In 1939, William "Lefty" Goldberg and others chose Batavia, halfway between Buffalo and Rochester, for par-mutuel wagering on horse races.
In 1944, Pat E. Provenzano borrowed money and bought out stockholder William Weisman, a New York City attorney, for $15,000.
In 1947, Provenzano purchased the racetrack property for $150,000 after the Genesee County Agricultural Society's fair association went bankrupt.
In 1962, a fire devastated the stables, killing a caretaker, 26 horses, and causing an estimated $625,000 in damages, not including lost revenues.
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.
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.
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce honored Batavia Downs in 1987 for making a major impact on the region's economy.
Later that year, Getting Personal won the New York Sire Stake event and broke the track record 1:53.3.
In August 2007, the first-ever visit of the Mildred Williams Lady Driving Series at Batavia Downs was held, with more than $10,000 being raised for breast cancer research.
OK Braveheart establishes new track record for 3 year-old pacing colts and geldings winning in 1:52.2, the fastest mile of the season.
Favorite Foiled Again cruises in 1:52.3 taking the tracks biggest local event, the $40,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace.
Over $15,000 is raised for Mercy Flight of WNY through first ever Batavia Downs Casino golf tournament, sponsorship of races, silent auction.
2010 Racing Season Highlights include: Reinsman Jeff Gregory, John Schroeder and Clint Galbraith become the inaugural members of the Upstate Harness Writers, Batavia Downs Hall of Fame.
Yonkers invader Sailing Cruise at odds of 27-1 pulls off the major upset in the 8th edition of the Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace.
[4] The 34 Rush Sports Bar, located on the gaming floor, is named after Buffalo Football’s Hall-of-Fame running back Thurman Thomas & offers food and drink menus for both lunch and dinner daily.
[5] Fortune's Restaurant is located at the south end of the facility and offers a fine-dining atmosphere with a variety of food and drinks with a largely Italian and American menu.