by Jon Cramer, for Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — On Friday night (March 30) at Buffalo Raceway, the early daily double (races one and two) paid $2.70 for a $2 wager. This payoff was peculiar because the winning horse in the second race, Ideal Miss, paid $29.80 to win. Immediately following the second race, Buffalo Raceway began a full investigation of this matter with the cooperation of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.

It was determined that a professional horse bettor who resides in Florida wagered $4,328 straight on the winning combination 4-2. A total of $4,383 was wagered on the winning combination throughout the entire network, including $4.00 at Buffalo Raceway.

The bettor who made the wager (International Software Services) did so through Racing and Gaming Services and the United Tote Hub in Brooklyn. This company is one of several in the United States that uses computerized selection wagering, looking for overlays — wagering multi millions annually on horseracing throughout the country. In this case, Buffalo Raceway was informed that there was a malfunction in International Software Services’ computer program, and the wager, which was totally independent from other wagers placed on the race, was bet in error by the bettor. Ironically, it won.

Because of the oddity and subsequent confusion of this wager, Buffalo Raceway, in cooperation with Racing and Gaming Services and International Software Services, and pending approval from the NYS Racing and Wagering Board, will give away $6,000 in wagering vouchers on Belmont Weekend, June 8-10. Complete details will be announced soon.

“It was first thought to spend the $6,000 promotional money on seeding the daily double pool for three consecutive Fridays, but upon further review it was determined that the necessary regulatory approvals and tote protocol could not be obtained in this short period of time,” said Buffalo Raceway COO Jim Mango.

Located on The Fairgrounds in Hamburg, N.Y., Buffalo Raceway offers exciting harness racing Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Simulcast wagering is available year round in the spacious Clubhouse.