It wasn’t quite the same as Christopher Columbus landing in the new world, but right around 9:30 a.m. on Monday (Oct. 8), an oversized horse trailer discovered Yonkers Raceway.
The contents of said trailer were six overseas trotters set to compete in Saturday afternoon’s (Oct. 13) $1 million Yonkers International Trot at Empire City Casino.
The three stallions — Lionel (Norway), Ringostarr Treb (Italy) and Up And Quick (France) — set up shop in the Raceway’s Old Glory Building, getting the lay of the land. The three geldings — Arazi Boko (Italy), Pastore Bob (Sweden) and Slide So Easy (Denmark) — were headed to New Jersey farms.
All 10 of the participants in the 40th International — the others being Ariana G (United States), Cruzado Dela Noche (Sweden), Marion Marauder (Canada) and Will Take Charge (Canada) — are due at the Raceway by 9 a.m. Friday (Oct. 12).
The 1-1/4 mile trotting classic is augmented by a pair of $250,000 Invitationals, giveaways, contests, international-themed food and drink, live music, and more. There is also a special all-stakes Pick 4 wager with Yonkers (races 7 and 8) and Belmont (Pebbles and Floral Park).
In a change from the original race layout, the Dan Rooney Invitational — led by Bit of a Legend N, Lazarus N and McWicked—moved from the sixth race to race 11.
The Saturday card shall be drawn Monday afternoon, save for the International, which is to be drawn Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 9) at a midtown luncheon.
(Yonkers Raceway)