by Todd Haight, marketing coordinator, Batavia Downs

Batavia NY — A lively promotion schedule and a dozen added dates highlight the return of harness racing at historic Batavia Downs Casino this Monday, July 27, at 7:05 p.m.

Opening night customers will be treated to free programs while the first 1,000 race fans on Friday, July 31, will receive a complimentary New York Sire Stakes/Batavia Downs Casino baseball cap. And Saturday night, August 1, Player’s Club members can swipe their card to receive a tri-fold calendar, including coupons that can be redeemed for free programs, restaurant discounts and free daily double coupons to be used on select nights.

Over $1 million in stakes money, including four New York Sire Stakes races, six Late Closer events and the Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace are among the 72 racing dates at The Downs this season. New York Sire Stakes races will be held on July 31, August 28, September 2 and 4, and the Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace will run on October 10.

Racing will be Monday (except August 31), Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through Labor Day and then Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until closing day, December 5, with nine added Tuesday dates from September 15 through November 10. Post time is 7:05 p.m. each evening and 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, and Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

Last season Batavia Downs Casino opened Grandstands Bar and Grille, its $1.5 million sports restaurant on the second level. Appointed with a distinct retro décor, the facility features many historic photos of America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track. Grandstands is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and boasts a full menu and wide selection of beer, wine and mixed drinks. It also features self-vending terminals for wagering and 37 high-definition flat panel TVs.

An aggressive schedule of compelling promotions will be highlighted by Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 30, with proceeds to benefit the Batavia branch of Mercy Flight of WNY. The schedule can be viewed at www.westernotb.com (click on the Batavia Downs icon).