by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — The only winner this weekend at Buffalo Raceway will be Mother Nature as a forecast of heavy rain on Friday (Jan. 12) followed by a projection of a foot of snow on Saturday (Jan. 13) has forced officials at the Hamburg half-mile oval to cancel the opening weekend of live harness racing action.

There were nine races scheduled for Friday evening and 10 more for Saturday but those will be wiped out due to the impending weather and potential dangerous track conditions. The 2018 opener is now slated for Wednesday (Jan. 17) at 5 p.m.

Despite the cancellation of live racing, the simulcast wagering area at Buffalo Raceway will be open throughout the weekend, including Monday (Jan. 15) for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday races.

Promotions for the opening weekend have been moved. Free programs will now be available this coming Wednesday and Friday nights while the ‘Lucky Exacta’ magnet contest, which includes $10 in free play at Hamburg Gaming, will be on Saturday (Jan. 27).

The $3 off the popular Friday Fish Fry in the Winner’s Circle Cafe will be honored on Friday (Jan. 19) and the $3 off the home style turkey dinner will be available on Saturday (Jan. 20).

The Winter Handicapping Contest set for Saturday (Jan. 20) will proceed as scheduled.

For more information including the latest news, entries, results, race replays and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.