Yonkers Raceway's annual Legislative Pace was contested last week on Friday, Sept. 20 with New York State lawmakers taking the reins to compete for bragging rights in what has become an ultra-competitive, yet friendly, must-see harness racing event hosted by Empire City and the Standardbred Owners Association of New York (SOANY).

New York State legislators participated in the annual before-the-card, non-wagering harness races, holding the reins in double-seated jog carts alongside professional harness drivers. Each race consisted of two turns around Yonkers Raceway’s historic half-mile track.

The competition was stiff as several New York State legislators participated with returning champions looking for a repeat visit to the winner’s circle, including Assembly Members Joe DeStefano (R-Suffolk) and Karl Brabanec (R-Orange/Rockland). 

However, this year, all four races were captured by first-time winners representing the Bronx and Long Island. Those who enjoyed the sweet taste of victory included Assembly Member Amanda Septimo (D-Bronx), Assembly Member Eddie Gibbs (D-Bronx), Assembly Member Jacob Blumencranz (R-Nassau/Suffolk) and Assembly Member Michaelle Solages (D-Nassau).

“The annual Legislative Pace event presents legislators with the opportunity for lighthearted, friendly competition along with the thrill of close interactions with the horses,” said New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. “As the Chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, I appreciate having the opportunity to bring attention to the harness racing industry as part of our steadfast commitment to meeting the needs of the horses, riders, trainers and owners.” 

Legislative Pace participants also experienced the more than $1 million USD investment MGM Resorts has made in the historic 125-year-old track to enhance the racing experience. Track upgrades, the first in more than 15 years, include a resurfaced and regraded track that raised the turns as much as a foot, upgraded track lighting to an LED system, a resurfaced paddock and a new state-of-the-art toteboard with video capabilities.

“Not only has the Legislative Pace become a highly anticipated and fun evening for legislators, but more importantly this event allows members of the State Assembly and State Senate to experience racing firsthand and learn more about its importance to agriculture and the state’s economy,” said Joseph Faraldo, president of the SOANY, which represents horsemen at Yonkers Raceway. “Our industry creates tens of thousands of jobs and generates billions of dollars each year, and we are thrilled that so many legislators want to be involved in harness racing and learn more.”

Live harness racing continues at Yonkers Raceway on Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday evenings with a first-race post time of 7 p.m.

(With files from Yonkers Raceway; Photo, from left to right, of New York State Assembly Members Eddie Gibbs, Stefani Zinerman, Amanda Septimo, Michaelle Solages, J. Gary Pretlow, Latrice Walker, and Landon Dais)