by Frank Drucker, Publicity Director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Yonkers Raceway debuts as part of the New York Racing Association (NYRA) television network beginning Friday night (Feb. 11).

The agreement between the Raceway and NYRA restores the nightly Yonkers’ signal back into the five boroughs via Channel 71, as well as places it on the NYRA Rewards streaming video.

In addition, simulcast areas at both Aqueduct Racetrack and Belmont Park shall remain open Friday and Saturday evenings to accommodate fans.

“We are very excited to be part of the NYRA Network,” general manager Bob Galterio said. “Our Channel 71 fans in the boroughs have been asking us when they can watch Yonkers again, and we’re glad to say ‘now”. At the same time, we also invite thoroughbred players, whether they are at home, at Aqueduct or Belmont, or on-line to take a look at the best harness racing available. We know they’re going to enjoy it.”

“We have received a very positive response to opening Aqueduct for simulcasting seven days a week and have seen enthusiastic crowds at the Belmont Café,” NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward said. “The next logical step is extending the Friday and Saturday hours at both facilities, and we are looking forward to gauging customer reaction. We are also very pleased to add Yonkers Raceway to our simulcasting menu.”

To accommodate customers at Aqueduct who stay for the evening simulcasts, the MTA’s Aqueduct subway stop remains open until 11:30 PM Friday and Saturday nights. However, there is no change to the current bus schedule between locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Aqueduct, with the last buses leaving Aqueduct 15 minutes after the final live race of the day.