Yonkers Raceway
Yonkers Raceway is one of the East Coast's most popular harness racing facilities.
Located at Central and Yonkers Avenues in Yonkers, New York, Yonkers Raceway has been the home of the historic Empire City Trotting Club since 1899.
The race showcases the "best of the best" among 2 and 3-year olds of both sexes and gaits.
The New York Night of Champions began at Yonkers Raceway in 1991 and has been hosted there ever since.
A Brief History of Yonkers Raceway
In 1899, the track opened as Empire City Trotting Club. It was built at a cost of US $780,000 by copper magnate William H. Clark and grocery tycoon James Butler; the actual construction was done by Seth Griffin. Opening day, September 4, drew 12,000 patrons.
Here are more of Yonkers Raceway's historical highlights:
The track was dark from 1900 to 1906 but reopened in 1907 offering thoroughbred racing. It would become a fixture up to 1942. Major stakes such as the Empire City and Westchester Handicaps attracted the top runners of the era, including Seabiscuit, Discovery, and Questionnaire.
Pari-mutuel wagering was legalized in 1940. The Westchester track was enlarged and improved at a cost of $600,000. A new building for pari-mutuel machines was created at the end of the grandstand.
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Harness racing returned in 1943, where the Hambletonian was held that year. Volo Song, with Ben White at the controls, won the prestigious event.
In 1950, the track took on major renovations under direction of William H. Cane, the 'Father of the Hambletonian'. The facility was renamed Yonkers Raceway. A half-mile oval replaced its one-mile predecessor. The venue reopened April 27, 1950 to 21,178 patrons who wagered $688,009. Yonkers achieved the first $1 million handle in trotting history on May 20, 1950. Crowds averaged 14,766 and wagered $688,335 per night over 73 programs that year.
In 1954, Yonkers Raceway became the first harness facility to top $2 million in handle in a single night.
In 1955, the Trotting Triple Crown originated with the Yonkers Trot. The Trot conceived to complement the Hambletonian and Kentucky Futurity. The first Cane Pace was also held in that same year.
In 1962, Yonkers Raceway became the first harness track to top the $3 million handle mark for a single night. It achieved this mark on the night of November 30. A crowd of 35,677 wagered an amazing $3,191,020 on that unforgettable evening.
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On December 15, 1969, Yonkers Raceway achieved its highest ever single-night handle - $3,220,686.
In 1990, the 'Hubless Rail' consisting of two-foot Styrofoam pylons, was installed at Yonkers on September 10.
In 1993, Silver Almahurst (Jim Morrill Jr.) set a world record on a half-mile track by capturing the George Morton Levy Memorial Final on April 24 in a sizzling 1:50:4. American Winner (Ron Pierce) set a new Yonkers Trot record on July 10 by capturing the first jewel in the Trotting Triple Crown in 1:56:2. This mark also set a new Yonkers Raceway track record. On August 14, the USA's Giant Force captured the 35th International Trot in 2:27, a world record for the mile and 1/4 distance.
In 1996, Yonkers Raceway "stretched the stretch", elongating the homestretch by 50 percent from 440 feet to its present 660 feet.
In 1997, Yonkers Raceway underwent a dramatic facelift. That same year, Western Dreamer won the Raceway's final Cane Pace en route to capturing the sport's first Pacing Triple Crown since Ralph Hanover some 14 years earlier.
In 1998, driver Walter Case Jr. won 978 races at Yonkers, smashing the record for the most wins by one driver at one track in a single year. Case's 1,076 total wins also set a single-season standard.
In 1999, Yonkers Raceway celebrated its centennial with grand festivities.
In the early 2000s, Yonkers Raceway solidified its status as North America's premier half-mile harness track, with signature events such as the George Morton Levy Memorial Pace and the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series continuing to grow in prestige and purse value.
In 2006, Empire City Casino opened at Yonkers Raceway, introducing video lottery terminals and providing a major financial boost to harness racing purses and long-term track stability.
Throughout the 2010s, Yonkers Raceway consistently ranked among the leading harness tracks in North America in total handle and nightly wagering, while producing some of the fastest half-mile performances in the sport's history.
In 2019, MGM Resorts International acquired Empire City Casino, bringing Yonkers Raceway under MGM ownership and marking a new chapter in its operational history.
In 2020, Yonkers Raceway temporarily suspended live racing due to the COVID-19 pandemic before resuming operations under enhanced health and safety protocols.
After the pandemic, Yonkers Raceway remained a cornerstone of American harness racing while continuing facility upgrades and development alongside its casino operations.
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Last 10 Winners of the Messenger Stakes (Triple Crown Race)
| Year | Horse Name | Driver | Age/Breed | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Twisted Destiny | Dexter Dunn | 3 Year Old Standardbred Pacer | 1:51 2/5 |
| 2024 | Sweet Beach Life | Tyler Buter | 3 Year Old Standardbred Pacer | 1:53 1/5 |
| 2023 | Captain Batboy | Jordan Stratton | 3 Year Old Standardbred Pacer | 1:57 4/5 |
| 2022 | Pleaseletmeknow | Matt Kakaley | 3 Year Old Standardbred Pacer | 1:51 3/5 |
| 2021 | American Courage | Matt Kakaley | 3 Year Old Standardbred Pacer | 1:51 2/5 |
| 2020 | Race Cancelled Due to COVID-19 | |||
| 2019 | American Mercury | Tyler Buter | 3 Year Old Standardbred Pacer | 1:51 3/5 |
| 2018 | Stay Hungry | Doug McNair | 3 Year Old Standardbred Pacer | 1:52 1/5 |
| 2017 | Downbytheseaside | Brian Sears | 3 Year Old Standardbred Pacer | 1:52 1/5 |
| 2016 | Racing Hill | Brett Miller | 3 Year Old Standardbred Pacer | 1:53 0/0 |
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Top Five Winningest Drivers in Yonkers Raceway
Jason Bartlett - Yonkers Raceway's Dominant Driver
Jason Bartlett is one of the most successful and accomplished drivers in Yonkers Raceway history, known for his remarkable consistency and longevity in harness racing. He has captured at least 13 leading driver titles at Yonkers, making him one of the most dominant forces on the track in modern times. In January 2025, Bartlett celebrated his 11,000th career win, joining an elite group of North American harness drivers with such a milestone. Throughout his career, he has guided horses to over $160 million in purses and continues to rank among the top drivers in the sport. Renowned for his expertise on half-mile tracks like Yonkers, Bartlett has repeatedly led the track's standings, solidifying his legacy in harness racing.
Walter Case Jr. - Legendary Yonkers Raceway Record-Setter
Walter Case Jr. is a legendary harness racing driver, best remembered for his historic single-season wins record. In 1998, Case won an astonishing 978 races at Yonkers Raceway in a single year, contributing to a record-breaking total of 1,076 overall wins that season. This achievement set the all-time record for most wins in a calendar year at the time and remains one of the most impressive feats in North American harness racing history. Case's dominance at Yonkers exemplifies his exceptional talent and enduring impact on the sport.
Yannick Gingras - Hall of Fame Yonkers Raceway Driver
Yannick Gingras, a Hall of Fame driver, is among the most successful figures in North American harness racing. He began his U.S. driving career at Yonkers Raceway, quickly claiming the fall driving title early on. Over his career, Gingras has amassed more than 8,000 wins and earned over $230 million in purses, along with numerous major stakes victories, including 24 Breeders Crown trophies. While he later shifted his base to Meadowlands, his early success at Yonkers was pivotal in shaping his illustrious career and establishing him as one of the top drivers in harness racing.
Catello "Catman" Manzi - Yonkers Raceway Hall of Famer
Catello "Catman" Manzi, another Hall of Fame driver, has accumulated 14,812 career wins, placing him among the all-time leading drivers in harness racing. He achieved multiple victories in the prestigious Yonkers Trot, highlighting his skill on the track's half-mile layout. At one point, Manzi ranked third all-time in career wins and fourth in earnings, with success in numerous major stakes races. His remarkable career at Yonkers Raceway and beyond cements his place as one of harness racing's legendary drivers.
George Brennan - Modern Yonkers Raceway Leader
George Brennan is one of the top drivers in modern harness racing and a frequent contender at Yonkers Raceway. He has recorded hundreds of wins at Yonkers and consistently ranks among the track's leading drivers each season. Brennan reached the milestone of 11,000 career wins, underscoring his long-term success in the sport. Known for his skill, consistency, and competitive drive, Brennan has earned multiple major stakes victories and remains a dominant force at Yonkers, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier drivers in North America.
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Yonkers Raceway Track Facts
- Area: 97.4 acres
- Track: One-half mile oval. Open Stretch. No Hubrail.
- Surface: Limestone screenings
- Speed Rating: 2:00
- Length of Homestretch: 660'
- Width of Homestretch: 98'
- Starters Behind the Gate: 8
- Seating: Clubhouse Capacity 7,500
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