by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Jason Bartlett and Ron Burke have waltzed away with Yonkers Raceway’s driving and training titles, respectively, for the 2014 season.

The 232-program season (shortened with five cancellations and one abbreviated program due to weather), ended this past Sunday (Dec. 14).

Bartlett, 33, won his fourth Westchester driving title going away, with 485 wins from a meet-high 2,440 starts (19.9 percent). His $7,594,544 in purses also led the contingent. Brian Sears (402 wins), George Brennan (401), Eric Carlson (213) and Dan Dube (213) completed the leading five.

Burke, 45, successfully defended his Yonkers title, sending out 144 winners from 704 starters (20.5 percent), more than any other local trainer. Among his record-breaking overall total earnings season was a local-leading $4,646,539 in purses. PJ Fraley (118 wins), Gilberto Garcia-Herrera (112), Rene Allard (111) and Tracy Brainard (106) finished off the first quintet.

The Raceway’s 2015 live schedule (along with the return of evening simulcasting) is set to begin Friday (Jan. 9), pending approval of the New York State Gaming Commission. Afternoon simulcasting resumes Friday (Dec. 26), after the conclusion of NYRA’s holiday hiatus.