The 2011 harness racing season at Buffalo Raceway on The Fairgrounds in Hamburg, New York came to a conclusion Sunday, July 24 with a record handle of $751,796 wagered

. A few big show pool bettors off track contributed to the record on the all New York Sire Stakes program.

Five new track records were established over the 91 day meet, which started in January. The three-year-old colt trot mark was lowered by a full second by Turtle Express and equaled by Whitewater Rapids later the same day. Royal Shyster established the mark for freshmen colt trotters. On the pacing side, New Album set the mark for three-year-old fillies, while the colt Heston Blue Chip and filly Silk Purse lowered the two-year-old records.

Jack Flanigen repeated as the top driver at the Hamburg oval with 181 wins while earning $900,618 in purses. Kevin Cumming was the runner up for the third straight year with 149 victories. Newcomer Chris Page finished third with 133 trips to the winner's circle.

Sherri Holliday easily took the top trainer of the seven-month meet as her horses made 122 visits to the winner's circle earning $573,024. She was also the top trainer in 2008 and 2010. Bobbi Jo Martin finished second with 57 wins and John Mungillo had 50 wins.

It will be an exciting off season at Buffalo Raceway. Three new barns will be raised this fall for the horsemen, who can look forward to nine additional racing days in 2012 for a total of 99. In addition, Buffalo Raceway will launch its Player Rewards in September with 3 per cent givebacks to patrons who wager over $1,500 a month on track.

Live racing will return to Buffalo Raceway in January 2011. Simulcast wagering from across North America is available Wednesday through Sunday year round in The Clubhouse.

(Buffalo Raceway)