from Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — The 99-day meet at Buffalo Raceway on The Fairgrounds in Hamburg came to a close on Sunday (July 21). Pro Kid, trained by Alex Giuliani, took the season finale with Shawn McDonough in the sulky.

The handle on the 2013 Buffalo Raceway season increased 21 percent over 2012, the third straight year of double digit increases. Ontrack 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 our simulcast sites have been very beneficial,” said Director of Operations Jon Cramer. “The ontrack 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 that included six new barns over the past two years. Purses distributed increased by five percent and averaged more than $80,000 per night.

Ray Fisher, Jr., who is recovering from a July 12 spill, took the driver’s crown with 149 victories and more than $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 trainer’s championship, beating 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 equaled 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.

Simulcast wagering is available year round, Wednesday through Sunday and select Mondays. For a complete schedule visit www.buffaloraceway.com/simulcast.