The 90-day meet at Buffalo Raceway at the Fairgrounds in Hamburg, New York came to a conclusion Sunday, July 26.
It was another successful year on the wagering front, as worldwide handle on Buffalo increased eight per cent. This is the second straight year of increased handle at the Hamburg oval. On-track handle increased six per cent despite the average daily handle decreasing marginally because of seven additional racing days.
Purses increased in 2009 as well with over $6 million being distributed to horsemen, a twenty-three per cent jump.
The race for top driver honours was a close battle which came down to the last dash. The race was determined when Ray Fisher, Jr. made his 150th trip to the winner’s circle in what was his 882th start. Last year’s leading dash driver Kevin Cummings was two victories behind at 148.
Trainer DJ Millner was the meet's leading conditioner with 87 victories, four better then Sherri Holliday, who was the top trainer of 2008.
The Upstate New York USHWA named K F B Espada, which won an amazing 11 of 14 races for trainer Angelo Nappo, the Horse of the Year.
Live racing will return to Buffalo Raceway in January 2010. Simulcast wagering from across North America is available Wednesday through Sunday year round in The Clubhouse.
(With files from Buffalo)