Yonkers, NY — The Standardbred Owners Association of New York (”SOANY”) and MGM Yonkers, Inc. (“MGM Yonkers”), owner and operator of Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway, today reaffirmed their shared commitment to the future of harness racing at one of the nation’s most historic tracks, Yonkers Raceway.
This announcement follows the contract agreement reached between the two parties in September 2025, which governs racing at Yonkers Raceway through December 31, 2028. The long-term agreement ensures stability for the horsemen, trainers, and drivers who make harness racing possible, while underscoring MGM Yonkers’ commitment to its stewardship of this iconic New York institution.
Under the agreement, the horsemen benefit from the richest harness purses in the country and the SOANY provides health insurance and retirement benefits for qualified grooms, trainers and drivers.
Horsemen from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and all across the Northeast travel to Yonkers Raceway to compete and can continue to expect the highest overnight purses in the United States to go along with the lucrative New York Sires Stakes program, which each year showcases the next generation of standardbred stars produced by New York’s award-winning breeding farms.
“Both the contract and state law contain important protections for the horsemen which ensure a bright future for, and the continued vitality of, the harness racing industry in New York during and, indeed, long beyond the term of the contract,” said SOANY President Joseph Faraldo.
In recent years, MGM Yonkers has undertaken the first major capital improvements to Yonkers Raceway in decades, investing more than $1 million in enhancements that include resurfacing the track with over 6,000 tons of recycled material, upgrading the horse paddock, installing state-of-the-art LED lighting, and adding a new multiple-display LED infield tote board to elevate the race-day experience for fans and participants alike.
“Since acquiring Empire City and Yonkers Raceway in 2019, MGM Yonkers has made significant investments to enhance the facility and secure its future as a top racing destination,” said Louis Theros, President of MGM Northeast Group. “Yonkers Raceway is not only the crown jewel of harness racing in New York, it is a magnet for the sport’s best owners, trainers, and drivers. We remain focused on our shared commitment to ensure this iconic, 126-year-old track continues to thrive.”
MGM Yonkers remains committed to the continued success of Yonkers Raceway, one of the country’s premier harness tracks and the proud home of marquee racing events such as the MGM Yonkers International Trot, the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series, the MGM Borgata Pacing Series and two Triple Crown events, the MGM Yonkers Trot and the MGM Grand Messenger Stakes.
For more information on Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts and Yonkers Raceway, visit www.empirecitycasino.com.
Harness Racing News