Yonkers adds enforcement rules for race tempo

MGM Yonkers Raceway is set to kick off the 2026 harness racing meet on Monday (January 19) and some important changes are also in store.

Condition sheets for the first week are available, and those entering are advised there are double draws for Monday’s and Tuesday’s programs (January 19/20) on Thursday (January 15) and Wednesday’s and Thursday’s (January 21/22) cards on Friday (January 16). The entry box will close at 9 a.m. (EST) both days.

A major change for the meet is the implementation of a rule for drivers that will prohibit second quarters of 30 seconds or more. Penalties for violation are as follows:

*First violation: warning
*Second violation: $500 fine
*Third violation: suspension for 3 Yonkers race days
*Fourth violation: suspension for 5 Yonkers race days
*Fifth violation: suspension for 10 Yonkers race days
*Sixth violation and beyond: suspension for 20 Yonkers race days

“We are seriously trying to add some measures to help protect our betting public and make the races as interesting as possible,” said Racing Secretary Joe Frasure on the new rules.

One wagering change will occur in the late Pick 4. The wager will switch from a $2 minimum to a $1 minimum.

Stakes season kicks off on March 27 with the renamed Ursula McIntyre Pacing Series. Formerly known as the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series, the event now honors McIntyre, who worked at Yonkers Raceway for over 30 years, spending much of that time as personal assistant to former owner Tim Rooney. When MGM took over she became Racing Manager and was a vital cog in the operation of the track. She retired in 2025.

To start the meet, live racing will take place on a Monday through Friday schedule with post time at 6:45 p.m. (EST).

From Yonkers Raceway