by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- When the Buffalo Raceway 66-day live
season begins on Wednesday, January 29, there will be changes both on and off
the track.
One of the most important changes will be the stricter
guidelines for the whipping rule at Buffalo Raceway that was instituted last
season.
Along with previous regulations, the track has modified the
rule which states "drivers shall keep a line in each hand (except as may
be necessary to adjust equipment, pulling plugs, dropping blinkers) from the
start of the race until the top of the stretch and both hands shall stay in
front of the body and cannot be raised above the shoulder from the start of the
race until the finish. Continuous whipping is prohibited."
Drivers will be subject to penalties set down by Buffalo
Raceway and are not contingent on any rulings made by the New York State
Gaming Commission's judges.
Other changes at the half-mile oval located at the Erie
County Fairgrounds in Hamburg include the addition of 600 tons of material
placed on the racing surface in the fall, new HD televisions in the clubhouse
and paddock along with new self-serve wagering terminals.
The Winner's Circle Cafe will continue to serve freshly
prepared food that will be delivered to your table. New menu items for 2020 include
personal pan pizzas along with philly cheese steak and meatball hoagies.
The popular 'All-You-Can-Eat' buffet returns the last
Saturday each month. The cost is $19.99 and includes the dinner, race program
along with a $5 betting voucher and $5 in free play at Hamburg Gaming.
Racing Secretary Tom Agosti is bringing back the A, B and C
classifications. He said, "We think this system works best for Western New
York horsemen."
Also on the racing end, with the purse structure be the same
as in 2019.
Buffalo Raceway's Director of Operations Manager Jon Cramer
said, "We are excited about the improvements we've made on and off the
track for the fans and horsemen and look forward to a great 2020 meet."
Horses will begin arriving on the grounds this Sunday in
preparations for the campaign. Racing will be held on Wednesday evenings
beginning at 5 p.m. while Saturday nights will have a 6 p.m. post. Action on
Fridays will return on April 3 with a 5 p.m. start time.
For more information on Buffalo Raceway's 79th racing season
including entries, race replays, results, upcoming promotions and the latest
news, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
