Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts has announced the date is set for the annual Legislative Pace. New York State Senators and Assembly Members have circled Friday, Sept. 20 on their busy calendars for what is typically dubbed “The Hottest Political Race of the Year.”
The Legislative Pace will give legislators the reins as they compete for bragging rights in what has become an ultra-competitive, yet friendly, must-see harness racing event at Yonkers Raceway hosted by Empire City and the Standardbred Owners Association of New York (SOANY).
The event has been held annually, with the exception of 2020, allowing New York State legislators to participate in before-the-card non-wagering harness races, holding the reins in double-seated jog carts alongside professional harness drivers. Each race consists of two turns around Yonkers Raceway’s historic half-mile oval.
The legislative line-up for the 2024 Legislative Pace includes State Senators Jamaal Bailey (D-Bronx) and Nathalia Fernandez (D-Bronx/Westchester), State Assembly Members George Alvarez (D-Bronx), Jacob Blumencranz (R-Nassau/Suffolk), Karl Brabanec (R-Orange/Rockland), Brian Cunningham (D-Brooklyn), Landon Dais (D-Bronx), Joe DeStefano (R-Suffolk), Eddie Gibbs (D-Bronx), Dana Levenberg (D-Westchester/Putnam), Nader Sayegh (D-Westchester), Amanda Septimo (D-Bronx), Michaelle Solages (D-Nassau), Clyde Vanel (D-Queens), Latrice Walker (D-Brooklyn), Jaime Williams (D-Brooklyn) and Stefani Zinerman (D-Brooklyn).
“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 will experience the more than $1 million investment MGM Resorts has made in the historic 125-year-old track to enhance the racing experience. The upgrades are the first in more than 15 years and 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.”
Key highlights of past Legislative Pace events include a near Bronx sweep in 2019 with wins by Senator Jamaal T. Bailey (D-Bronx), who is competing again this year, former Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo (D-Bronx) and Assembly Member Michael Benedetto (D-Bronx). Spoiling the Bronx sweep was now seven-time winner, Assembly Racing and Gaming Chair J. Gary Pretlow (D-Westchester), who is not racing this year but will cheer on his colleagues trackside. In 2022, Senator Bailey won his second race to avenge a nail-biting loss the prior year. Senator Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Queens), Chair of the Senate Racing and Gaming Committee, also emerged victorious in his 2022 heat. In 2023, Assembly Member Joe DeStefano (R-Suffolk) became a two-time winner and this year, Assembly Member Karl Brabanec (R-Orange/Rockland) hopes to repeat his big win in 2023.
“I look forward to being present at Empire City Casino’s annual Legislative Pace event alongside my colleagues,” said New York State Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee Chair J. Gary Pretlow. “It will be another memorable year with so much fun and a competitive spirit from all the participants.”
Live racing continues at Yonkers Raceway Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with a first race post time of 6:55 p.m. Races are simulcast and available for viewing and wagering online at empirecitybets.com where racing fans can create a free account and view live racing at Yonkers Raceway and tracks across the country.
(Yonkers Raceway)