Driving along the Major Deegan Expressway, you have undoubtedly noticed Yonkers Raceway. And over the past few years, you have seen a transformation of the raceway from a single-use attraction to what is now Empire City Casino/Yonkers Raceway.
The racetrack was founded more than 100 years ago and is home to some of the most exciting Standardbred harness racing in the United States. This Saturday, Oct. 13, Yonkers Raceway hosts the $1 Million International Trot, one of the largest purses for trotters in the world.
Ten horses representing seven countries will take to the track. With a post time of 3:40 p.m.
Video by Faith Osunde
I have always been a horse lover. And I have ridden since the age of 9. But I never really understood the fascination with harness racing. Sitting in a little cart behind a horse and going around a track made no sense to
me. So when given the chance a few weeks ago to suit up and see what it was like to get in a sulky (two-wheel cart that the driver sits in) and try my hand at driving, I had to say yes.
The professional driver in the sulky with me had been driving most of his life. But his experience with horses was entirely behind them and not on top. He had only ridden a horse once or twice his entire life. Driving was his passion.
After approximately 10 times around the half-mile track, I relized that this mode of transportation was not that bad, and as a sport I could see the excitement.
The big race is happening this weekend, The International Trot at Yonkers Raceway. Post Time 3:40 p.m. Get there early to watch some of the earlier races as well.