by Frank Drucker, Publicity Director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway
Yonkers, NY — The B’s had it in Westchester in 2017, with Jason Bartlett and Richard Banca winning Yonkers Raceway’s driver and trainer titles, respectively.
The 235-program season (three postponements), which concluded this past Sunday (Dec. 17), saw Bartlett roll along to a seventh local title. The 36-year-old Bartlett, originally from Augusta, Maine, was both the winningest (542) and busiest (2,635) driver, winning at a 22.9 percent clip. His $10.4 million in purses also led the list.
Jordan Stratton ascended to second with 378 wins and $8.3 million in purses, with the top five win list completed by George Brennan (327), Brent Holland (214) and Dan Dube (182).
Banca, a 42-year-old native of Paterson, N.J., sent out 187 winners, 36 more than last season’s leading trainer, Rene Allard. Banca also led with 986 starters (19 percent winning percentage) and purses ($4.01 million). Scott DiDomenico (117 wins), Ron Burke (109) and Gilberto Garcia-Herrera (87) completed the first quintet among wins.
The Raceway’s 2018 season is set to begin with a Sunday (Jan. 7) matinee (post time TBA). A complete schedule is available here, with all dates pending approval of the New York State Gaming Commission.