Yonkers Raceway, SOA of NY Make Contribution to Classy Lane Barn Fire Fund

Yonkers Raceway and the Standardbred Owners Association of New York have announced a joint contribution to assist those affected by the Classy Lane Stables barn fire.

The initial donation is $10,000 — equally shared by the track and its horsemen — with an initiative underway to increase that amount.

“As with the rest of the harness industry, we were stunned and saddened by what happened,” Raceway COO Bob Galterio said. “We have enjoyed a strong simulcast relationship with Ontario tracks for many years, and we’re thinking of those horsemen and their loss at this very difficult time.”

“It’s the worst thing that can happen to anyone in this business, so we’re just trying to assist in any way we can,” SOA of New York president Joe Faraldo said.

In addition to the “first donation,” Yonkers’ owners, trainers and drivers have been encouraged to set aside a portion of their purse earnings to be earmarked to the Central Ontario Standardbred Association. The SOA has specifically requested that the half the money raised go toward caretaker assistance and for those trainers who had three or fewer horses. Distribution of the balance is at the sole discretion of COSA for those based upon financial need.

“We’ve had any number of our members ask how they can help,” Faraldo said.

The barn fire in southern Ontario last week killed 43 standardbred racehorses.