by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — If you have ever attended live harness racing and realized you may be interested in becoming an active participant in America’s oldest organized sport, Batavia Downs, in conjunction with the United States Trotting Association and the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State, is offering a new owner seminar on Saturday (Sept. 10) at 3 p.m. in the Robert J. Kane board room located in the lower grandstand.

The program will include a 2-1/2 hour classroom presentation by representatives of the United States Trotting Association and the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State and will include guest trainers, drivers, owners and management from Batavia Downs Race Track. Topics being discussed will be risk and reward, what it costs, choosing your horse, trainer and driver and will allow time for questions and answers throughout the evening.

The package includes all needed classroom materials, a hands-on tour of the paddock as horses prepare for the night’s action, reserved seating in the clubhouse, dinner at the prime rib, crab leg and shrimp buffet, a trip to the winner’s circle for a win picture after a race, membership to the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State, $20 worth of free-play on the gaming floor and a free one-year subscription to the industry’s award winning publication, Hoof Beats.

The cost is only $30 for a single and $50 for a couple. Reservations should be made in advance but payment will be made at the door. There are several ways to register. There are links on both USTA and Batavia Downs Facebook pages or go to shop.ustrotting.com and click Prospective Owners Events. You can also e-mail owners@ustrotting.com or call 877.800.8782, ext. 5555 or 585.343.375, ext. 6322.

This is your opportunity to own your own sports franchise and go from the grandstand to the winner’s circle with your winning horse. Purses have never been higher at many tracks in North America and there has never been a better time to get involved in all the fun and excitement of harness racing ownership than right now.