by Jessalyn Gates, marketing intern, Batavia Downs Casino

Batavia, NY — Western Regional Off-Track Betting and Batavia Downs Casino have announced that they will be hosting a World Harness Handicapping Championship qualifier at the historic harness track on Friday (March 22).

Entry fee is $10 and two entries are permitted. The initial entry fee includes $5 returned in Casino slot play. The contest is limited to 150 entries.

The qualifier will consist of races 1–10 at Buffalo Raceway and races 1–8 at Meadowlands Racetrack.

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 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 ten finishers receive prize money.

“We’re pleased to be sending one of our patrons to the Meadowlands to compete in the WHHC,” said Todd Haight, general manager of live racing. “If the weather cooperates we expect a nice turn out.”

Advance payments are being accepted by mailing a check or money order to Batavia Downs Casino, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020, Attn: Todd H. Walk ups the night of the contest can also enter with the amount of open seats available determined by the number of advance entries.

For more information visit www.westernotb.com.