Buffalo: Live racing returns Saturday

"It's been a long winter and we've been battling Mother Nature this week but we look forward to start the 2025 live harness racing season," Buffalo Raceway General Manager Jon Cramer said as the half-mile track located at the Erie County Fairgrounds prepares for its 83rd season, a 55-day meet, beginning on Saturday (March 1). Post time for the 12-race program is set for 2:30 p.m.

Racing will commence on Wednesday and Saturdays afternoons at 2:30 p.m. and Fridays will be added to the calendar beginning on April 4. The season will conclude on Saturday, July 19.

"We are excited for the 2:30 p.m. post times for the entire season and expect bigger pools," Cramer said of all matinee racing in 2025. He added, "The backstretch barns are full and there will be over $100,000 offered in daily purses."

Buffalo Raceway will provide free racing programs for on-track patrons on Opening Day.

On the track, defending driving champion Kevin Cummings will return. He captured the 2024 title with 97 victories while Joseph Chindano Jr. was a close second with 94 wins. Samuel Smith was Buffalo Raceway's top conditioner in 2024 and will return after posting 62 victories while Maggie Chindano was next in line with 45.

The New York Sire Stakes will make its annual run through Buffalo Raceway with competition to begin on Wednesday, June 4 as the 3-year-old pacers taking center stage. This will start a seven-week run on Wednesdays with the 2-year-old trotters completing the tour. The Excelsior Series will also be contested on New York Sire Stakes programs.

For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, entries, results and race replays, go to www.buffaloraceway.com

-edited release (Brian Mazurek for Buffalo)