The thunder of hooves on dirt, the roar of the crowd under bright lights, the strategic dance between driver and horse—this is the electrifying world of Horse Racing Yonkers Ny. Just a stone’s throw from the heart of New York City, Yonkers Raceway at Empire City Casino stands as a monumental pillar of American harness racing. For over a century, this historic half-mile track has been a battleground for champions, a stage for legends, and a beloved destination for fans seeking the unique thrill that only live horse racing can provide. It’s a place where history is not just remembered; it’s relived every race night.
A Legacy Forged in Hoofbeats: The History of Yonkers Raceway
The story of Yonkers Raceway is a journey through American history itself. Founded in 1899, it first opened as the Empire City Trotting Club, a vision of copper magnate William H. Clark. The inaugural race day drew an impressive 12,000 spectators, signaling the start of a long and storied legacy. While its roots are firmly in harness racing, the track experienced a significant period of thoroughbred racing from 1907 to 1942. During this golden era, the legendary Seabiscuit graced the Yonkers oval, winning more stake races there than at any other track.
In 1943, the track returned to its harness racing origins, and in 1950, it was officially reborn as Yonkers Raceway. This marked the beginning of a meteoric rise. Under new leadership, the track underwent major renovations and quickly became a premier destination, setting records for attendance and wagering handle. In 1954, it became the first harness track to handle over $2 million in a single night, a testament to its exploding popularity. After being owned by the Rooney family for decades, the facility was acquired by MGM Resorts International in 2019, securing its future and blending its rich racing heritage with world-class gaming and entertainment.
Not Jockeys, but Drivers: Understanding Harness Racing
For those new to the scene, the style of racing at Yonkers is a captivating spectacle. This isn’t the thoroughbred racing seen at the Kentucky Derby, with small jockeys perched atop galloping horses. This is Standardbred harness racing, where horses pull a driver in a two-wheeled cart called a sulky.
The Standardbred athletes are bred for their specific gait and temperament. They compete in one of two ways:
- Pacing: A lateral gait where the horse moves both legs on the same side of its body forward at the same time. This is the faster of the two gaits.
- Trotting: A diagonal gait where the horse’s front leg on one side and hind leg on the opposite side move forward simultaneously.
Drivers, unlike jockeys, sit directly behind the horse and use their reins, skill, and strategy to guide their horse to victory around the tight half-mile oval. It is an art form that requires immense precision and a deep connection between human and equine athlete, making for incredibly compelling and tactical races.
A dramatic night shot of a harness race at Yonkers Raceway, with horses and sulkies mid-race under bright track lights, capturing the motion and excitement.
The Crown Jewels of Yonkers: Major Racing Events
Yonkers Raceway is home to some of the most prestigious events in the sport, attracting the best horses and drivers from across North America. These races are not just competitions; they are chapters in the annals of harness racing history.
The Yonkers Trot: A Quest for the Triple Crown
Arguably the most famous event held at the track, the Yonkers Trot is the first leg of the Trotting Triple Crown. First run in 1955, this race for three-year-old trotters is a supreme test of speed and stamina. Winning the Yonkers Trot is a career-defining achievement and the first step toward immortal glory for any trotter aiming to capture the coveted Triple Crown.
The Messenger Stakes: Pacing for Glory
The counterpart to the trotters, the Messenger Stakes is one of the founding jewels of the Pacing Triple Crown. This race pits the finest three-year-old pacers against each other in a high-speed showdown. The history and prestige associated with the Messenger Stakes make it a must-see event, where raw power and blazing speed are on full display.
The Art Rooney Pace and New York Night of Champions
Beyond the Triple Crown events, Yonkers hosts other marquee races. The Art Rooney Pace is another premier event for three-year-old pacers, honoring one of the legends of the sport. Furthermore, the New York Night of Champions is a massive event that showcases the best New York-sired horses, celebrating the strength and quality of the state’s breeding programs across various age groups and gaits.
How Do You Bet on Horses at Yonkers Raceway?
Placing a wager is a core part of the racetrack experience, adding a layer of personal excitement to every race. For newcomers, the process can seem intimidating, but it’s quite simple once you know the basics. The most straightforward bets are:
- Win: You’re betting on your chosen horse to finish in first place.
- Place: Your horse must finish in first or second place. The payout is less than a win bet, but you have a better chance of cashing your ticket.
- Show: Your horse must finish in first, second, or third place. This offers the highest probability of winning, but with the smallest payout.
For those feeling more adventurous, “exotic” wagers involve betting on multiple horses in a single race. An Exacta requires you to pick the first two finishers in the correct order, while a Trifecta challenges you to pick the top three in exact order. These bets are harder to win but offer significantly larger payouts. Before placing a bet, grab a program. It’s filled with valuable information on the horses, drivers, and their past performances to help you make an informed choice.
The Modern Racetrack Experience at Empire City Casino
Today, a trip to Yonkers Raceway offers much more than just horse racing. As part of the Empire City Casino, it’s a full-fledged entertainment destination. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options, from casual trackside snacks to more upscale restaurants. The complex boasts a massive gaming floor with over 5,000 slot machines and electronic table games, creating a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere. This “racino” model blends the classic thrill of the track with the modern excitement of a casino, ensuring there’s something for everyone and making it a perfect venue for a complete night out.
Frequently Asked Questions about Horse Racing in Yonkers
What kind of horse racing is at Yonkers?
Yonkers Raceway exclusively features Standardbred harness racing, where horses pull a driver in a two-wheeled cart called a sulky.
What is the biggest race held at Yonkers Raceway?
The track hosts several major races, but the most prestigious are the Yonkers Trot, which is the first leg of the Trotting Triple Crown, and the Messenger Stakes, a leg of the Pacing Triple Crown.
Can you bet on the races online?
Yes, wagering on Yonkers Raceway’s races is available on most major online horse betting platforms, often referred to as advanced deposit wagering (ADW) sites.
Is Yonkers Raceway a family-friendly destination?
While the casino floor is restricted to adults, the racetrack and grandstand area are generally open to all ages. It can be a fun experience for families to watch the horses, though betting is restricted to those of legal age.
How old do you have to be to bet on horses in New York?
You must be 18 years of age or older to place a bet on horse racing in New York State.
A Tradition of Thrills
Yonkers Raceway is more than just a venue for sport; it’s a living, breathing piece of American racing culture. It’s a place where the legends of the past, like Seabiscuit, still echo in the grandstand, and where new champions are crowned under the modern glow of casino lights. The unique challenge of the half-mile track and the sheer excitement of harness racing offer an unforgettable experience. For anyone seeking the authentic thrill of horse racing in Yonkers NY, a visit to this iconic track is a journey into the heart of the sport.
