A large and enthusiastic crowd welcomed back the trotters and pacers for the 68th year of racing here at Buffalo Raceway, on an unseasonably warm Friday night

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It was the first chance that most in attendance were able to see firsthand, the newly renovated Raceway, with its completely refurbished clubhouse.

“Very impressive," said regular patron Pam Ruth. “The new colour scheme makes the clubhouse look so much brighter. I like the new carpet, and the bar section has a bigger open feel to it."

Race Secretary Robin Burns was true to his prediction, as $66,200 was up for grabs in purse money, a nice per cent increase over last year’s opener.

In the $9,000 Open Trot, Bedroom Photo, ($12.40) a seven-year-old gelding by S Js Photo, leaving from post five in the field of six, made every pole a winning one beating five rivals in 2:01.2, for his first win of the 2010 campaign.

Capably driven by Ray Fisher, Jr., and owned by Guy Polillo of Brantford, Ont., Bedroom Photo, cut all the fractions in the race, :30, 1:00.3, 1:31.2. The margin of victory was three-quarters of a length over second place finisher, and favourite in the race, Jack Sparrow (Jim McNeight). Old Trafford (Kevin Cummings) came in third.

“I really wasn’t going to leave," said Fisher. “When nobody left I just found myself on the lead, and got some easy fractions." When asked about the newly renovated track, Fisher said, “It’s excellent."

Harness racing will resume on Saturday, January 16, with first post scheduled for 6:40 p.m.

(Buffalo Raceway)