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GM Resorts invested $500,000 in the regrading and reconstruction of its 122-year-old historic Yonkers Raceway, the first renovation at the track since 2006.
The company took ownership of Empire City Casinoand Yonkers Raceway in January 2019 and this project, completed on Yonkers Raceway during the regularly scheduled June racing break, marks the first major renovation investment the track has seen in more than 15 years.
The entire track was resurfaced and regraded, which was done to improve the racing experience and eliminate any unevenness in certain locations. This also transforms the track into a more durable surface. The photo finish cameras were elevated, and the all-new LED track lighting was adjusted and repositioned to enhance visibility. The extensive project was completed in ten days, reported United States Trotting Association.
In January 2021, the project preparations began with visits to more than a dozen quarries to identify the perfect track materials to sustain a track that sees more race days than any other track in the country, including during problematic northeast wintery weather conditions. Renovations began Memorial Day weekend and were completed on Wednesday, June 9.
Ed Domingo MGM Resorts Northeast Group SVP and Chief Financial Officer noted: “We are incredibly proud to make this significant investment in the sport. We have a strong record of providing one of the safest harness tracks in the country, and this regrading will not only protect that record but will enhance the competitiveness and excitement of our races. We are committed to upholding the legacy of Yonkers Raceway as one of the premier harness racing venues, not only in the United States but in the world.”
The renovation team included horse-racing track builder brothers Dan Coon and Greg Coon, who worked in partnership with Contractor Montasano Brothers, Delta Electric, LED Connection Company, as well as with Empire City employees including Track Manager Tim Masters, Operating Engineers, Teamsters, and Outside Laborers.
Upcoming featured events at Yonkers Raceway include the first two legs of the Triple Crown for 3-year-old trotters and pacers on Friday (July 2), the $500,000 MGM Yonkers Trot, and the $500,000 MGM Grand Messenger Stakes.
Live harness racing takes place at the historic Yonkers Raceway Monday through Friday with a nightly post time of 7:15 p.m. Onsite wagering and simulcasting have returned trackside.