ESPN Sportscaster Chris Berman has given many stars nicknames. Well his namesake has been one of the stars at Buffalo Raceway

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On Sunday, July 11, Western New York will honour Boomer Berman, a 14-year-old trotter that will be forced to retire at the end of the year in his last race at Buffalo Raceway in Hamburg.

He comes into the fourth race Sunday with lifetime earnings of nearly $200,000 and has finished first or second in his last 16 starts. In addition, he is in search of career win number 85. There are numerous horses that don’t have that many lifetime starts.

Under the careful guidance of trainer Lisa Lederhouse and proud owner Kathy Schoeffel, “Boomer” enters the twilight of his racing days certainly on a high note.

“He is a great race horse to be around and work with but he has a mind of his own," Lederhouse says of the gelding, who stands 14 hands high. "When he wants to go, he goes and you are along for the ride.”

“Boomer” is the consummate professional, never making a break. He can race from anywhere. It doesn’t matter, on the front end, first over or coming from behind. “He’s got a lot of heart and he tries all the time,” noted Lederhouse.

Western New York racing will miss him next year and let’s hope that he earns a segment on ESPN’S “Sportscenter” soon so the original “Boomer Berman” can send him off with a “he could go all the way.”

When the calendar turns to 2011, “Boomer” will be going to the Schoeffel’s farm for a great retirement. Until then he will continue to add to both his bankroll and win total.

Catch all the action at Buffalo Raceway Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with a 6:40 p.m. first post-time, and a 1:05 p.m. first post on Sunday through July 25.

(Buffalo Raceway)