by Sam Pendolino, publicity director, Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — A bad accident marred the running of the ninth race on Saturday (Jan. 21) at Buffalo Raceway. The race was declared a no contest by the judges and all wagers were refunded.

Ashston Seelster and driver Ken Holliday hit the ground right after the start of the race, which also caused Native Treasure and reinsman Kevin Cummings to go down. Both horses appeared to be all right and went back to the paddock. Cummings drove in the next race, but Holliday had to go to the hospital, with what was described as a collarbone injury.

Cam Patch survives a rough trip to win the Open Pace

Cam Patch, a 7-year-old Cambest gelding out of the Falcon Seelster mare Miss A Kiss, won the $10,000 Open Pace in 1:55.3, the fastest pacing mile of the meet, for owners David P. Ball and Jerry R. Reinhart. It was the first win this season for Cam Patch, who had nine wins in 37 attempts last year.

Paul White photo

Cam Patch was a winner in 1:55.3.

Cam Patch ($11.20), leaving from post seven in the field of eight and driven by Shawn Gray, settled in fourth as eventual second place finisher My Last Laugh (Ken Holliday) cut the early fractions of :28.2, :57.2 and 1:26.1.

Gray pulled Cam Patch just before the half and the gutsy gelding was first over for more than a half-mile on this cold night.

A :29.2 last quarter-mile put the winner 1-3/4 lengths ahead at the finish line. Golden Terror (Mark Beckwith) came in third.

Trained by Alex Giuliani, it was lifetime win number 21 for Cam Patch, who has won $156,531 in his career.