Yonkers Raceway distributes nearly $500K in bonuses

When MGM Yonkers Raceway created a bonus program to lure new horses to the track, few could have anticipated such a large turnout. From May 18 to August 21 this year, 355 new horses made their way to Yonkers to compete at the New York half-mile track for the first time in 2026.

The program, which awarded $2,400 to any new horses which started at least three times at MGM Yonkers Raceway during the three-month period, saw 189 horses qualify. That total produced a $453,600 payout to owners which took advantage of the plan.

Created in tandem by Race Secretary Joe Frasure, SOA of NY President Joe Faraldo and DRF’s Derick Giwner as a way to increase the horse population, the program was a resounding success.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better response,” said Frasure. “We may even do it again in the fall.”

MGM Yonkers Raceway is currently offering live racing on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday, with post time at 6:45 p.m. (EDT) every night except Saturday when post time is 3:30 p.m. There will be no live racing on Friday, September 11 and post time on September 12 is 11:50 a.m.

From Yonkers Raceway