A sloppy track combined with heavy snow that started to fall after the third race provided some messy going at Batavia Downs on Thursday afternoon (Jan. 11), but it didn’t take away from competitive racing and several very close finishes.
The 2024 winter meet kicked off at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Jan. 4) and the wagering success the track realized last year picked up right where it left off as a new single card handle record was set during opening day. Betting from all sources totalled $390,922 and that easily topped the old record of $348,205 set last February.
Isabelle Darveau trainee Black Tie Bash made a return to the Rideau Carleton Raceway winner's circle in the grounds' top trot, the $10,500 Preferred Handicap, on Thursday (Oct. 6).