After receiving clearance from the New York State Gaming Commission, Buffalo Raceway will resume live harness racing on Wednesday evening (June 3) with post time set for 6 p.m. Wednesday racing, which usually has a 5 p.m. start, has been shifted to 6 p.m. for the remainder of the schedule.
The half-mile oval, located at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg, N.Y., will offer racing on Wednesday and Saturday nights at 6 p.m. until the conclusion of the campaign on July 18.
On Wednesday, there will be a $5,000 guarantee in the Pick-5, which begins in the second race.
The draw for Wednesday's card will be on Monday (June 1), with the box closing at 9 a.m. The draws will then take place on Wednesday for Saturday cards and on Saturday for the Wednesday programs. Condition sheets for the week can be found under the "Horsemen" tab at www.buffaloraceway.com.
The public or individual horsepeople shall not be allowed in the grandstand, clubhouse, apron or general seating areas. There will be no viewing of races from any vehicle or in any building or parking lot on the facility grounds.
Wagering on Buffalo Raceway will be available at various advance deposit wagering (ADW) and simulcast outlets throughout North America.
"We look forward to get back to racing," said Jon Cramer, director of operations at Buffalo Raceway. "Everyone is anxious to get started again. We want to give everyone an opportunity to race and stay safe."
There is a pre-approved list for people entering the backstretch and paddock area, and all must have their temperature checked as well. People should give themselves plenty of time in arriving to the track.
A health screening assessment including a temperature check shall be performed on all horsepeople, track employees and commission employees off McKinley Parkway before entering the stable area.
Each and every participant will be asked if he or she has been sick (i.e. fever above 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, fatigue) for the last 14 days. If there is a "yes" answer or a participant's temperature is above 100.0 degrees, they will not be admitted and will be required to leave the Buffalo Raceway premises. In order to return, written medical clearance must be presented.
Masks must be worn at all times and hand sanitizers will be placed throughout the backside. Trainers must provide masks and gloves for their employees. The track will have staff on hand to assist horsepeople, enforcing policies and sanitizing areas.
Guests, visitors, owners, children or any individuals not directly associated with conducting live racing will not be admitted to the stable area or paddock at Buffalo Raceway on any day.
On the post time schedule, there will be more time allocated between races four and five and races eight and nine. This will provide sufficient time for the horses to enter the paddock and warm up for the next set of four races and to reasonably sanitize high-touch areas.
Buffalo Raceway will conform to all governmental policies and guidelines for personal protection efforts.
There is also a ship-in limitation of 75 miles, and no horses from Canada or out of state will be allowed.
Buffalo Raceway has also relinquished their New York Sire Stakes dates for the 2020 season.
"We need and anticipate everyone's cooperation," Cramer said of the guidelines set down by New York State and Buffalo Raceway.
For complete information, including all the policies and procedures, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.
(Buffalo Raceway)