by Todd Haight, promotional marketing specialist, Batavia Downs Casino

Batavia, NY — A pair of 14-year-olds, Vein Of Gold and Devilinhiseyes, will say farewell when racing resumes on Friday night (Dec. 3) at Batavia Downs Casino.

Devilinhiseyes, a son of Thirty Two-Crescent T Collins, made 281 starts on the trot, winning 31 times with 40 seconds and 50 thirds. He earned $135,257 during his career. He is now owned Frank Mays, who also trained him throughout his career. His first career win was back in 1999 with Dave Palone in the sulky at the Meadows. He set his lifetime mark of 2:00.2 in 2002 when he defeated a tough group of Open handicap trotters — including Star Of Crown and Boomer Berman — with Mays’ brother Richie in the bike. The final win of his career came in April 2009 when he was up in time to beat $4,000 claimers, again with Richie Mays in the sulky.

“We liked him from the beginning,” Franks Mays said. “He was very honest and versatile, he beat some nice ones in those Open races.”

Devilinhiseyes will retire to Mays’ farm in Silver Creek, N.Y.

Vein Of Gold didn’t head to Western New York until June of 2007.

“I traded a mare that couldn’t pace the turns at Buffalo Raceway to get him when I was racing at Monticello,” Brenda Ohol said. “He quickly bonded with my daughter Brittany and is now the barn pet. He’ll have a great life on my farm in Gasport.”

Vein Of Gold began his career in Canada and scored his first career win in 1998 at Hiawatha Horse Park with Ross Battin in the sulky for trainer Shane Acton. One year later he would set his lifetime mark, winning in 1:54 at Woodbine with Randy Waples driving for trainer Harold Stead. Vein Of Gold (Bo Know Jate-Cams Ginger) was an iron horse. He made 384 starts during his career. He won 41, with 52 seconds and 32 thirds. He retires with earnings of $246,817. The last win of his career came in July of 2009 when he held off $3,000 claimers with Jimmy Whisman at the controls.

Both horses will lead the post parade of races named in their honor and then head to the winner’s circle after their respective races for special blanket presentations, as we say goodbye to two horses that have earned their well deserved retirement.