Yonkers: Live racing resumes on Friday; Sears will drive

Yonkers Raceway kicks off their 2013 live racing action this Friday (Jan. 11) with a 12-race card and perhaps a new regular driver.

Brian Sears, who is listed on numerous horses on the Friday card and was a regular at the Yonkers, NY oval during December, hasn’t driven since the track closed back on December 22. His absence at the Meadowlands for their first two weekends of action has led to multiple rumors that he may elect to spend much of his time at Yonkers while showing up at the Meadowlands only for stakes races.

While no one can predict the future, Sears will drive on Friday at Yonkers and is scheduled to compete in the majority of the races.

If Sears, who was unavailable for comment, elected to become a more permanent fixture in the Yonkers driving colony, he would join an already strong group of drivers led by George Brennan and Jason Bartlett. Others competing regularly at the track are Hall of Famer Cat Manzi, Brett Holand, Jordan Stratton, Eric Goodell and Larry Stalbaum.

Friday’s seasonal opener is highlighted by an Open Pace for mares and an Open Trot. The $35,000 co-features are slated as races six and eight on the program.

Starting January 14, Yonkers Raceway will resume their normal Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday schedule through December 21. The only exceptions come in June, when the track will be dark from the June 2 through June 13, and Thanksgiving Day.

The George Morton Levy Memorial Series for older pacers, the Art Rooney and Messenger for 3-year-old colt pacers, and the Yonkers Trot for 3-year-olds will be the usual marquee events on the calendar.

Post time at Yonkers Raceway is 7:10 PM.