The long national nightmare is over. Yonkers Raceway returns for its 2012 season Friday, with a dozen races
on the docket. First post remains at the customary 7:10 p.m.
The initial program features a pair of $33,000 co-featured Open Handicaps, for trotters and distaff pacers. The competitive card also features defending driving champ - and HTA Driver of the Year - George Brennan.
Jason Bartlett and Brent Holland, both of whom were sidelined by late-season injuries, are also back. Add Dan Dube and Cat Manzi, and all of the Top 5 drivers from Yonkers' 2011 are set to go for 2012. Throw the likes of Eric Goodell, Jeff Gregory, Jim Pantaleano and Steve Smith into the mix, and Yonkers once again boasts one of the deepest driving colonies in the sport.
Some friendly reminders are in order. After this week's Friday and Saturday programs, the regular five-night-per-week live schedule (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) resumes next Monday, Jan. 16. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
Also, a reminder that flat-mile racing returns for all races - overnights, series and stakes.
Finally, nomination blanks for Yonkers' early '12 series, the Petticoat and Sagamore Hill Pacing Series (both close Wednesday, Feb. 1), as well as the Blue Chip Matchmaker and George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series (both close Thursday, March 1).
Please note that nomination blanks for these series shall also begin appearing in various harness publications and their on-line counterparts, as well as the nightly racing program once the season gets underway.
For any questions or further information, please contact the race office at 914-457-2627.
(Yonkers Raceway)