from Batavia Downs Media Relations

Batavia, NY — Batavia Downs Casino recently concluded its 65th season of live racing with a slight decline in on-track handle and a huge increase in export handle.

Live on-track handle decreased three percent from 2010 while export handle increased an impressive 28 percent. Total handle for the 72 race dates was up one percent.

“We knew coming into this season duplicating last year’s numbers when we were up four percent wasn’t going be easy,” said Todd Haight, in his first year as general manager at Batavia Downs Casino. “But we definitely have some positives to build on.

“We had our biggest opening night handle since 2002 and our largest single on-track handle since 2003. Another positive was how well received our export signal was throughout North America. Moving forward, with slight tweaks to our racing and stakes schedule, I think we’ll be in better shape next year. I’d like to thank our customers and horsemen for their continued support.”

An all-time track record performance by Aracache Hanover in the $40,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial topped the list of impressive stakes performances during the meet. The 4-year-old posted a 1:51.1 win in the Downs’ signature race of the season.

Other stakes highlights included a track record by New Album, 1:52.4, in a New York Sire Stakes event for 3-year-old pacing fillies and a track record equaling performance by Forever Just, also in an NYSS event, for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers.

The fleet-footed square gaiter Mach Ten went a perfect six for six during the summer-fall meet and was named Horse of the Year. He’s owned by Diane Mahiques and is trained by Michelle Gramza.

Jack Flanigen repeated as dash leading driver, finishing with 124 wins, well ahead of John Cummings, Jr. who had 101 wins, while Ray Fisher, Jr. was one behind him with 100.

Alex Giuliani and John Mungillo shared trainer honors, winning 44 races each. John Graham was third with 42 wins.

Pending New York State Racing and Wagering Board approval, America’s oldest lighted harness track will reopen on July 23, 2012.

For more information visit www.bataviadownscasino.com.