by Todd Haight, promotional marketing specialist, Batavia Downs Casino

Batavia, NY — It seems like only yesterday that driver Kevin Cummings was surrounded by his family in the Batavia Downs Casino winner’s circle for a celebration of career victory No. 1,000.

Kevin Cummings

There may very well be a reenactment on Friday night (Oct. 8). Cummings is just two wins away from milestone win 2,000 and he’ll be driving in 11 of the 12 Friday night races.

The 40-year-old catch driver, currently second in this season’s driver standings, began his career in 1989 and reached win No. 1,000 on October 19, 2005. The second thousand have come a lot faster.

“He’s a heck of a driver, I’m really proud of what he’s accomplished,” said Kevin’s dad, John Cummings, Sr., a perennial high percentage trainer on the Western New York circuit.

Kevin is the youngest of John Cummings’ four sons, all of whom have sat in the sulky.

“He was always very competitive and that’s all he wanted to do was drive (horses),” his father said.

Having good teachers and driving good horses helps.

“I really learned a lot when I worked for David Miller at the Meadows,” Kevin Cummings said. “It helps when you drive good horses. I’ve been sitting behind some really good stock.”

Horses like 2009 Downs Horse of the Year Arm And A Leg and Pembroke Primo quickly come to mind.

Kevin may be the youngest of the Cummings brothers but he has family bragging rights when it comes to victories. John Jr. has won 1,414, Todd has 426 and Anthony has 327.

2010 dash leading driver returns

Jack Flanigen, currently the leading driver during the summer-fall meet, returns to the bike on Friday night after being off for a week and a half due to an injury incurred in a spill. Flanigen, whose 56 winners top all drivers, is scheduled to compete in ten races.

“I was pretty sore and the doctors recommend I take some time off,” Flanigen commented. “I was having a good meet and I’m hopeful that continues. Avoiding any more wrecks would be good, too.”

Flanigen missed the entire 2008 Batavia season due to an injury suffered at Buffalo Raceway.