by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Horsemen wishing to race at Batavia Downs for the upcoming summer/fall meet have until Friday (July 7) to get their stall applications in to either the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association office located at Buffalo Raceway or Batavia Downs.

Stall applications are available for download on the track’s website (www.bataviadownsgaming.com). Simply click Live Racing>Horsemen>Stall Application and Agreement. The complete 2017 racing schedule can be found at Live Racing>Live Racing Schedule.

Stall applications are also available at the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association website (www.wnyhha.net).

The backstretch opens for tack on Tuesday (July 18) and horses may begin arriving in the barn area on Thursday (July 20).

The 71st season of live harness racing at America’s oldest lighted harness track features 71 race dates including seven matinee cards. The meet opens on Wednesday (July 26) and runs through Saturday (Dec. 16).

Live racing will be presented on Sunday afternoons at 1:15 p.m., Wednesday evenings at 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday evenings at 6 p.m. to begin the season. Monday will replace Sunday in September and goes at 5 p.m.

Once again, the 2017 meet will be highlighted by the very popular claiming series that the track introduced last year. Mid-level claimers accumulate points throughout the year and then vie for championship final purses of between $15,000 and $20,000 in November for each respective division.

All stable inquiries should be directed to Todd Haight, director/GM of Live Racing, at 585.343.3750, ext. 6322.