Buffalo Raceway will open its 2020 season on Wednesday night (Jan. 29) with a 13-dash program that will get underway at 5 p.m.
It will be a busy week at the half-mile oval, which is located at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg, as there will be lots for the fans to look forward to during opening week.
Wednesday's opener will feature a $2,500 Guaranteed Pick-5 which will begin in Race 2. There will also be free programs and a 2020 season magnet giveaway.
In the Winner's Circle Cafe, personal pan pizzas will just be $5 and patrons can also taste the new philly cheese steak and meatball hoagies.
When the action returns on Saturday (Feb. 1) with a 6 p.m. start time, the popular 'Lucky Exacta' contest will return, as each fan will receive two ceramic Buffalo Raceway coasters along with an exacta combination. Should your exacta come in, you'll spin the prize wheel to win free wagers on the last race of the night. The coasters will also have $5 in free play from Hamburg Gaming.
While the fans will be treated off track, it's back to business for drivers and trainers.
Billy Davis Jr.
Billy Davis Jr., who swept the driving titles last season at Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs with 119 and 131 victories, respectively, will be busy, as he is scheduled to steer in 12 of the 13 events.
"I had a very good meet last year," Davis Jr. said in looking back on 2019. "I am hoping to build off that and have another good run."
He went on to say about the early part of the season stating, "It's always difficult to know how the opening days of racing meets can go, but I am very confident in my trainers and their horses. It would be great to start the season off with a bang."
James Clouser Jr. will also be returning. He claimed the training crowns at both Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs in 2019. His stable recorded 56 wins at Buffalo Raceway last season and added 51 more at Batavia Downs. He'll send a pair out on the opening night program.
Maria Rice, who was the runner up behind Clouser Jr. in both western New York meets last year, hopes to jump start her season as she drew into six races on the Wednesday night card.
The main event on the slate is the $13,000 Open Trot that drew the likes of 2019 Buffalo Raceway Trotter of the Year Wheels A Turning and Lougazi. The sub features include the $10,000 Class ‘A’ Trot and the $10,000 Class ‘A’ Pace for the filly and mares.
Racing will be held on Wednesday evenings beginning at 5 p.m. while Saturday nights will have a 6 p.m. post. Action will return on Fridays starting on April and will have a 5 p.m. start time.
For more information, head to buffaloraceway.com.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)