Grazing in the grass before $1 million International Trot
October 12, 2018,by Frank Drucker, Publicity Director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway
Yonkers, NY — Yonkers Raceway does not have a turf course — the last anyone checked — but that didn’t stop some of the participants for Saturday afternoon’s (Oct. 13) $1 million Yonkers International Trot at Empire City Casino.
Mike Lizzi photo
France’s Up And Quick (with caretaker Angelique Beaufils) took to the track’s infield Friday.
France’s Up And Quick (with caretaker Angelique Beaufils) and Lionel from Norway (with caretaker Per Pergenius) took to the track’s infield Friday (Oct. 12) for a stroll and a bite, respectively.
They, along with the other eight entrants, were to be in the Raceway paddock by 1 p.m. Friday in preparation for the 40th International.
The detention rules and regulations were as directed by, and administered through, the New York State Gaming Commission.
Saturday’s race schedule:
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 Trot)
Race 10 – 4:40 p.m. Trot (races seven through 10 simulcast to French-hubbed audience)
Race 11 – 5 p.m. ($250,000 Dan Rooney Invitational Pace)
Race 12 – 5:20 p.m. (races 11 and 12 simulcast to the ‘Down Under’ audience)
- Marion Marauder is favored in Yonkers International Trot (Tuesday, October 09, 2018)
Marion Marauder, who finished second in last year’s $1 million Yonkers International Trot, is the 3-1 morning-line favorite in Saturday’s (Oct. 13) 40th edition of the invitational, which will be raced at 1-1/4 miles at Empire City Casino’s Yonkers Raceway. The 5-year-old stallion, representing Canada, was made the top choice after getting post No. 1 on Tuesday at the event’s draw and press conference at Manhattan’s 21 Club.
- Yonkers International Trot leads this week’s Grand Circuit action (Wednesday, October 10, 2018)
This week’s marquee event on the Grand Circuit is the $1 million Yonkers International Trot at Empire City Casino, which will be held on Saturday (Oct. 13) at Yonkers Raceway. A field of 10 top trotters will head to the gate in the Yonkers International.
- ‘This is what makes life’ (Wednesday, October 10, 2018)
It’s been six years since Wim Paal competed in the U.S. and his return will not go unnoticed. Paal, a 58-year-old native of Germany, is back to drive European standout Ringostarr Treb in Saturday’s $1 million Yonkers International Trot at Empire City Casino’s Yonkers Raceway.
- Takter seeks International Trot victory with Ariana G (Wednesday, October 10, 2018)
Jimmy Takter will start Ariana G in the $1 million Yonkers International Trot. The 4-year-old mare will represent the United States for owners Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld. One of the last of the 10 competitors to be announced, Takter accepted the invitation from Yonkers Raceway race secretary Steve Starr just after her win in the Dayton Trotting Derby Sept. 28.
- Drivers to study for International test (Thursday, October 11, 2018)
North American drivers participating in Saturday’s (Oct. 13) $1 million Yonkers International Trot face several challenges as they prepare for the event, most notably learning about their rivals — and in some cases their own horse — in addition to contemplating the best path to victory in a 10-horse field going 1-1/4 miles.
- Owners aim high with ‘underdog’ Slide So Easy (Friday, October 12, 2018)
No matter the outcome for Denmark’s Slide So Easy in Saturday’s (Oct. 13) $1 million Yonkers International Trot, owners Soren Christensen and Thomas Clemmensen are going to enjoy the experience of participating in the event. Christensen readily admits his 9-year-old gelding is the race’s underdog, but is hoping for a strong effort and a little luck.