Gamblers are keeping the video lottery terminals going at Yonkers Raceway, however, horse racing fans will have to wait a little longer to place their bets.

The hope was that harness racing would return to the track Friday after a 17-month absence. According to representatives for the horse owners, not everything is place for the track to get its racing license. Communication equipment along the track and a tote board, which displays money wagered on the horses, are still not in place.

In October, the long-awaited multi-million dollar Empire City Casino opened its doors at the racetrack with more than 1,800 video lottery terminals. Then the raceway got slapped with 64 fire code violations by the state. The Yonkers Fire Department has had a 24-hour a day presence until the track and casino is found up to code.

Meanwhile, the wait for harness racing to begin again has been difficult for the 1,400 owners, racers and support people involved in the racing. The New York State Racing and Wagering Board is meeting Friday. The hope is that Yonkers Raceway will be granted a conditional racing and simulcast license. If so, harness racing may be able to begin on November 17.

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