by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — With Yonkers Raceway having concluded its live season this past Tuesday night, Jason Bartlett and Lou Pena finished as leading driver and trainer, respectively.

Bartlett won his third consecutive local driving title, finishing with 479 winners from 2,431 drives (19.7 percent). His $8,486,455 in purses also easily led that category. Cat Manzi, who won his 14,000th career race here earlier this month, wound up in a dead-heat with George Brennan for second in victories (328), the latter winning more than 21.1 percent of his starts. Manzi finished second in purses (more than $6.3 million), while Jim Pantaleano (233 wins) and Stephane Bouchard (199) rounded out the first flight among driver victories.

Pena won his first local training title, with 201 winners from 642 starters for a 31.3 percent clip. His $3,134,479 in purses also led all trainers. Mark Ford edged Ron Burke for second, 119-118, though it should be noted that Ford started 442 more horses. Burke also compiled a $3 million purse season, while Paul Blumenfeld (108 winners) and Joe Anderson (96) rounded out the leading trainer quintet.

Yonkers’ 2011 live schedule begins Thursday, Jan 13 (pending approval of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board) with the usual Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday race week returning Monday, Jan 17. First post for all cards remains at 7:10 p.m.

Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule (note that Aqueduct returns Wednesday, Dec. 29).