When Marvin and Deb Buffalo claimed Loveaboveandbeyond for $5,500 at Assiniboia Downs in July 2024, they believed there was more to the mare than her form suggested. She had raced in Phoenix, Arizona, and shown herself to be somewhat competitive. “She had some really nice races early on in her career, so we knew she could definitely run,” they said. Watching her train in the mornings, they noticed she was tough to manage and always wanted to run off. For some, that might have been a concern, but for the Buffalos, it was an opportunity.
Those in the sport know that galloping racehorses is a craft, and one Marvin takes pride in. Deb explains, “Galloping is a skill that Marvin is very good at. So we felt perhaps once in our barn, maybe Marvin could get her to settle down.” What followed has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Now affectionately known as “Sticky,” Loveaboveandbeyond has won 11 of her first 14 starts since the claim, finishing no worse than second in 13 of them. She swept all six of her starts last winter at Turf Paradise to become the meet’s leading horse by wins, then shipped north for the Buffalo stable’s first full Alberta season and continued her winning ways, capturing the win in three of four starts. Back in Arizona for the 2025/2026 winter racing season, she has already added a second and two wins to her résumé, most recently in the winner’s circle after winning the 4th race, a one mile test on the turf, at Turf Paradise on February 23, adding $11,590 to her lifetime earnings total of $178,230.
“She’s an absolute beast,” they say. “She loves mints and she loves to run… period. We’re only there to tend to her needs!” Sticky has far outperformed what they initially hoped for. “She’s gone above and beyond what we ever dreamed she would. We are so thankful for her and what she’s done for us.”
For Marvin and Deb, horse racing is not just a profession but a lifestyle. Both grew up in racetrack families, and their operation reflects that foundation. They intentionally keep a small barn, one they can manage themselves. Marvin gallops every horse, and Deb ensures everything else runs smoothly. Their shedrow is quiet, organized, and professional, built on experience and daily attention to detail.
The 2025 season marked a major turning point. After more than 25 years of racing in Manitoba, the Buffalos made the decision to relocate their racing operations to Alberta full-time. It was not a decision made lightly. They had shipped in to race during fall meets in previous years and always felt welcome, appreciating how the racetrack was operated. Still, moving on from the province where they had spent more than two decades racing was a significant step.
“We were looking for a long-term move. It was a big decision for us as we had raced in Manitoba for over 25 years. But it’s turned into a decision we are very pleased with.”
Some longtime owners stayed with them through the transition, and new Alberta owners have since joined the stable. The Buffalos have also backed up their commitment with investment in Alberta racing. They participated in the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Alberta’s Racehorse Procurement Incentive Program (RPIP), funded by Horse Racing Alberta, to support claiming horses, and added a yearling to their barn from the 2025 CTHS Alberta Yearling Sale.
“We feel if we are going to race in Alberta, we should have some Alberta-breds.”
Beyond purchasing, they are investing in breeding. Their stakes-winning mare Spitten Kitten was bred to Highfield Stock Farm’s Tapiture and is currently in Alberta, due to foal in March. “To say we’re excited about this is an understatement.”
For a barn that builds much of its roster through claiming, Alberta’s incentive structure plays a meaningful role. “The incentives were, and continue to be, very important to us. We claim a good part of our stable each year so having the incentives is very beneficial.”
The Buffalos have already claimed three horses this winter, along with a yearling filly purchased at the 2025 Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Sale. They hope to claim a few more before heading north, carefully building for the season ahead.
Each win carries weight in a humble, hands-on operation. When asked if they had a favourite victory from 2025, Deb answered thoughtfully: “Each win for us is always very special, as we put everything we have into each of our horses. However, when a two-year-old wins, it’s extra special.”
That made the first-out victory of Run As One particularly meaningful. Purchased for $3,500 at the 2024 Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Fall Mixed Sale, she was started under saddle by Marvin himself and rewarded the barn with a maiden special weight win in her debut at Century Mile.
As for Sticky, the challenge now is finding the right level as her conditions change. Most trainers would agree that it is a good problem to have. From a $5,500 claim to a consistent performer across two jurisdictions, her journey reflects what can happen when opportunity meets experience.
As the Buffalos look ahead to another Alberta race season, their commitment feels firmly rooted. “We’re really looking forward to returning this year, and to our racing future in Alberta.”
Spring training returns to Century Mile Racetrack and Casino in March, with live racing beginning Saturday, May 2nd, 2026. For more information on Horse Racing Alberta-funded programs for Thoroughbreds, visit the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society of Alberta or the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Alberta.
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