Special New York Double offered on Saturday

by Najja Thompson and Frank Drucker

Racing fans will have the opportunity to wager on two of the most prestigious horse races in the country on Saturday, October 15, when the New York Racing Association and Yonkers Raceway join to offer for the first time the New York Double.

The Daily Double wager, hosted by Yonkers Raceway, is comprised of the $1 Million International Trot featuring the premier international Standardbred horses in the world along with the Grade 3, $200,000 Belmont Futurity for 2-year-old thoroughbreds. 

Post time for the International Trot, featuring 10 horses at the mile-and-a-quarter-distance, is 3:20 p.m. ET. Post time for the Belmont Futurity, the opening leg of the New York Double, is 2:01 p.m.

Past performances for Yonkers International Trot shall be included in the Post Parade, while PP's for the Futurity are to be included in Yonkers' Saturday harness program.

"The New York Double is a unique wagering opportunity that NYRA Bets customers and New York race fans have come to expect," said NYRA Bets President Tony Allevato. "NYRA is proud to partner with Yonkers Raceway to connect these two great races, and present horseplayers across the country with a brand new wagering option between thoroughbred and harness racing."

"We're excited about this wager," said Yonkers Raceway COO Bob Galterio. "Our Yonkers International Trot is one of the premier races in the sport, and we encourage all thoroughbred fans to watch and wager as part of the New York Double."   

The New York Double with a $2 minimum wager will be available on-track, and to members of NYRA Bets and Empire City Bets as well as in simulcast facilities across the country.