by Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Batavia, NY — Continuing a long, annual tradition, Batavia Downs will present a special afternoon card of racing on Monday (Oct. 12) to honor the Italian heritage of the city of Batavia during the Columbus Day celebration. Post time for the first race is 1:15 p.m.

A full card of 11 races will go postward and the day will be filled with specials and special presentations.

The fifth race is the Italian driver’s race. Known as the Christopher Columbus Pace, it has since been dubbed the “Race for the Cannoli’s.” Last year, Rock Vinci pulled the upset when he won with Windsong Destroyer in 1:58.2 after a perfect two-hole trip. The winner paid $16.80 and gave Vinci bragging rights for a year.

On Monday, Denny Bucceri, Mike Caprio, Mike Carrubba, Drew Monti, John Mungillo, Andy Torre, Rock Vinci and Paul Zambito Jr. will go at it to determine who among this group will get the cannoli’s and hold the title for the upcoming year.

After the seventh race, Batavia Downs will present Jerry Grasso with the eighth annual Italian-American of the Year award. This honor is given to an individual who has shown outstanding commitment to their community and works to make Batavia a better place to live. Grasso is actively involved in several charitable organizations along with youth groups, youth sports and his church. Past recipients will also be on hand for the ceremony.

There will also be many food and gaming specials for the fans on hand.

An all-you-can-eat chicken barbeque, presented by Center Street Smoke House, will be available in the clubhouse from 12 noon to 3:30 p.m. for only $10.95. And with every dinner purchased, you will receive $10 back in free-play (after earning one base-point) on the gaming floor. So the net cost for lunch is 95 cents!

If you want something quicker, the track will be offering $1 Sahlen’s hot dogs, $1 draft beer and $1 soda on the track apron from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Also, programs will only be $1 and they include a coupon for $5 worth of free-play on the gaming floor.

The weather will be 74 degrees and sunny and the track will be lightning fast. Batavia Downs will be one of only two harness tracks racing at 1:15 p.m. Monday which means large wagering pools from off-track outlets and better payouts. Last year, the 12-race Columbus Day matinee card provided the largest total handle the track had all year. This year, with an 11-race program, we anticipate the per-capita wagering per race will remain above average.