MGM Yonkers Raceway is set to kick off its 2026 harness racing meet on Monday, Jan. 19 with some important changes.
Condition sheets for the first week are available, and those entering are advised there are double draws for the Monday, Jan. 19 and Tuesday, Jan. 20 programs on Thursday, Jan. 15 as well as the Wednesday, Jan. 21 and Thursday, Jan. 22 cards on Friday, Jan. 16. The entry box will close at 9 a.m. both days.
A major change for the meet is the implementation of a rule for drivers that will prohibit second quarters of 30 seconds or more. Penalties for violation are as follows:
- First violation: warning
- Second violation: $500 USD fine
- Third violation: suspension for three Yonkers race days
- Fourth violation: suspension for five Yonkers race days
- Fifth violation: suspension for 10 Yonkers race days
- Sixth violation and beyond: suspension for 20 Yonkers race days
“We are seriously trying to add some measures to help protect our betting public and make the races as interesting as possible,” said Joe Frasure, Racing Secretary at Yonkers, in reference to the implementation of the new rules.
One wagering change will occur in the late Pick 4. The wager will switch from a $2 minimum to a $1 minimum.
The stakes season at Yonkers kicks off on March 27 with the renamed Ursula McIntyre Pacing Series. Formerly known as the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series, the event now honours Ursula McIntyre, who worked at Yonkers Raceway for more than 30 years, spending much of that time as personal assistant to former owner Tim Rooney. When MGM took over, she became Racing Manager and was a vital cog in the operation of the track. She retired in 2025.
To start the meet, live harness racing will take place on a Monday through Friday schedule with post time at 6:45 p.m.
(With files from Yonkers Raceway)