News of Local Interest

Hamburg, NY, June 9, 2008 -

Qualifying races at Buffalo Raceway will be held on Wednesday, June 11 & Wednesday, June 18 after which they will resume on Fridays beginning on June 27. Entries for Wednesday qualifiers must be made on Tuesday morning.

Hamburg, NY, May 1, 2008 -

2 year old schooling at Buffalo Raceway will be held this year on May 10 and May 17 at 11:00am. Please call the Horsemen's office if you wish to participate. The evening "baby race" program will begin the week of May 21.

Hamburg, NY, April 15, 2008 -

Long time horse owner Russ Loiacano has passed away. There will be a service for him Sunday April 20th at The Kaczor Funeral Home at US 20 and Rodgers RD at 10:00 AM

Hamburg, NY, March 25, 2008 -

Our Web Hosting service, located in Kentucky will be relocating to a new facility commencing at Midnight March 28.  This move can take as long as 48 hours to complete.  During that period, we may experience some outages in service.  I apologize for the inconvenience.

Thanks in advance for your support and understanding.

Don Niles

Hamburg, NY, March 7,2008 -

Racing has been canceled at Buffalo Raceway for Saturday, March 8 due to a major winter storm due to hit Western New York tonight & all day Saturday. We will be racing tonight.

Hamburg, NY, January 10, 2008 -

Early Qualifying at Buffalo Raceway

Buffalo Raceway will be holding qualifying races on Monday, February 11 at 11:00am. Entries must be in by 10:00 am on Saturday, February 9. There will also be qualifiers on opening night, Friday, February 15, but on that night there will be a limit of 4 races. Therefore, if you need to qualify, it would be best to do so on Monday before the first draw.

Yonkers, NY, December 13, 2007 -

STATEMENT FROM HARNESS HORSEMEN REGARDING THREATENED CLOSURE OF HARNESS TRACKS

Standardbred Owners Association President and Counsel to the Vernon Horsemen’s Association (HHACNY) Joseph Faraldo said today: “We understand that the owner of Vernon Downs formally announced today that he plans to close the track’s backstretch and barn area this coming Monday and then close the racino in early January since the Legislature has not yet approved ‘his’ legislation to increase his VLT vendor’s fees.

“Management’s announcement of its intention to evict nearly 300 horses and threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of racino employees is an extremely unfortunate ploy, especially in light of the fact that this entire situation could have been resolved months ago had the track operators chosen to come to the table and work collectively with legislators, horsemen and breeders to craft a thoughtful, industry-wide solution. Instead, it has excluded horsemen, breeders, farmers and the entire industry from the statutory protection that would have made the racing industry and the state healthier, rather than just management itself.

“It should also be noted that the announced closure of the backstretch represents a clear violation of the track’s contract with the horsemen and is yet another example of management’s continuing pattern of utter disregard for racing. Just recently in yet another act of defiance, Vernon’s management arbitrarily cancelled racing days, after earlier taking money out of the horsemen’s purse account. Vernon management has again chosen to act solely in its own interest with no regard for the niceties of a legal contract, state law, or racing board regulations. Perhaps the most egregious of these was the cancellation of awarded racing dates, which is the very basis for their VLT license in the first place.

“Time and again, rather than work together on comprehensive solutions or commit to an inclusive bill that would also protect horsemen and breeders by restoring statutorily defined contributions from VLT’s to the racing industry, Vernon’s ownership instead chose to believe they could secure their own legislative tax relief and ignore the big-picture needs of the racing and agricultural industries. Additionally, despite the fact that they knowingly purchased a track practically in the shadow of a Native American casino, Vernon management continues to attempt to lay blame for their ills on hard-working horsemen.

“We horsemen – on behalf of the 40,000 New Yorkers who rely on racing for their livelihoods – have been consistent in our position and will be pleased to support legislation that both gives the track owners the relief they need and provides the members of our industry with the legal protections they require (and, it should be noted, which we had under the state’s original VLT law).

“The track owners know full well how this issue can be resolved as a win/win for everyone involved, and it’s about time they stopped the gamesmanship and threats and started working toward a real resolution.”

Joseph A. Faraldo

President, Standardbred Owners Association of New York

Tel: (917) 886-8125

Yonkers, NY, December 9, 2007 -

STATEMENT FROM SOA PRESIDENT JOE FARALDO REGARDING VLT LEGISLATION, THREATENED CLOSURE OF HARNESS TRACKS AND THE POSITION OF NY STATE HORSEMEN AND BREEDERS:

“From the perspective of thousands of horsemen and breeders – and for the 40,000 people in New York who rely on racing and its associated industries for their livelihoods – it is irresponsible for certain harness track owners to continue to try to frame their efforts to secure additional VLT revenues as helping ‘the industry.’ Rather than infuse a fair portion of the additional money they are seeking into the state's important racing and breeding industries, the track managements have instead made it clear that they want a legislative ‘fix” that only benefits their bottom lines. The narrowly focused legislation the track operators have been advocating does nothing to protect the breeders and horsemen who are equally as invested in the tracks’ success.

For the past year, the State’s breeders and horsemen have advocated for a big-picture approach to the problems facing our harness tracks, and we are confident that legislation that both assists track owners and restores defined contributions from VLT’s to the agriculture industry's horsemen, breeders and farmers into the law is the most effective approach.

Fortunately for the breeders, horsemen and the 40,000 New Yorkers who rely on racing, the State Assembly has shown great leadership and responsibility by refusing to gratuitously give this handful of wealthy track operators millions of additional tax dollars without legal guarantees that such a move will both enhance patronage at the racinos and contribute to the long-term vitality of the New York racing and breeding industries. This comprehensive approach – which is what the state’s original VLT law created – will be a win-win for everyone. Had the wealthy track operators not objected to this well-reasoned, comprehensive approach, remedial legislation might well have been accomplished six months ago."

Joseph A. Faraldo

President, Standardbred Owners Association of New York

Tel: (917) 886-8125

Batavia, NY, September 8, 2007 -

Batavia, NY, August 8, 2007 -

Hamburg, NY, August 8, 2007 -

Latham, NY, July 6, 2007

THREE OWNERSHIP SEMINARS AVAILABLE IN NEW YORK

LATHAM, N.Y.—Three ownership seminars are scheduled in New York this summer hosted by Harness Horse Breeders of New York State. These half-day seminars provide valuable information for new, prospective and rookie owners and focus on all aspects of horse ownership.

Seminars are scheduled for Saturday, August 11, at Tioga Downs; Saturday, August 25, at Batavia Downs; and Saturday September 8, at Yonkers Raceway. All seminars will start in the early afternoon and include dinner and racing afterwards.

Seminars will cover the rewards and risks of horse ownership, actual costs, tax issues and how to choose a trainer. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour the racing facility, visit a trainer’s stable and talk with owners.

Tuition is $20 per person or $30 per couple and includes the seminar and materials, dinner, live racing, a one-year subscription to Hoof Beats Magazine and life-long follow-up services.

Seminars require advance registration. For more information or to register for a seminar, please call Harness Horse Breeders at 518-785-5858 or e-mail info@hhbnys.org.

The ownership seminars are sponsored by the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund.


M. Kelly Young
Executive Director
Harness Horse Breeders of New York State
400 Troy-Schenectady Road
Latham, NY 12110
Tel: 518-785-5858
Fax: 518-785-5848
info@hhbnys.org

Hamburg, NY, June 29, 2007 -

Hamburg, NY, June 22, 2007 -

Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association Annual General Meeting and Board of Directors Election

Saturday, June 23, 2007 1:00pm Grange Building on the Erie County Fairgrounds.

Food & Beverage @ 12:30pm.

Voting Booth Open From 10:00am Until 1:00pm.

All Topics of Interest To Our Members Will be Discussed and There Will be an Open Question and Answer Session.

Batavia, NY, May 30, 2007 -

Batavia, NY, May 9, 2007 -

Hamburg, NY, May 5, 2007 -

Two Year Old Schooling program

The Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association Two Year Old Schooling program will be held this year on Saturday, May 12 and Saturday May 19. Schooling will begin at 11:00am. You must contact the Horsemen's Association to sign up during the week. Buffalo Raceway will begin its Two Year Old Baby Race program the following week.

Batavia, NY, April 3, 2007 -

Batavia Downs Gaming to host Women’s Driving Series

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Todd Haight Marketing Coordinator/Track Analyst 585-343-3750 X445 Batavia, N.Y.

The Mildred Williams’ Women’s Driving Series, a unique competition for licensed women harness drivers, is coming to Batavia Downs Gaming this summer in conjunction with a Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser. Batavia Downs Gaming, North America’s oldest lighted harness track, will host the Mildred Williams’ Women’s Driving Series on Sunday afternoon, August 12, announced Michael Kane, Vice President of Racing and Gaming. The Series will make stops at 38 different racetracks in North America, with the finals scheduled for Hippodrome Du Montreal in the fall. The Mildred Williams Women’s Driving Series is similar to the CKG Billings Amateur Driving Classic, according to Ann Curran, organizer of the event. “With the success of last season's series we thought it only natural to expand it to include the United States who are willing to sponsor an event,” Curran said. The Series is slated to kick off in Canada in mid-April, then move to the United States in May. To participate in the Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser, or for more information on the event, contact Todd Haight at Batavia Downs Gaming.

Hamburg, NY, March 22, 2007 -

Hamburg, NY, February 14, 2007 -

Live racing has been canceled for Wednesday, February 14. The draw for Saturday, February 17 will be held on Thursday, February 15. Driver changes for Saturday must be made by 1:00pm on Thursday.

Hamburg, NY, February 8, 2007 -

Batavia, NY, January 31, 2007 -

Hamburg, NY, January 9, 2007 -

Buffalo Raceway Clubhouse Dining

For dining reservations in the Buffalo Raceway clubhouse, call 716-646-6109 ext. 60149.
An operator will be available Monday 9:00 - 5:30 and Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 - 6:00.

Hamburg, NY, January 9, 2007 -

2007 Licensing

The New York State Racing & Wagering Board licensing team is scheduled to be at Buffalo Raceway as follows:

• Wednesday, January 17th: 9a.m.-12p.m.; and 1p.m.-4p.m.
• Thursday, January 18: 9a.m.-12p.m.; and 1p.m.-4p.m.
• Friday, January 19: 9a.m.-2p.m.; and late afternoon before racing begins.

Also, in addition to the NYSRWB license, everyone is required to acquire a Buffalo Raceway badge from the racing office. To help alleviate confusion on opening week, Cheryl Menchi will be in the race office on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00a.m. until 12p.m. to issue badges.

Hamburg, NY, December 23, 2006 -

QUALIFYING RULE – 2007

The NYS Racing & Wagering Board has adopted the following rule for horses racing at Buffalo Raceway in 2007.

• If your horse raced on or after November 1, 2006, but did not race after December 2, 2006 you will not have to qualify at Buffalo Raceway provided you race on or before February 1, 2007.
  
  
• All horses that race after December 2, 2006 will be subject to the 30 day rule.

REMEMBER, if you have not raced in 2007 your preference date will be the date you first enter your horse in 2007 or the date you qualify in 2007. Please contact the Horsemen’s Office if you have any questions regarding these rules.

Batavia, NY, December 23, 2006

Albany, NY, December 21, 2006 -

The links below will take you to a series of stories on the ongoing investigation into State Senator Joe Bruno's activities.....

Editorials- Why the FBI is joltin' Joe

Senate in Turmoil as Bruno Is Eyed in Federal Probe

Bruno facing FBI scrutiny -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY

Bruno Being Investigated By FBI

Senate Majority Leader Bruno under federal inquiry

'Nothing to hide,' defiant Senate big says

Bruno Is Subject of Inquiry by F.B.I. - New York Times

Bruno's Statement

FEDS PROBE JOE

State senate leader acknowledges FBI probe of his business interests

Batavia, NY, December 14, 2006 -

Hamburg, NY, December 12, 2006 -

Hamburg, NY, November 15, 2006 -

Batavia, NY, November 11, 2006 -

Batavia, NY, October 27, 2006 -

Batavia, NY, October 27, 2006 -

Winter Stall Rental Agreement

Winter stall rental agreements for stabling at Buffalo Raceway beginning December 1 are now available at the horsemen's office and race office at Batavia Downs. Please return them no later than Monday, November 20.

Batavia, NY, October 9, 2006 -

Batavia, NY, September 22, 2006 -

Within a few days, all USTA District 8 members will be receiving notice of the joint meeting of the 2006/2007 United States Trotting Association's District meeting and the Harness Horse Breeders Awards ceremonies. This year's meeting will be held on October 22 at Tioga Downs.Included with your notice will be a USTA director election ballot. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting and banquet dinner, and please remember to mail in your election ballot.

Sincerely,

Bruce Tubin
Chairman, District 8

Batavia, NY, September 13, 2006 -

Hamburg, NY, September 13, 2006 -

Batavia, NY, August 28, 2006 -

Vernon, NY, August 24, 2006 -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Harness Horse Association of Central New York, Inc.
Contact: Rick Papa, President
August 23, 2006
315-829-3872
 
Vernon, New York: The Harness Horse Association of Central New York, Inc. (HHACNY), the State-certified horsemen’s group at Vernon Downs Racetrack, is pleased to report that it has successfully negotiated a comprehensive horsemen’s agreement with Management at the track. This agreement ensures the resumption of live harness racing at Vernon Downs for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons under terms and conditions beneficial to all stakeholders, including the horsemen.

Some of the salient points are as follows:

The track will offer an abbreviated thirty (30) day race meet commencing on or about August 31, 2006. There is a guarantee of at least ninety (90) race dates in each of 2007 and 2008. A minimum of three (3) programs per week has been established.

The horsemen will receive 8.25% of video lottery terminal (VLT) revenue.

2006 purses are anticipated to approximately double those raced for in 2004.
Purses will increase even further in 2007 and 2008.
Purse money will be maintained in a secure, segregated account. Moreover, the Association will receive an accounting every two (2) weeks

Out-of-meet stall rent is capped at $100.00

The HHACNY will receive 6.5% from revenues to fund the association. This funding mechanism hopefully will permit the future establishment of a horsemen’s medical plan.

Improvements to the barn area will be made.

A race accident insurance policy will provide coverage of up to $100,000 per person (not per incident).

The allocation of purse money towards overnights and stakes will be subject to future board arbitration.

Additionally, the agreement provides that Management will under no circumstances discriminate against members or directors of HHACNY. Moreover, Management has agreed for the entire term of the agreement not to in any fashion promote or encourage a challenge to HHACNY’s status as the certified horsemen’s group.

Rick Papa, President of HHACNY, explained how the agreement was reached: “

Two groups truly receive all the accolades. One is the body of horsemen at Vernon who stuck together through some very bleak times, starting with the unprecedented bankruptcy of the Racetrack, and continuing through the long negotiating process. The horsemen’s support directly led to the result achieved today. The other group due accolades is the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, without whose patience and generous allocation of time in mediating the differences between the HHACNY and Management, this agreement would not have been achievable. Because of the tenacity and skills of Chairman Hogan, members Hoblock and Simoni, Executive Director Cansdale and the excellent staff, direct negotiations between Management and HHACNY were had, culminating in today’s terrific news.”

-30-

Hamburg, NY, August 9, 2006 -