by Hank Nevins, for Batavia Downs

Batavia NY — Another season-long line-up of exciting promotions, a new Clubhouse viewing area and an earlier weeknight post time highlight the return of harness racing at historic Batavia Downs Casino this Monday, July 26, at 6:40 p.m.

Once again, opening night customers will be treated to free programs while the first 750 race fans on Saturday, July 31, will receive a complimentary New York Sire Stakes/Batavia Downs Casino beverage glass.

The 64th season at The Downs highlights the 30-year anniversary of the great Niatross’ world record when he eclipsed legendary Bret Hanover’s record with a sparkling 1:55 performance.

Over $1 million in stakes money, including eight New York Sire Stakes races, six Late Closer events and the Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace on October 16 are among the 72 racing dates at The Downs this season. New York Sire Stakes races will be held on August 2 and 18, September 4, 8, 10, 17 and 18.

Racing will be Monday (except August 30), Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through Labor Day and then Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until closing day December 5 with eight added Tuesday dates from September 14 through November 9 (except October 12).

Post time is now 6:40 p.m. each evening and 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, August 29, Labor Day (Monday, September 6) and Columbus Day (Monday, October 11).

The wagering menu has been reformatted with an additional Daily Double, now available on races 1-2, 4-5, 8-9 and 10-11. Also new this season is a Pick Six wager that begins on race seven with a starting pool guaranteed at $1,000.

Western New York’s top drivers and trainers return this season. Kevin Cummings will defend his leading driver title with strong challenges expected from Jack Flanigen and Ray Fisher, Jr. Trainer Sherry Holliday looks to repeat as the leading conditioner with Ron Beback, Jr., Neal Russo and Jim Graham challenging.

Visitors to Batavia Downs Casino have made Grandstands Bar and Grille a seven-day-a-week destination. The sports restaurant on the second level has a distinct retro décor and 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. with 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.

Promotional Marketing Specialist Todd Haight has developed an aggressive schedule of compelling promotions, highlighted by Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 29, featuring the always popular wiener dog races. A first for Batavia Downs Casino this season will be the $7,500 college scholarship race on September 11 when five Batavia-area high school seniors compete at the Genesee County oval. The complete promotion schedule can be viewed at www.westernotb.com (click on the Batavia Downs icon).