from Batavia Downs Media Relations

Batavia, NY — The practicing is complete, the starter calls for the pacers (and students) is what five area high school students will hear when they head behind the starting gate in the third Dash for Cash, to be held Saturday night (Sept. 15) at Batavia Downs Casino.

Since August 1, the high school seniors have been in training at the Downs, learning the complete equine experience associated with driving and caring for Standardbred racehorses that are featured at the historic Genesee County oval.

Paul White photo

Elizabeth Shuknecht and professional Jim Graham won the 2011 college scholarship race at Batavia Downs.

On Saturday night, after the fifth race at approximately 7:30 p.m., the five seniors will sit next to their professional trainer in custom made double-seated jog carts and race twice around the nation’s oldest lighted half-mile harness racetrack for their share of $7,500 in college scholarship funds.

The winner of the scholarship race receives $3,000 in scholarship funds, the second place finisher earns $2,000, the third place finisher receives $1,200, then $800 and $500, respectively, for a fourth and fifth place finisher.

“We’re extremely excited to conduct the scholarship race for the third year in a row,” said Todd Haight, GM at the Downs. “These kids have really trained hard and we’re expecting a very close race on Saturday.”

The scholarship race is a partnership of the New York Sire Stakes, the Harness Horse Breeders of New York, the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association, Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs.

Saturday night also features the Downs’ second old-fashion night of the season with Sahlen’s hot dogs and sodas just 50 cents, beginning at 5 p.m. in the Paddock Room. Admission and parking are free.

The 2012 scholarship race field is listed below:

Post-Horse-Student-Professional-High School
1-Irish Mile-Lindsay Hilburger-Dave McNeight III-Notre Dame of Batavia
2-Sonic Jade-Sonia Nevinger-Mike Baumeister-Alexander High
3-Don’t Mess With Jess-Jessica Levins-Ron Beback Jr.-Batavia High
4-Nowak Rules-Jamie Marshall-Jim Graham-Elba High
5-Queen For A Day-Leanne King-Mike Pokornowski-Pembroke High