by Ryan Hasenauer, Director of Marketing, WROTB/Batavia Downs Casino

Batavia, NY — Officials at Western Regional Off-Track, the owner of Batavia Downs Casino, announced today wagering handle on the Preakness Stakes was the public benefit corporation’s third best ever, totaling $920,192. This represented a three percent increase over last year. WROTB saw a 16 percent increase on the Kentucky Derby.

It’s been 34 years since Affirmed won the Triple Crown in 1978, and not since Big Brown in 2008 has there been a horse that has had a chance to win Thoroughbred racing’s elusive Triple Crown. Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner I’ll Have Another will attempt to become only the 12th Triple Crown winner in history.

“I’ll Have Another has been most impressive,” said Todd Haight, OTB’s handicapper and the GM of Batavia Downs Racetrack. “Not only was he the first horse to ever win from post position 19 in the Derby, but he followed that with a gutsy effort in the Preakness when he ran down favored Bodemeister in the final yards. He’s made a believer out of me.”

Western OTB expects big crowds for the 144th Belmont Stakes at its OTB branches, EZ-Bet locations and at America’s oldest lighted harness track, Batavia Downs Casino, on June 9. All OTB branches will open at 11 a.m. on Belmont Stakes Day. Advance wagering on the final jewel of the Triple Crown begins on June 8. Details on giveaways and radio events at local OTBs and Batavia Downs Casino will be available the week before the race. Please visit www.westernotb.com.