Author: By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs opened their 2024 winter meet last Thursday (Jan. 4) and celebrated with a new all-source handle record of $390,922. Now only four days later on Monday (Jan.8), the second session of racing for this early season has again recorded a new high after $421,221 was wagered on the afternoon card. The increase is the latest jump in this upward handle trend at The Downs that began last winter and has continued ever since.

The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association has awarded Tim Harless the Association’s Dick Brandt Sr. Extra Effort Award for 2023.

With just two MADC races to start out the 2024 year, both winners came from off the pace to reign victorious Friday evening (Jan. 5).

The new year is rapidly approaching, which means that 2023 is coming to an end just as quickly. It is time for year-end honors but this year at Freehold Raceway, the title for leading driver has come down to the wire. Jimmy Marohn Jr. was in control of the lead for much of the year, but an injury from an accident at Yonkers in November halted his progress at 131 wins in 2023. Siegelman began the day (Dec. 29) at a total of 125 wins, just six behind Marohn. With the final weekend of racing at the half-mile track upon him, Siegelman decided it was time to kick things into high gear and close the gap. He did so successfully, winning five races on Freehold’s eleven-race Friday (Dec. 29) afternoon card. This puts his total wins up to 130, just one behind the leader.

Freehold, NJ – Matthew Athearn makes most of his driving appearances at Saratoga and Plainridge Park. However, last weekend the 25-year-old from Maine made an appearance at Freehold Raceway. He made his…

Hammered down to 1-5, Chase H Hanover led every step but had to fend off the late challenge of Liteningonthebeach to preserve his victory in Friday’s (Dec. 15) $19,200 Open Handicap Pace at The Meadows.