BY FRANK
DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
YONKERS, NY, Sunday, November 23,
2014—The third rendition of Yonkers Raceway’s “Matinee Madness” went postward
during a downright balmy (mid-50’s) pre-Thanksgiving Sunday.
The 12-race card again began with five
French-centric, overstuffed, mile-and-a-quarter trotting fields. A dozen were
behind the gate for the opener (post time 11:12 AM), with favored Itzaziam
(Brian Sears, $5.70) winning that event in 2:27.3 for the added distance.
Included in the extra-distance extravaganza was the $46,000 Open Handicap, the 10-trotter test won by a backside-busting Dancehall Mistress (Sears. $25.60) in 2:26.1.
The Sunday overseas numbers continue
strong, with more than 1.2 million Euros (more than 1.5 million US dollars) wagered
during the five exported events. The first three matinees have seen a total of
more than four million Euros (or more than five million US dollars) wagered for
15 races by the French-hubbed audience (including Switzerland, Belgium, Spanish
Basque community, Germany, Austria, Luxemburg, Holland, Estonia and Malta).
Sunday’s Pick 5, buoyed by a double carryover of more than $7,000, attracted
$16,710 of fresh lettuce. The winning combination of 4/4/4/1/2 paid $3,924.75
for every four bits.
The Raceway's five-program-per-week live schedule continues through Dec. 14,
with first post every Monday, Thursday (save for Thanksgiving Night), Friday
and Saturday at 7:10 PM, and the fourth of six Sunday matinees (replacing
Tuesday evenings) next weekend at 11 AM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all
night programs, with afternoon simulcasting available daily (including
Thanksgiving Day).
