by Todd Haight, marketing coordinator, Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Batavia Downs Casino hosted two events on Wednesday (Sept. 16) — more NYSS Late Closers and 144 golfers that participated in the first ever Batavia Downs Casino Golf Tournament with the proceeds going to benefit Mercy Flight of Batavia.

On the racetrack three divisions were held for 2-year-old trotting fillies, each carrying a purse of $12,800. Two daughters of Conway Hall and one of Dream Vacation were victorious.

The fastest of the three winners was First Tail U See (Conway Hall-Speedrise Hanover). She trotted to a five length score in 2:04.3. Trainer/driver Ron Abbott was in the sulky for owners Stephan Mehrbach and Edward Reich. First Tail U See is now three-for-four lifetime with earnings of more than $12,000.

The Dream Vacation-H F’s Gal filly Thergosmyvacation came from off the pace to score in 2:04.3 for trainer/driver Joesph Moeykens. She’s owned by Laurie Moeykens. Her third win of the season raised her earnings to more than $17,000.

Trainer/driver John Cross guided the Conway Hall-Mamba Hanover freshman Come Dance With Me to a head victory in 2:05.2. She won for the third time this season for owner John Smiel.

Pembroke Primo took the $8,500 Filly and Mare Open in 1:57.2. Batavia Downs leading dash driver Kevin Cummings was in the bike for trainer John Cummings, Sr.

Settling in sixth, Pembroke Primo put in a strong brush up the backside, while three-wide, and was in front as seven of Western New York’s best distaffers turned for home. The win was her 11th of the season and raised her 2009 earnings to more than $58,000.

The Downs clubhouse was rocking with 144 golfers in for dinner and a program of live harness racing after their round of golf at Terry Hills golf course. The tournament raised $7,500. America’s oldest lighted harness track has now raised more than $15,000 for Mercy Flight.