Witness live harness racing in Westchester County, N.Y., just a hop, skip and a gallop away from Manhattan. Yonkers Raceway is one of the few year-round harness racing facilities in the country and, although it's no Churchill Downs (the race track that hosts the Kentucky Derby), it offers an exciting, fun atmosphere. The raceway has a lot of history — it was founded over 100 years ago and many thoroughbreds, including the legendary Seabiscuit, have competed on the half-mile track.
Starting at 7:10 pm., bet on which horses will win, place, and show five nights a week (not on Wednesdays or Sundays). There are roughly 10 races every night and each allows you to see the horses' sheer power and speed up close because unlike other race tracks, at Yonkers you're able to walk right up to the chain-link fence. An added bonus: there is no admission fee to the raceway.
In recent years, Yonkers Raceway has become much more than a place for horse racing. Visitors treat their taste buds to delectable meals at one of two first-class restaurants located in the raceway. Some menu items are roast prime rib, shrimp scampi, and a succulent 28-ounce Porterhouse steak. But if you don't want to break the bank and have a growling stomach, you'll satisfy your hunger at the International Food Court or the Lillian Russell Café, also located in the raceway.
Feelin' lucky? Then you'll be happy to know that there are 5,300 slot machines just begging to be played. Slot machine denominations range from 1 cent all the way to $100. The Empire City Casino is owned by the New York State Lottery, so unlike most casinos in the U.S., you need be only 18 to gamble. And when you're there on a weekend night, your feet will be tappin' and your head will be bobbin' to live bands as you try to hit the jackpot on the video gaming machines. Should you need a break from the slots, the casino also has a couple bars and a lounge with oversized comfy chairs.
Yonkers Raceway: old-fashioned harness racing mixed in with some gambling and maybe some tasty treats from one of the eateries. Sounds like a great night to us!
The Yonkers Raceway website below provides more information, including a calendar of events and full menus for its restaurants and cafés.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- Horse racing starts at 7:10pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Casino: 10am to 2am daily
- Subway Stop:
- Take the 4 Train to Woodlawn then take Bee-line Bus #20 to Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway.
- Contact:
- Location: 810 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY
- Phone: 914-968-4200
- Website: www.yonkersraceway.com
