When MGM Yonkers Raceway created a bonus program to lure new horses to the New York track, few could have anticipated such a large turnout.
From May 18 to Aug. 21 this year, 355 new horses made their way to Yonkers to compete at the half-mile oval for the first time in 2026.
The program awarded $2,400 USD to any new horses which started at least three times at Yonkers during the three-month period. A total of 189 horses qualified for the bonus program, which resulted in a combined total payout of $453,600 USD to owners which took advantage of the plan.
Created in tandem by Yonkers Race Secretary Joe Frasure, Standardbred Owners Association of New York President Joe Faraldo and the track's Daily Racing Form partner Derick Giwner as a way to increase the horse population, the program was heralded as a resounding success by track management.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better response,” said Frasure. “We may even do it again in the fall.”
Yonkers is currently offering live racing on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday, with post time at 6:45 p.m. every night except Saturday when post time is 3:30 p.m. There will be no live racing on Friday, Sept. 11 and post time on Sept. 12 is 11:50 a.m.
(With files from Yonkers Raceway)