It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Makayla Renee Lavery on January 26th, 2025 at the age of 24. Makayla was a Michigan native, born April 27th, 2000 to JoAnne Lavery and Otis McLeod.
Author: from USTA Communications Department
Woodbine Mohawk cancels after seven races
Woodbine Mohawk Park was forced to cancel Monday (Jan. 27) evening’s card of live racing following the seventh race due to unsafe racing conditions caused by extreme wind and snow.
Makayla Lavery fundraiser
Makayla Laverty was killed over the weekend in a tragic car accident. She played an active role in the harness racing industry and many knew her for her infectious smile.
Maggie Bell remains undefeated at Batavia Downs
Wind gusts of up to 60 mph that blew down the homestretch made it very challenging for everyone lining up to race at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 27) afternoon. However many big performances were still turned in, including the one by the 4-year-old pacing mare Maggie Bell, who won her third straight race in the $11,000 upper-lever condition race for distaff sidewheelers to stay perfect in 2024.
Magical Mistress finished strong to win Batavia feature
Wind, snow and single-digit wind chills set the stage for racing at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 20) afternoon. But despite those conditions, Magical Mistress delivered the goods in the $9,500 featured pace for fillies and mares.
HHI Annual Meeting set for Feb. 24-27
The annual meeting of Harness Horsemen International is set for Monday (Feb. 24), through Thursday (Feb. 27), at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
Brett Beckwith wins five at Batavia Downs on Monday
Saratoga Raceway-based horsemen have been making their presence felt at Batavia Downs since the 2025 winter meet began and Monday (Jan. 13) was no exception after driver Brett Beckwith and trainers Jaymes Mcassey and Gary Levine all posted noteworthy performances.
Batavia Downs mares were Ambushed in feature race
Fresh off a solid 1:52.3 win at Harrah’s Philadelphia the week before Christmas, Ambushed shipped-in to Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 6) for her 2025 debut and scored a second consecutive win in the featured $13,000 Open Handicap pace for fillies and mares, the race that headlined the opening card of the winter meet at the Genesee County oval.
Ronnie Wrenn to Receive the Winner’s Circle Award
Columbus, OH – Ronnie Wrenn, Jr., one of the Buckeye state’s best reinsmen, has been selected as the Winner’s Circle Award recipient for his outstanding 2024 season by the Ohio Chapter of…
District 9 membership meeting recap
On Saturday (Dec. 28), Chairperson Don Marean along with Directors Lenny Calderone, Steve O’Toole and Dr. Tim Powers conducted the annual District 9 membership meeting at the Hilton Inn in Auburn, ME.