Buffalo: Season opener approaching on Wednesday

Buffalo Raceway is putting together the final touches in preparation for the start of the 2026 live harness racing season which is set for Wednesday, March 4 with a first post scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

The campaign will have a Wednesday and Saturday slate, with Fridays added beginning in April. The season will conclude with the lone Sunday afternoon program set for July 19. All post times throughout the 57-day meet will be at 2:30 p.m.

An optimistic Buffalo Raceway General Manager Jon Cramer said: "We are anticipating a good season. The barn area is full and we are offering over $100,000 in daily purses including the Opens which will go for $15,500. That should lead to some good racing."

A new feature on the track in 2026 will be the 'April Reins Claiming Series' starting on Friday, April 10. Starting with a claiming price of $7,500 and increasing $1,500 each week, the horses will be running for $12,500 with the top eight point-earners in the three legs returning on Friday, May 1 for the $30,000 finals.

The traveling New York Sire Stakes will arrive at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday, June 3 with the hard-hitting 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers taking the initial spotlight. The young ladies will close out the Series on Wednesday, July 15 as the 2-year-old filly trotters battle it out. The Excelsior Stakes will also be contested on all Sire Stakes dates.

Fans on-track on opening day (March 4) will receive free racing programs with the ever popular 'Lucky Exacta' contest returning on Saturday, March 7. Fans will receive a magnetic live racing schedule which will include a 'lucky' exacta combination. Should that exacta come in on selected races, winners will spin the wheel for wagers on the last race of the day.

Drew Monti looks to make it two straight driving titles as he defends his crown after posting 119 victories last season, collecting almost $960,000 in purse earnings. Trainer Sam Smith will be back and looks to extend his title streak to three seasons. Hoping to chase their dreams of a crown is Chris Petrelli and David Russo who finished in second and third respectively.

-edited release (Brian J. Mazurek for Buffalo Raceway)