MGM Yonkers Raceway, in association with the Standardbred Owners Association of New York, has introduced a bonus program for new horses racing at the New York half-mile oval over the next few months.
Any horse which has not made a pari-mutuel start at Yonkers Raceway as of May 17, 2026 will be eligible to receive a $2,400 USD ($800 USD per start) bonus payment if they race at least three times between May 18 and Aug. 21 of this year. While they do not need to be consecutive, horses must make three starts during the prescribed period and be sent out by a track-approved trainer to be eligible. The $2,400 USD bonus will only be released upon completion of the third start. Stakes races are excluded from this program.
Should a new horse arrive at Yonkers and get claimed in their initial start, the original owner will get an $800 USD bonus. If a horse is claimed again in its second start, the owner who entered the horse will get the $800 USD and subsequently, the new owner will get the $800 USD for the third start. Additionally, if a horse is claimed in its second start, the original owner will get $1,600 USD and the new owner will get $800 USD after the horse races a third start.
The bonus program is being offered in an effort to increase the horse population and wagering options for patrons while at the same time rewarding owners and trainers for supporting Yonkers' overnight program.
“We are continually looking for ways to improve the racing product at Yonkers,” said Joe Frasure, Racing Secretary at Yonkers. “Joe [Faraldo] and I developed this plan with the help of DRF Harness’ Derick Giwner, who had the idea that a bonus program, to offset the costs of shipping to our location at a time when gas and other prices are soaring, could benefit our horse population.”
Anyone with questions about the new program can call the Yonkers race office at 914-457-2627.
Yonkers is currently operating on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday live racing schedule with post time at 6:45 p.m., except on Saturdays when it is 3:30 p.m.
(With files from Yonkers Raceway)