Batavia, NY – Live harness racing returns to Batavia Downs on Tuesday (Jan. 13) as the 2026 winter competition gets underway on the oldest lighted harness track in North America.
The January/February session will take place every Tuesday and Thursday through February 5, with post time at 3 p.m.
This is the fourth year in a row that The Downs will host this overcoat competition and Live Racing Director Nicolle Fortes is pleased to see the action getting underway again.
“We are excited and proud to welcome fans back to Batavia Downs for winter racing in Western New York! We look forward to delivering exciting live racing, great entertainment and the welcoming atmosphere our fans have come to know and love,” said Fortes.
The betting menu remains the same as the recently completed 2025 match, with a wide variety of betting options available each night. On a 10-race program, in addition to win, place and show in each race, there are three daily doubles, 10 exactas, 10 trifectas, nine superfectas, two Pick-3s, two Pick-4s, one Pick-5 and one Jackpot Super High Five, all with low minimum stakes.
During the winter racing campaign, Batavia Downs will offer special “Post Time Race Day” food specials at its three on-site restaurants.
34 Rush: Tuesday – pulled pork sandwich and fries $13, Thursday – chicken and biscuits $13.
Homestretch Grill: Tuesday – chili cheese dog and fries $12, Thursday – BLT chicken sandwich and fries $14.
Fortune’s Italian Steakhouse: Tuesday – Caprese chicken with penne pasta $24, Thursday – 8 oz. strip steak with 5 oz lobster tail $45.
Seating will be available in the enclosed grandstand area, including the Finish Line Suite and the Park Place betting level, as the Clubhouse & Rail Bar will be closed for planned maintenance.
A range of race day promotions are also available to guests at the track during the winter racing season.
Purchased race programs include a $5 free play coupon redeemable after earning 1 base point and redeemable at Player’s Club anytime after the sixth race.
There is an Early Bird Daily Double where you simultaneously bet a minimum of $10 on the Early Daily Double and receive $10 in free play on the gaming floor.
The Tuesday Finals Match Play, where you simultaneously bet a minimum of $25 on the final race at Batavia Downs and receive a $25 free play on the gaming floor.
The Thursday Match Play Free Play Frenzy where you simultaneously bet a minimum of $25 on the same race at Batavia Downs and receive $25 Free Play on the gaming floor.
The Stay & Play promotion for non-winning tickets on Thursday, where participants can print their name on all non-winning tickets wagered at Batavia Downs (the minimum bet must be $1.00) and deposit them in the drawing box at the ITW or Park Place betting level. One winner will be drawn prior to the final race of the evening and that winner will receive a Stay & Play package.
And finally, the Facebook Photo Promotion, where participants can take a photo of themselves and their group at the track throughout the month of January, share it and tag the Batavia Downs Racetrack Facebook page for a chance to win 2 live racing programs and a free $20 game for the winner and his/her guest.
All promotions are subject to official rules available locally.
Western New York’s top drivers all return, including Batavia Downs’ four-time driving champion Drew Monti, along with Kevin Cummings, Joe Chindano Jr., Kyle Swift, Kyle Cummings and a host of other top local talent. Additionally, Brett Beckwith, North America’s fourth best dash driver of 2025, will be back in Batavia for the winter session. With a limited number of starts, Beckwith was the second leading driver at last year’s winter competition with 27 wins and will look to top the leaderboard this session.
Three-time training leader Sam Smith will also be back in action with his large stable and will face strong competition from other top bruisers including Shawn McDonough, Chris Petrelli, David Russo, Tammy Cummings and many others.
Batavia Downs will continue to offer free downloadable race programs with complete past performances on the website bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab and streams all the action as it happens every night on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel.
For more information about these and all events taking place at Batavia Downs this year, please visit our website: bataviadownsgaming.com or our Facebook page facebook.com/bataviadownsracetrack.
Due to the nature of winter racing and changing weather conditions, race fans and competitors are advised to check the Batavia Downs Facebook page for race day updates.
Through Tim Boyarskifor Batavia Downs
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