by Charles Zambito, Marketing Coordinator, Batavia Downs Casino

Batavia, NY — Racing fans are reminded that Batavia Downs Casino will be hosting a World Harness Handicapping Championship qualifier this Friday night (March 22).

The grand prize is a trip to compete in the $100,000 World Harness Handicapping Championship to be held on April 13 at Meadowlands Racetrack. The winner will also receive hotel accommodations for two nights and $500 in expense money. The package is valued at $1,750. The top 10 finishers receive prize money.

Less than 100 seats remain when clubhouse doors open at 5 p.m. on Friday night.

“Presale was about what we expected,” said Todd Haight, GM of Live Racing. “We may not sell out (150 entries) but I expect our walkups will put us over 100 entries.”

Entry fee is $10 and two entries per person are permitted. The initial entry fee includes $5 returned in Casino slot play.

The qualifier consists of races 1–10 at Buffalo Raceway and races 1–8 at Meadowlands Racetrack. The first contest race is 6:40 p.m.

Contestants are required to make a total of nine mythical win-place wagers on the 18 designated contest races of which at least five contest wagers must be made on Buffalo Raceway. The remaining four wagers can be made on either Buffalo Raceway or the Meadowlands. Only one mythical wager is allowed per designated contest race.

Each contest wager will consist of a mythical $10 win-place wager. No best bet selection is required.

The “Win” mutuel will be capped at $40. The “Place” mutuel will be capped at $20. Therefore, the most a contestant can win in any given contest race is $300.

The clubhouse will offer two food specials and complementary dessert and coffee will be served to all contestants at 8 p.m.

For more information, visit www.bataviadowns.com.