by Todd Haight, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — There was no doubt who the star of the evening was on Albatross night, Saturday, August 25, at Batavia Downs Gaming. It was Ohio native, trainer/driver Keith Kash, Jr.

The 28-year-old Kash received the Peter Haughton Memorial Award in Ohio for the top up-and-coming driver back in 2006. On Saturday, March 17, 2007, he drove his 1,000th winner at Buffalo Raceway. On Saturday night he made five visits to the winner’s circle to increase his lead in the driver and trainer standings.

Known as “Josh” around the barn, he scored the natural hat trick, winning the second race with Hard Candy Xmas ($2.60), the third with Alot Of Ideas ($18.60) and the fourth with King’s Lightning ($3.10).

Harnessracephotos.com – Paul White

Keith Kash, Jr.’s win with Sidereal Hanover in the Open was one of his five victories on Saturday.

Kash also swept the late double, upsetting in the ninth race, the $10,000 featured Open Pace, with Sidereal Hanover ($18.40) and the tenth with J D’s Dragon ($8.30).

The five-win evening gave Kash 25 wins for the Summer-Fall meet that began on July 30. Ken Holliday is currently second with 19.

On the trainer’s side, Kash has 23 winners, with Jim Graham currently second with 19.

Billed as Albatross Night to celebrate the 35-year anniversary of the world champion pacer racing at the Downs, the biggest crowd of the season was on hand to partake in the festivities which saw concession prices rolled back to 1972. Hot dogs and sodas, along with racing programs, were just 50 cents all evening long.

In addition to live harness racing, Batavia Downs Gaming offers the best of simulcast action, fine food in the clubhouse and video gaming. The gaming floor, which features 591 video gaming terminals, is open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily. For more information check out www.bataviadownsgaming.com.