HAMBURG, N.Y. --- "It's been a long winter and we've been battling Mother Nature this week but we look forward to start the 2025 live harness racing season," Buffalo Raceway General Manager Jon Cramer said as the half mile track located at the Erie County Fairgrounds prepares for its 83rd season, a 55-day meet, beginning on Saturday (March 1). Post time for the 12-race program is set for 2:30 p.m.

 

Racing will commence on Wednesday and Saturdays afternoons at 2:30 p.m. and Fridays will be added to the calendar beginning on April 4. The season will conclude on Saturday, July 19.

 

"We are excited for the 2:30 p.m. post times for the entire season and expect bigger pools," Cramer said of all matinee racing in 2025. He added, "The backstretch barns are full and there will be over $100,000 offered in daily purses."

 

Opening day will feature the extremely popular Lucky Exacta Contest where fans will receive an exacta combination along with a Bluetooth speaker. Should your lucky exacta combination come in during designated races, you'll spin the wheel for free wagers on the last event on the program. Fans can win more than once during the card as well.

 

Buffalo Raceway will also provide free racing programs for on track patrons on Opening Day.

 

No reservations are needed in the Clubhouse this season as it will be open seating as well as in the grandstand. There will be bar service in the Clubhouse Sports Bar. It opens an hour before first post offering full bar service and draft beers, Food will be available each racing day with an expanded menu on Saturdays.

 

The Dine & Derby Party will return once again for the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May. As in year's past, this event is expected to once again sell out. More details on the day will be released soon.

 

The always popular Father's Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, June 14. Also, food trucks will return on various dates throughout the season.

 

On the track, defending driving champion Kevin Cummings will return. He captured the 2024 title with 97 victories while Joseph Chindano Jr. was a close second with 94 wins. Samuel Smith was Buffalo Raceway's top conditioner in 2024 and will return after posting 62 victories while Maggie Chindano was next in line with 45.

 

The New York Sire Stakes will make its annual run through Buffalo Raceway with competition to begin on Wednesday, June 4 with the 3-year-old pacers taking center stage. This will start a seven-week run on Wednesdays with the 2-year-old trotters completing the tour. The Excelsior Series will also be contested on New York Sire Stakes programs.

 

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