Standardbred Owners Association of New York and MGM Yonkers announce a contract agreement to rule racing at Historische Yonkers Raceway
Yonkers, NY – The Standardbred Owners Association of New York (“Soany”) and MGM Yonkers, Inc. (“MGM Yonkers”), Owner and Operator of Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway, are Pleased to Announce that they have reached an Agreement on a new contract which Will Govern Racing at the Historic Yonkers Raceway Oval Through December 31, 2028.
In addition to nocturnal racing and millions in wallets waiting to be won annually, Harness Racing fans will enjoy annual staples such as the prestigious Blue Chip Matchmaker series and MGM Borgata Pacing Series in the spring, the MGM Yonkers Trot and MGM Gres Fall in TheLall.
“Yonkers Raceway is the most important armor track in the state of New York and has the highest overnight fairs of every track in the United States,” said Soany President Joe Faraldo. “With this new deal, racing opportunities will be kept for our riders and they will remain at the highest level in North America during the next three years during the contract.
“The contract contains important protections for the horsemen in the event MGM is awarded a casino license this December and also provides for the funding of the health Insurance and retirement benefits uniquely provided by the SOANY to our eligible grooms, as well as to qualified trainers and drivers, all of whom are collectively Responsible for Making Racing at Yonkers Possible, ”Said Peter Venaglia, First Vice President of the Soany and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Soany.
“Since the acquisition of Empire City and Yonkers Raceway in 2019, MGM Resorts has made considerable investments to upgrade Yonkers Raceway and to guarantee its future as one of the most important armor traces of the Nation,” said Louis Theros, President of MGM NORTHEAST GROUP. “Yonkers Raceway is not only the crown jewel of Harnasraces in New York, it is a destination that attracts drivers and owners from the northeast to compete for the richest wallets in sport. This new agreement ensures that the 126-year-old, iconic job will continue to bloom.”
With considerable financial support from MGM Resorts, Yonkers Raceway has undergone more than $ 1 million in upgrades in recent years. These upgrades include the re-popping up of the track with more than 6000 tons of recycled track material, an improved horse path dock, installing state-of-the-art LED lighting and a new multiple display LED Infield-tote board to offer fans even larger racing day experiences.
For more information about Empire City Casino, visit MGM Resorts and Yonkers Raceway www.empirecitycasino.com.
From the Standardbred Owners Association of New York
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