position at the end of the 2013 meeting.

Batavia Downs photo

Batavia Downs has named Ralph Horton as their new track superintendent.

Horton has been a regular at the Downs since the late 1960s when he started out as an owner-driver. In 1986 he left the sulky to work full time for Genesee Monroe Racing as a member of the track crew. When Western OTB purchased the racetrack in 1998, Horton was retained and has had track maintenance responsibilities ever since. Horton will take over the top spot immediately.

After learning of the promotion Horton said, “I’m excited about the new position and I want to thank everyone involved for the opportunity.”

Batavia’s half-mile oval has long been known as one of the finest in the country. Its wide banked turns continually produce fast miles while keeping horses sound in the process.

“Horsemen rave about our racing surface and I’m confident Ralph’s many years of experience working at Batavia Downs will bode well for us as he moves into his new position,” commented Todd Haight, Director/General Manager of Live Racing.

The 2014 racing season at America’s oldest lighted harness track gets underway on July 23 with a new post time of 6:35 p.m.