Driver Joe Bongiorno celebrated a remarkable milestone in his driving career as he clinched his 3,000th victory at MGM Yonkers Raceway on the evening of February 8th.
In a display of skill and finesse, Bongiorno steered Emotions Riches to triumph in the seventh race, solidifying his position as a respected figure in the harness racing world. Trained by the accomplished Travis Alexander and owned by Rags To Riches Of PA LLC, the six-year-old gelding, sired by Wheeling N Dealin, showcased his prowess by seizing the lead during the 1:26 three-quarters and widening the gap to secure a three-length victory in a commendable time of 1:56.1.
Bongiorno, a seasoned driver who embarked on his professional journey in 2010, demonstrated his unwavering dedication as he rose to prominence in the local standings, finishing fifth last year. With lifetime earnings exceeding an impressive $46.6 million, Bongiorno's list of triumphs includes prestigious victories such as the 2020 Little Brown Jug with Captain Barbossa and the 2019 Breeders Crown Open Pace with American History.
The racing program on Thursday showcased the thrilling $47,297 Invitational Trots, featuring separate races for horses and geldings, as well as fillies and mares. Renowned driver Yannick Gingras showcased his prowess by capturing both races. Piloting the seven-year-old Triumphant Caviar gelding named Yanks Dugout, trained by Mickey Burke Jr. and owned by Ivan and Duke Sugg, Gingras claimed victory in the boys' division, crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 1:55.2. Continuing his winning streak, he triumphed in the fillies and mares clash with Tipsy Moni, a four-year-old daughter of International Moni, trained by Per Engblom. Gingras, along with partners Ben Mondello and Fac Racing LLC, holds partial ownership of this talented horse.
As for the schedule, MGM Yonkers Raceway currently offers live racing from Monday to Friday, with the action kicking off promptly at 7 p.m. (EST) each night.