Seven elite European trotters representing five countries landed safely this morning (Wednesday, October 4, 2017) at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, ready to compete in the $1-million Yonkers International Trot taking place Saturday, October 14th at Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway. World class trotters from Denmark (2), Finland (1), Italy (2), France (1) and Sweden (1) were on board, and will join two of America’s best harness horses and one from Canada in the global trotting classic.
The European travelers departed from Liège Airport in eastern Belgium (close to the German city of Düsseldorf) and landed at JFK at approximately 7:20 a.m. ET after a nearly-nine hour transcontinental flight of 3,703.4 miles (5,960 kilometers). Two-time International participants – Italian flag-carrier Oasis Bi and Sweden’s On Track Piraten – spearheaded the group of horses. A second Italian standout, Twister Bi, France’s Dreammoko, Denmark’s Tripolini VP and a pair from Finland – Midnight Hour and Shadow Woodland – completed the group that touched down on American soil.
Already on the continent, of course, are United States flag-carrier and defending champion Resolve, his “Team U.S.A.” counterpart In Secret, and Canada’s Marion Marauder. The million-dollar event is 10 days away, plenty of time to get over any jet lag, before hitting the historic half-mile oval at Yonkers Raceway for the Saturday matinee card on October 14th, featuring the 10 invitees racing 1¼ miles to the finish line and highly sought after title of Champion. First race post time will be 1:00 p.m. ET with the Yonkers International Trot slated as the ninth race with a post time of 4:00 p.m. ET.
The arriving group represents five of the seven countries that are vying for the attractive purse, which equals record bounty in the past two years as the highest purse in New York harness history. After arrival, the classy trotting septet was transported to Stewart Airport (Newburgh, NY) for a two-day quarantine. They will arrive at Yonkers Raceway this Friday, October 6th.
About Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway:
Empire City Casino is one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the northeast. Featuring 5,300 of the hottest slots, electronic three card poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo, Empire City Casino also offers guests year-round harness racing and International simulcasting, live entertainment including the best party, tribute and Latin bands, comedy, New York’s hottest DJ’s, and more. A plethora of dining options will satisfy even the most discerning palate with Italian cuisine at Nonno’s Trattoria; Dan Rooney’s, a high-energy sports bar; Alley 810, a craft cocktail lounge with retro bowling lanes; and convenient delicious options at the International Food Court or Lil’ Cocina. Visit Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (off I-87 at Central Avenue) Yonkers, NY, Westchester County, open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200 for information.
