Historic 126th racing season begins at iconic Yonkers Raceway

The iconic Yonkers Raceway marks the beginning of its historic 126th racing season on Jan. 20.

Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts is proud to unveil the first half of its action-packed 2025 racing schedule, featuring a total of 240 race days – more than any other racetrack in the country. Fans can look forward to thrilling harness racing, five days a week, at the renowned half-mile track, which will see over 80 equine athletes compete nightly.

Season highlights include the first five legs of the prestigious Blue Chip Matchmaker Series and MGM Borgata Pacing Series in the spring, along with the highly anticipated $300,000 MGM Yonkers Trot and MGM Grand Messenger in the summer. With an astounding $50 million in purses set for 2025, Yonkers Raceway continues to lead the world in racing payouts.

Since opening in 1899 as Empire City Racetrack, the legendary track has hosted many memorable moments. Celebrities, notable politicians, and athletes such as Jimmy Carter, Frank Sinatra, Ed Sullivan, Mickey Mantle, and Ronald Reagan frequented Yonkers Raceway.

The legendary champion Thoroughbred racehorse Seabiscuit won a purse of $7,300 at the Scarsdale Handicap at the track in the 1930s when the raceway was briefly a Thoroughbred track. In 2021, former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira competed against Harness Hall of Famer Driver Tim Tetrick in an exhibition race. taking home the win. More recently in December 2023, three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, an avid harness racing fan, made a surprise visit, solidifying Yonkers Raceway as the top destination for harness enthusiasts worldwide.

“For more than 125 years, generations of horse racing fans have visited Yonkers Raceway to witness world-class racing,” said Ed Domingo, president & COO of Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts. “We are proud to continue investing in this historic venue, ensuring another unforgettable season that celebrates the legacy of Yonkers Raceway and the future of harness racing.”

Since MGM Resorts acquired Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway over six years ago, the track has undergone more than $1 million in upgrades. These upgrades include resurfacing the track with more than 6,000 tons of recycled track material, an enhanced horse paddock, installing state-of-the-art LED lighting, and a new multiple display LED infield tote board to provide fans with even greater race-day experiences.

MGM Resorts has also invested in its racing team members and management. At the helm of the track’s leadership are four industry veterans, including Racing Director Alex Dadoyan, Race Secretary Jonathan “Joe” Frasure Jr., Assistant Race Secretary Rich Mattei, and Track Superintendent Ed Angell.