by John Manzi, for the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series

Monticello, NY — When the Billings members, who came from far and wide, made a recent visit to Buffalo Raceway after a hiatus of some seven years, it was an eye popping experience.

According to Tony Verruso, president of the Billings Series, the overall improvements to the racetrack and the “quick start” away from the gate that was instituted were immediately noticed.

“I was told that General Manager James Mango has made many changes at Buffalo and that he has become deeply immersed in doing whatever possible to insure that racing is conducted at a very high standard,” Verruso said.

“We were thankful for the chance to return to this historic half-mile oval which was established back in 1941 and became the second night time pari-mutuel harness facility only weeks behind the former Roosevelt Raceway.”

Verruso added that the Billings races were very well received by the trainers who entered their horses for the Billings races and the bettors wagered nicely on the two events.

Besides the track innovations, the Society, along with the Western NY Harness Horsemen’s Association under its President and USTA director Bruce Tubin, have invested in the improvements.

“Increasing race days and developing a healthy simulcasting market in winter months are among our added improvements. Jim (Mango) is proud of what is going on at Buffalo and prouder still is the desire of the Society and our Buffalo horsemen to keep the sport going while continuing to invest,” Tubin said.

“Buffalo’s parent company, the Erie County Agricultural Society, has been true to its commitment to racing’s future as well as promoting its video lottery terminals. We cooperated in the building of a new paddock with spacious and clean stalls and a very nice viewing area. Buffalo Raceway is making the kind of investment in the future of racing that hopefully will increase racing revenue.”

“It was great to see all the brand new barns and improved facilities on Buffalo’s backstretch and it (the backstretch) quite possibly could be the best in New York State,” Verruso added. “And the ship-in facilities are excellent with each horse having a designated stall with their name on it. That’s first class.”

Perhaps the most impressive part of Verruso’s trip to Buffalo Raceway, besides racing over the refurbished oval, was the fact that Jim Mango took time from his busy schedule to spend some time with the Billings participants.

“I was told that in his 37 years as a racing executive only once has he ever left his post at the track before the conclusion of a racing card and that was to show some kindness to us, the returning Billings participants,” Verruso said.