by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — The ‘Dog Days of Summer’ at Batavia Downs means it’s time for the annual Genesee Feeds Wiener Dog races. That popular event is once again happening this Sunday afternoon (Aug. 28) with post time for the first Dachshund race scheduled for approximately 4:20 p.m. after the completion of the live 11-race harness racing card.

Batavia Downs photo

Heidi Kaiser’s Dachshund “Piglet” made his third Downs appearance in 2015 and cruised to a comfortable victory.

Last year, Heidi Kaiser’s Dachshund “Piglet” made his third Downs appearance and cruised to a comfortable victory, defeating nine other fleet-footed Wiener-racers in the championship final.

On Sunday, seven heats will be contested with each heat winner scoring a $25 free play voucher to Batavia Downs Gaming. The heat winners will then return for a championship race with the winning owner getting $100 in free play, second place finisher getting $75 in free play, and the third place finisher receiving $50 in free play. The owners of the top three finishers will also get two complimentary buffets in the Batavia Downs clubhouse.

All entrants will receive doggie bags for their athletes from the official sponsor of the Wiener Dog races, Genesee Feeds of Batavia.

The Wiener Dog races are one of the biggest promotions of the season at Batavia Downs and the main event of ‘Family Fun Day’ at the races.

“Family Fun Day is one of my favorite live racing days,” said Director/General Manager of Live Racing, Todd Haight. “The kids always have a great time. You can bring the whole family out because there is something for everyone and you can eat, drink and enjoy everything going on for the entire afternoon and it costs next to nothing.”

Treat the kids to a fun, affordable day out with $1 Sahlen’s hot dogs, soda, and snow cones and free pony rides from 2-4 p.m., sponsored by Castilone Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep of Batavia. There will also be special appearances by Pringles The Clown, Mr. Scribbles, Jason the Juggler and other fun activities for kids of all ages. And everything is presented in a clean, safe environment where they can just enjoy themselves.

Admission and parking are free and live harness racing action begins at 1:15 p.m.

For more information including news, upcoming schedule, promotions and race replays, go to www.bataviadownsgaming.com/live-racing.