Batavia Downs officially launched its 2025 summer–fall harness racing season on July 26, 2025, marking the historic track’s 85th anniversary since its first pari-mutuel race on September 20, 1940. As the oldest lighted harness track in North America, it opens a refreshed chapter—blending deep heritage with modern enhancements and strategic leadership changes.
Under the guidance of Nicole Fortes, a Batavia resident and 31-year Western Regional Off-Track Betting (WROTB) veteran, the track is embracing a renewed vision. Fortes, promoted in May to General Manager of Live Racing, previously directed Inter-Track Wagering since 2010. In her new role, she’s leading efforts to boost fan engagement, diversify promotional outreach, and draw younger patrons to the racing experience.
Fortes shared her excitement, stating, “I’m very excited to welcome our race fans back to the track and hope to welcome some new fans as well. We have a fantastic season of racing planned for those joining us on-track and everyone watching on our simulcast outlets.”
The revival effort extends beyond leadership. A $300,000 investment over the off-season brought the first full resurfacing of the track in nearly 10 years. Batavia Downs enlisted Gary Wolff, longtime track consultant and current Director of Racetrack Properties at New Jersey’s Meadowlands, to oversee grading, resurfacing, and re-banking. Local contractor Keeler Construction handled the work.
Additional infrastructure improvements included renovated barns featuring new siding, roofing, and fresh paint. New fencing was installed along turns one and two, parts of the grandstand received glass tinting to reduce heat and glare, and a new infield water fountain attraction replaced the previous feature.
Track president and CEO Byron Brown emphasized the upgrades as part of a broader push to revitalize live harness racing, which has seen declining national attendance. “We want to focus more aggressively on racing strategically to bring more people into enjoying racing,” Brown said.
Opening night delivered on the excitement with a mandatory Jackpot Hi-5 carryover, seeded with approximately $4,250 from a canceled winter race card and guaranteed at $7,500 under the USTA Strategic Wagering program. The night also featured the first of eight New York Sire Stakes divisions at Batavia this year, including a purse of $121,800 for three-year-old pacing fillies, as well as Excelsior Series races and a $13,500 Open pacing feature.
To further engage fans, Batavia Downs rolled out a suite of new promotions. A Wednesday “Non-Winning Ticket” raffle offers entrants a chance to win a stay-and-play package. The “Wednesday Finale” rewards players with $25 in Free Play for placing a $25 wager on the last race. Match Play Free Play Frenzy matches $25 bets with an additional $25 in Free Play on specified dates. The popular Labor Day Driver’s Bike Race returns, where fans who guess the winning driver can win one of the bikes used in the race. A new Facebook Photo Contest encourages fans to post trackside selfies for a chance to win racing packages.
Dining amenities are also part of the improved fan experience. The Clubhouse & Rail Bar, Fortune’s Restaurant, 34 Rush Sports Bar, and the Homestretch Grill are all open on race days, offering a variety of food and beverage options.
Batavia Downs also maintains its digital presence with live races broadcast free on its YouTube channel and full race replays available through BataviaBets.com membership or on its official website.
With high-powered wagers, fresh leadership, enhanced fan experiences, and a deep appreciation for its legacy, Batavia Downs begins its 85th season with a powerful message: the past is honored, but the future is now.
