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

Yonkers, NY— Yonkers Raceway’s 2009 live schedule begins on Friday night (Jan. 9) with an 11-race program and a first post of 7:40 p.m.

A pair of $31,000 Open Handicaps — for trotters and distaff pacers — lead the card. Pablo Angus (Dan Cappello, Jr.) and Pancleefandarpels (Jason Bartlett) start outside their seven rivals in the evening’s featured trot and pace, respectively. Both come off career seasons in 2008, with “Pablo” winning 10 races and more than $164,000, while “Pancleef” notched 10 victories while socking away in excess of $214,000.

After programs Friday and Saturday nights, Yonkers resumes its five-night-per-week schedule (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday — all at 7:40 p.m. — and Saturday — 6:50 p.m.) the week of Monday, Jan. 12. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.

Yonkers’ ’09 stakes season gets underway Friday/Saturday, Feb. 20 and 21, with the opening round of the Hopeful Pacing Series.