MGM Yonkers Raceway had a special guest at the track on Thursday, Dec. 21 for the track's final card of 2023 as Nikola Jokić, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and last year's NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, was on-hand.
Jokić watched some races and met some of the horsemen on Thursday before his Denver Nuggets face off against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. Jokić also made an appearance in the winner's circle after the seventh race, which was won by Scott Di Domenico trainee Odds On Pick Six (driven by George Brennan).
The 2023 meet at Yonkers concluded with Jason Bartlett and Per Engblom taking home top honours in the driving and training categories at the oval.
Bartlett had a double on Thursday to end with an even 500 triumphs, giving him his second straight and 12th overall driving crown at MGM Yonkers Raceway. George Brennan was the runner-up with 304 visits to the winner's circle and Matt Kakaley checked in third at 256. Rounding out the top five were Jordan Stratton (220) and Joe Bongiorno (178).
Engblom, who collected his first MGM Yonkers Raceway training title, sent out one winner on the 12-race program to finish with 231 victories. Ron Burke was second to Engblom with 135 tallies, followed by Jenn Bongiorno (131 wins), Jared Bako (122) and Scott Di Domenico (113).
Pending final approval by the New York State Gaming Commission, the 240-day meet for 2024 will begin at MGM Yonkers Raceway on Monday, Jan. 22. To start the year, live racing will be held on Monday through Friday nights with post time at 7 p.m.
MGM Yonkers Raceway would like to thank the horses, horsepeople, staff, management and bettors for continued support in making the year a success. The track hopes everybody has a happy holiday season, a happy and prosperous New Year, and it looks forward to seeing everyone again in 2024.
(With files from Yonkers Raceway)