Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts announces its 2021 racing season for Yonkers Raceway, with Opening Day scheduled for Monday (Jan. 11), pending approval by the New York State Gaming Commission.

The 234-day season includes a stakes schedule featuring the return of the MGM Borgata Pacing Series, Blue Chip Matchmaker Series, and two Triple Crown events — the MGM Yonkers Trot and MGM Grand Messenger Stakes — all of which were cancelled last year as a result of the pandemic.

Yonkers will offer live harness racing Monday through Friday, as Saturday race cards have been moved to Wednesday. Nightly post time is 7:15 p.m.

Racing fans will enjoy wagering changes as well. Yonkers Raceway will reduce the takeout rate on Pick-4 and Pick-5 races from 25 per cent to 20 per cent to the benefit of bettors. A one-dollar Pick-6 wager is also being added.

“We are pleased to be able to lower the takeout rate on these popular multi-race wagers to the lowest levels allowed by the state,” said Alex Dadoyan, director of racing at Yonkers Raceway.

State regulations continue to require races to be contested without fans in attendance, with only essential personnel and owners permitted on the track and required to adhere to strict health and safety protocols.

Races are simulcast and available for viewing and wagering online at www.EmpireCityBets.com. Racing fans can create a free account and view live racing at Yonkers Raceway and tracks across the country.

For more information on the race schedule, please visit www.EmpireCityCasino.com.

(Yonkers Raceway)