by Brian J. Mazurek, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Local harness racing fans are in for a treat Wednesday night (Oct. 23) as Ronnie Wrenn, Jr., North America’s leading driver in victories thus far in 2013, is scheduled to be in the sulky in nine of 12 races at Batavia Downs. First post is set for 6:30 p.m.

Batavia photo

Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. will be driving at Batavia on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old Wrenn leads the way with 568 wins in 2,532 starts while placing second in 400 and third in 335. His Universal Driver’s Rating is .356 and his mounts have earned $2,153,644 this season. His nearest rival is Dave Palone, North American harness racing’s all-time leading reinsman, who has 533 victories while Tim Tetrick sits third with 510.

In 2012, Wrenn finished 14th overall in North America with 437 victories, but well behind Palone’s leading mark of 674.

Wrenn is no stranger to Western New York, however, as he competed in 159 races earlier this year at Buffalo Raceway where he had 29 victories and $167,774 in earnings.

On February 22 of this year, Wrenn posted 10 wins on a single program at Northville Downs in Michigan.

He currently drives on the Ohio circuit at Northfield Park and in Virginia at Colonial Downs.

The entire 12-race program will be broadcast on Time-Warner Cable, Channel 98 in Rochester and the surrounding areas with track announcer Joe Zambito and Ashley Holliday as the co-hosts. The Wednesday night Time-Warner broadcast has been extended through Dec. 4.

For more information on the upcoming schedule, race replays, promotions and news, go to bataviadownsgaming.com/live-racing.