HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It will be a busy week at Buffalo Raceway starting on Wednesday evening and going right on through Saturday with the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby.

 

Things get hopping on Wednesday night at Buffalo Raceway with the first two finals of the Claiming Championship Series taking place as the filly and mare pacers collide in the fifth and seventh races. First post for the 11-race card is at 5 p.m.

 

Friday night, things really get rolling as the trotters battle in two levels of the Claiming Championship Series with post time once again set for 5 p.m.

 

The popular Weidner Chicken BBQ begins at noon and runs until 7 p.m. with proceeds from the meal benefiting the Food Bank of Western New York. Cost for the chicken dinner is $10.

 

Fans can also watch the Kentucky Oaks and bet the popular Kentucky Oaks-Kentucky Derby daily double. Advanced wagering on the Kentucky Derby will also be available Friday.

 

Then on Saturday, Buffalo Raceway's doors will open at 10 a.m. as a full day of simulcasting and live racing will take place. Churchill Downs' first race is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. with the Kentucky Derby having an approximate post of 6:45 p.m. 

 

The simulcast center located in the Buffalo Raceway clubhouse will have over 20 tracks to wager on including, Churchill, Tampa, Belmont, Gulfstream, Woodbine, Finger Lakes and Santa Anita in the afternoon and The Meadowlands, Yonkers and Northfield at night.

 

There will be a free Kentucky Derby glass giveaway for fans along with free past performances for both Belmont and Churchill Downs.

 

The final four divisions of the Claiming Championship Series will highlight the live racing program at Buffalo Raceway which will have a special post time of 7 p.m. in order to accommodate the running of the Kentucky Derby via simulcast.

 

Also on Saturday is the Spring Winner's Circle contest where you can win a $50 betting voucher and a chance to get even more later in the season. Just select who you think will win the ninth race at Buffalo Raceway and if your horse finishes first, you will have a chance to win the $50 voucher. All contestants will receive $5 in free play at Hamburg Gaming just for entering, which is free to do.

 

Player Club Reward members will also receive double points on Saturday.

 

Happy Hour is held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the clubhouse every live racing day, including both Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby Days.

 

You can also strike it big at Hamburg Gaming which will be open its normal hours of 8 a.m. until 4 a.m. There is free shuttle service between Buffalo Raceway and Hamburg Gaming on Saturday.