Handle on 2013 Buffalo Raceway season increased 21 per cent over 2012, which marked the third straight year of double-digit increases. On-track handle dipped slightly.
“We were very pleased that the harness racing players have taken notice of Buffalo Raceway. The improvements we have made over the years including the new video system and our relationships with ours simulcast sites have been very beneficial”, said the track's director of Operations, Jon Cramer. “The on-track patrons enjoyed the grandstand renovations and we know that a few of our promotions worked well and will be back for 2014.”
The horsemen enjoyed racing at the Hamburg oval, along with the backstretch renovations which included six new barns over the past two years. Purses distributed increased 5 per cent and averaged over $80,000 per night.
Ray Fisher Jr., who is recovering from a July 12 spill, won the driving crown with 149 victories and over $750,000 in earnings. John Cummings Jr. finished just four wins behind with 145 trips to the winner’s circle and amassed $850,000.
JD Perrin took the Buffalo Raceway training championship, as he beat out veteran conditioner Gerry Sarama by eight victories, 78-70. Perrin finished with an outstanding UTR of .416 for the year.
Six track records were equalled or lowered, including the all-age trotting mark of 1:56.3 by Crazy About Pat.
Racing is scheduled to resume at Buffalo Raceway in January 2014, pending New York Gaming Commission approval.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)