Yonkers: Bonus program announced to attract new horses
MGM Yonkers Raceway, in association with the Standardbred Owners Association of New York, is proud to announce a new program aimed at increasing the horse population and wagering options for its patrons while at the same time rewarding owners and trainers for supporting the best overnight program in the country in terms of purses.
Any horse which has not made a pari-mutuel start at MGM Yonkers Raceway as of May 17, 2026 will be eligible to receive a $2,400 ($800 per start) bonus payment if they race at least three times between May 18 and August 21 of this year. While they do not need to be consecutive, horses must make three starts during the prescribed period and be sent out by a track-approved trainer to be eligible. The $2,400 bonus will only be released upon completion of the third start. Stakes races are excluded from this promotion.
Should a new horse arrive at MGM Yonkers and get claimed in their initial start, the original owner will get an $800 bonus. If a horse is claimed again in its second start, the owner who entered the horse will get the $800 and subsequently, the new owner will get the $800 for the third start. Additionally, if a horse is claimed in its second start, the original owner will get $1,600 and the new owner will get $800 after the horse races a third start.
“We are continually looking for ways to improve the racing product at Yonkers,” said Racing Secretary Joe Frasure. “Joe [Faraldo] and I developed this plan with the help of DRF Harness’ Derick Giwner, who had the idea that a bonus program to offset the costs of shipping to our location at a time when gas and other prices are soaring, could benefit our horse population.”
Anyone with questions about the new program can call the race office at (914) 457-2627.
MGM Yonkers Raceway is currently operating on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday live racing schedule with post time at 6:45 p.m. (EDT) except on Saturdays when it is 3:30 p.m. (EDT).
-release (Yonkers Raceway media)