Despite the naysayers racing is alive and well

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Batavia, NY – When Batavia Downs kicked off its 2025 summer/fall session of live racing on Saturday (July 26), there was a notable increase in live attendance and the amount of money that bettors placed on races held at Batavia, both remotely and in person.


The clubhouse was packed on opening night Saturday, July 26 at Batavia Downs. Photo courtesy of Batavia Downs social media.
The track reported a 29% overall increase in handle versus opening day of 2024, and that included a 3% INCREASE from those wagering on-site. That on-site crowd filled the clubhouse and track apron and included many groups, families with children, older fans and stalwart racing aficionados who came out to bet and watch the New York Sire Stake action.

[Harness Racing Revolution]

Yeah, doing great. Down another 10% this year 100 million less than last year at this point. Doesn't matter since it survives off welfare. Over 200 million a year in state allocated funds in NYS alone...
Did I forget to mention constantly under investigation too?
And they're talking about the $275,000 wagered on a 15 race card on a Saturday with NYSS??? Averaged $18,333 per race wagered.
Yeah, alive and well.

[John Moody]

It's a dead game laddie

[Harness racer]

Yeah, doing great. Down another 10% this year 100 million less than last year at this point. Doesn't matter since it survives off welfare. Over 200 million a year in state allocated funds in NYS alone...
Did I forget to mention constantly under investigation too?
And they're talking about the $275,000 wagered on a 15 race card on a Saturday with NYSS??? Averaged $18,333 per race wagered.
Yeah, alive and well.

$100 million is a lot of money missing from the handle and still 5 months left.  Could be $135 or more by years end.  Nobody bets this game anymore.  Too many other options out there.  I love when they try and put positive spins on singular good nights.  Takes a lot more than that!

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Nicolle Fortes is the director of live racing at Batavia Downs and she spent the evening trackside to welcome all the customers who attended and was very encouraged by the energy and excitement felt throughout the property that night.

“I think the increase in handle and the great on-track attendance is a result of the renewed focus that’s been put on live racing product. In addition to the improvements we’ve invested in, we’ve also made a concentrated effort to increase exposure and generate excitement for this year’s meet. We had a great race card, including the New York Sire Stake 3-year-old filly pacers, even though we had to dodge a few raindrops along the way. I’m very happy with how the opener went and hope to continue the momentum throughout the season,” said Fortes.

[sledge hammer]

Yonkers handle last night was barely over $300K which is both sad and pathetic at the same time.

Their handle must be down 50% over the last few years.
I think Dan Nants was right...

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President and CEO of Western Regional Off Track Betting, Byron Brown, was also on hand and liked the reception the return of live racing received Saturday.

“It was great to see such a large crowd on opening night of the 2025 live racing season as our goal is to attract new fans to come out and enjoy a night of racing at our historic oval. I would like to thank Nicolle and her staff for making it such a memorable night. I also want to thank all our loyal fans and I hope to see them throughout the rest of the racing season,” said Brown.

[Harness racer]

Let us know if this keeps up throughout the meet.  And a 3% on track increase from a major powerhouse like Batavia could save the industry!                     

[Papillon]

Let us know if this keeps up throughout the meet.  And a 3% on track increase from a major powerhouse like Batavia could save the industry!                     

 

[Locked in with pace]

Increased business volume does not necessarily translate to increased profit. You will see many businesses reduce their stores and personnel to improve their bottom line.  We all know one thing: ALL THE CASINOS WHERE THERE IS A HARNESS TRACK ARE MAKING MONEY. AND LOTS OF IT.  And many of the tracks are making money too with the racing product. Surely, the casinos would not be there if there weren't racing. In business, they call it the cost of doing business.

[drawbar]

You should see the crowd when they have $1 hot dogs, it's packed!

[seen2much]

Handle a million & increased by 29% would be something. If the handle is next to nothing a 29% increase means little.

[Trigger]

Batavia, NY – When Batavia Downs kicked off its 2025 summer/fall session of live racing on Saturday (July 26), there was a notable increase in live attendance and the amount of money that bettors placed on races held at Batavia, both remotely and in person.


The clubhouse was packed on opening night Saturday, July 26 at Batavia Downs. Photo courtesy of Batavia Downs social media.
The track reported a 29% overall increase in handle versus opening day of 2024, and that included a 3% INCREASE from those wagering on-site. That on-site crowd filled the clubhouse and track apron and included many groups, families with children, older fans and stalwart racing aficionados who came out to bet and watch the New York Sire Stake action.

Hey mental midget, copy and paste boy.

Removing the corruption from racing, you're against, and against those who took up the case.

You antagonize some if its remaining supporters, i.e. horseman, gamblers.

Good thing for racing the legislature and the big casino and corps that currently allow and subsidize racing which make up the majority of racing wouldn't let an imbecile like you in the room in a million years because it would be - decoupled and gone!

The best part of you that came out of your mother is in a landfill right now, and look what we got stuck with! 

[simplify]

President and CEO of Western Regional Off Track Betting, Byron Brown, was also on hand and liked the reception the return of live racing received Saturday.

“It was great to see such a large crowd on opening night of the 2025 live racing season as our goal is to attract new fans to come out and enjoy a night of racing at our historic oval. I would like to thank Nicolle and her staff for making it such a memorable night. I also want to thank all our loyal fans and I hope to see them throughout the rest of the racing season,” said Brown.

Assume you are joking. Nobody (not even Lucparc) can be this dumb

[SwankToliverA]

You should see the crowd when they have $1 hot dogs, it's packed!

This is true