Batavia Downs is a harness racing track and casino in Batavia, New York. It is located in Genesee County between Buffalo and Rochester just off of the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90). It opened on September 20, 1940, and is the oldest lighted harness racetrack in the United States. The track is exactly long.
History
In 1939, William "Lefty" Goldberg and others chose Batavia, halfway between Buffalo and Rochester, for par-mutuel wagering on horse races. Harold Wishman, William Zimmer, Arthur Martin and Frederick Strohm were stockholders in the Monroe-Genesee Breeders Association, a predecessor to the Genesee-Monroe Racing Association, which rented the Genesee County Fairgrounds for racing.
1940s
In 1940, Batavia Downs opened pari-mutuel racing at 8:20 PM on September 20, 1940. Crowds of more than 2,500 attended and $10,411 was wagered on the first card.
In 1941, Batavia Downs opened to an estimated crowd of about 4,000 and a handle of $20,231. Track lighting was improved.
The season was cancelled in 1942 and 1943 because of war travel restrictions.
In 1944, Pat E. Provenzano borrowed money and bought out stockholder William Weisman, a New York City attorney, for $15,000. Provenzano was elected president of the Genesee Monroe Racing Association.
In 1947, Provenzano purchased the racetrack property for $150,000 after the Genesee County Agricultural Society's fair association went bankrupt. Proximity set the then-track record of 2:04. In 1948 she broke her own time record with a time of 1:59 3/5.
1950s
In 1959, Bye Bye Byrd beat Tar Boy and equaled the world record for a half-mile track, 159.2. Attendance for this race was 9,633.
1960s
In 1962, a fire devastated the stables, killing a caretaker, 26 horses, and causing an estimated $625,000 in damages, not including lost revenues. The Downs underwent extensive renovations to prevent fires.
In 1963, Batavia Downs welcomed its eight millionth visitor.
In 1964, the grandstand was enclosed in glass.
In 1966, Bret Hanover down under Cardigan Bay set a track record of 1:58.1. Batavia Downs enjoyed its biggest crowd at the time, as 15,228 came to watch and wagered $515,334.
In 1968, Downs General Manager Herm Grannis was elected president of Harness Tracks of America, where he established the Harness Tracks Security.
1970s
In 1970, Batavia Downs was honored by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce for spreading the name and fame of Batavia all over the United States.
In 1972, New York State legislation created off-track betting to bail New York City out of near bankruptcy.
In 1973, the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation was formed.
Batavia Downs and Buffalo Raceway changed operations in 1975 to a single season from the split-season racing.
Pat Provenzano, longtime president of the Downs, and John O. Marra, Executive Vice-President, were indicted for alleged tax evasion charges in 1976. Provenzano pleads no contest and was fined $10,000. Provenzano died the next year on September 9 at age 76.
In 1977, Double-Gaited Excalibur, owned by Batavia driver, Fred Haslip and driven by Elba farmer Paul Zambito Jr. set a world record. He both trotted and paced a time of 2:03 3/5 miles for a total of 4:07 1/5, breaking a world record set in 1939.
1980s
In 1980, Niatross set a track record of 1:55 before a crowd of 9,915. Later that year, Niatross set an all-age world record for pacers on a half-mile track. That year, he lost only two of his 26 starts.
Barbara H. Provenzano, Pat's widow, bought out other non-family stockholders in 1981. She served as chairwoman of the board until her death in 1990. The Pat E. Provenzano Memorial Trot was inaugurated in 1984.
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce honored Batavia Downs in 1987 for making a major impact on the region's economy.
In 1988, Ambro Flori won the only Breeders' Crown ever held at Batavia Downs. The purse was $286,756 (largest purse at Batavia Downs).
1990s
In 1993, Earl won the Provenzano Trot and broke the all-aged trotting record in 1:56. Later that year, Getting Personal won the New York Sire Stake event and broke the track record 1:53.3.
In 1994, Batavia Downs became the first track in New York history to have its license revoked by racing authorities. This was due to a contract dispute with horseman.
In 1997, the track held a shorter meet, only 28 days. Live racing ended.