When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the shutdown of live harness racing and simulcasting at Yonkers Raceway for three months in 2020, the future seemed very much uncertain.
Nearly a year after the return of live racing, with the go-ahead from New York State officials, management at the Westchester County oval is pleased to announce that not only are fans permitted on the track apron but also inside the facility.
The doors reopened for simulcasting inside on Thursday, July 15 and patrons were invited back to the spacious fourth-floor with ample betting windows, seating and exceptional views of the half-mile track during live racing. Simulcasting is available seven-days-a-week starting at noon from Wednesday to Sunday and at 6:00 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. Up to 24 tracks are available daily for wagering.
"We went 15 months without any racing fans on property and a full year of live racing with no spectators. It was such a relief to welcome our racing people back on-site last month and the one question everyone asked was: ‘When is the 4th floor going to open?’ That day came last week and it was just a great feeling to return another element of our racing product,” said Director of Racing Alex Dadoyan.
The return of indoor simulcasting comes on the heels of the June 9 welcoming back of racing fans to the historic Yonkers Raceway oval. Via the track apron, fans have been able to enjoy world-class racing over the last few weeks including the kick-off legs of both $500,000 Triple Crown events — the MGM Grand Messenger Pace and MGM Yonkers Trot.
Stakes action continues throughout the summer at Yonkers with five more legs of the New York Sire Stakes culminating in the $1.8 million Night of Champions on Friday, September 10. The top point earners in each of the divisions for two- and three-year-olds will compete in eight $225,000 finals.
Yonkers Raceway is open for live racing Monday to Friday with a first-race post-time of 7:15 p.m.
(Yonkers)