On that evening, Yonkers Raceway achieved its first Friday night all-sources seven-figure handle since racing at the Hilltop Oval recommenced after being closed for racino retrofit. The achievement of the over $1,000,000.00 handle during a twelve race program without a carded stakes event marks the return to prominence of a storied sport at a legendary venue.

Just as important, it also underscores the significance of many legislative enactments meant to ensure the economic growth of New York's racing, breeding and agriculture industries. By their 2008 implementation of defined percentages from VLT revenue for New York purses and the breeding fund, the Albany legislators directly influenced the enhancement of the quality and quantity of horses that compete at Yonkers and elsewhere throughout the state. The superlative class of New York Standardbred races is noticed by bettors nationwide, and the steady increase in the popularity of Yonkers' exported simulcast product is testament to this fact.

Moreover, by the continuation of minimum race date legislation, Albany guarantees that live racing maintains both importance and consistency. Racing the most dates per year of any harness oval in the state, Yonkers' proves that if a simulcast signal is steady and familiar, it will be patronized across the country.

Friday night proves that the sky is the limit when it comes to increased pari-mutuel handle. Facilitation of the further exposure of the New York simulcast signals can only further develop a multi-faceted economic model that benefits not just the sport's participants, but the entire taxpaying populace of New York as well.

Chris E WITTSTRUCK