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

Yonkers, NY — They’ve arrived.

The overseas competitors for the $1 million Yonkers International Trot at Empire City Casino touched down early Wednesday morning (Oct. 4) at New York’s JFK International Airport and if you had 7:20 a.m. in the office pool, you’re feeling quite smug about now.

Jelena Gerga photo

Midnight Hour and Dreammoko after their arrival at JFK International Airport.

The gang that’s all here is comprised of (alphabetically, with country) Dreammoko (FRA), Midnight Hour (FIN), Oasis Bi (ITA), On Track Piraten (SWE), Shadow Woodland (FIN), Tripolini VP (DEN) and Twister Bi (ITA).

After being mobbed by (three) photographers, it was off to posh Newburgh, N.Y., for a couple days of rest, relaxation and quarantine. The seven are expected at the Raceway sometime around noon Friday (Oct. 6), housed in the Old Glory Building as they prepare for the Saturday (Oct. 14) world-class event.

None of the two- or four-legged traveling party seemed any worse for wear in a trip that began in Liège (Belgium), a nearly nine-hour flight of just over 3,700 miles.

The 39th edition of the International, with 10 trotters at the 1-1/4 mile distance, is to be drawn Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 10) at a midtown press luncheon. Defending champion Resolve (USA), In Secret (USA) and Marion Marauder (CAN) round out the stellar field, the highlight of a New York harness-record $3.3 million purse program.

Please note again it’s a rare Saturday afternoon card, with first post at 1 p.m. and the 39th edition of the International Trot (race nine of 11) scheduled for approximately 4 p.m.