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

Yonkers, NY — It wasn’t quite the same as Christopher Columbus landing in the new world, but right around 9:30 a.m. Monday (Oct. 8), an oversized horse trailer discovered Yonkers Raceway.

Mike Lizzi photo

Ringostarr Treb and Heli Tarrimaa arrived at Yonkers on Monday.

The contents of said trailer were six overseas trotters set to compete in Saturday afternoon’s (Oct. 13) $1 million Yonkers International Trot at Empire City Casino.

The three stallions — Lionel (Norway), Ringostarr Treb (Italy) and Up And Quick (France) — set up shop in the Raceway’s Old Glory Building — getting the lay of the land. Video can be seen at this link.

The three geldings — Arazi Boko (Italy), Pastore Bob (Sweden) and Slide So Easy (Denmark) — said good-bye to their friends and were headed to New Jersey farms.

All 10 of the participants in the 40th International — the others being Ariana G (United States), Cruzado Dela Noche (Sweden), Marion Marauder (Canada) and Will Take Charge (Canada) — are due at the Raceway by 9 a.m. Friday (Oct. 12).

The mile-and-a-quarter trotting classic is augmented by a pair of $250,000 Invitationals, giveaways, contests, international-themed food and drink, live music, etc. There’s also a special all-stakes Pick-4 wager with Yonkers (races seven and eight) and Belmont (Pebbles and Floral Park).

Note the change from the original race layout, with the Dan Rooney Invitational — led by Bit Of A Legend N, Lazarus N and McWicked — moved from the sixth race to race 11. None of the previously-sent post times have changed.

Race 1 – 1 p.m.
Race 2 – 1:20 p.m.
Race 3 – 1:40 p.m.
Race 4 – 2 p.m.
Race 5 – 2:20 p.m.
Race 6 – 2:40 p.m.
Race 7 – 3:10 p.m. ($250,000 Harry Harvey Invitational Trot-1-1/4 miles)
Race 8 – 3:40 p.m. ($1 million Yonkers International Trot at Empire City Casino-1-1/4 miles)
Race 9 – 4:10 p.m. (Open Handicap? Trot)
Race 10 – 4:40 p.m. (Trot)
Race 11 – 5 p.m. ($250,000 Dan Rooney Invitational Pace)
Race 12 – 5:20 p.m.

The Saturday card shall be drawn Monday afternoon, save for the International, which is to be drawn Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 9) at a midtown luncheon.