Favorite Downbytheseaside Captures $300,000 Art Rooney Pace Named for Steelers Founding Father

Yonkers, NY?Downbytheseaside, the prohibitive favorite, cruised to an easy victory in the 27thannual Art Rooney Pace at Yonkers Raceway on Saturday night (May 27). Dave Miller drove the three-year-old son ofSomebeachsomewhere to his third straight triumph in the $300,000 stakes race which remembers the founding father of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the patriarch of the Rooney family. The winner returned a meager $2.10 for a $2 win wager as the short-priced 1-9 favorite. There was no place or show wagering. Downbytheseaside, leaving from post position three, stormed to the lead at the opening quarter timed in 27:3, posted fractions of :55 and 1:24:1 for the half mile and three quarters, and then waltzed off from his foes for the win timed in 1:52 for the mile. Summerside, driven by Tim Tetrick, finished three and a quarter lengths back in second, while Funknwaffles was third with Brian Sears in the bike. Downbytheseaside, who won last week-s lone Rooney elimination race in 1:52.2, is trained by Brian Brown for co-owners Country Club Acres, Joe Sbrocco, Richard Lombardo and Diamond Creek Racing. DrIver Miller won the Rooney in back to back years behind Ashlee-s Big Guy in 2002, and No Pan Intended (via disqualification) in 2003. In 16 career starts, ?Seaside? has never missed the board with 11 wins, three seconds, and a pair of thirds en route to $731,016 in career earnings. He is three for three in 2017. The Rooney family purchased Yonkers Raceway in 1972, and Art-s son Tim Rooney, Sr. has been president and CEO since then. Empire City Casino was launched at the raceway in 2006. The beloved ?Chief? was an ardent racing fan, and legend has it that he won the fortune which funded the Steelers during a two-day spree at Yonkers and Saratoga. Yonkers Raceway remains one of harness racing-s few year-round facilities, with world class racing available throughout the calendar year. The racing schedule is five days per week, with first post at 7:10PM ET on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 1:00PM ET on Tuesday. We also race on 11 Sundays through the year, post time varies ? please see our race calendar for details. ABOUT EMPIRE CITY CASINO: Empire City Casino is one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the northeast. Featuring 5,300 of the hottest slots, electronic three card poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo, Empire City Casino also offers guests year-round harness racing and International simulcasting, live entertainment including the best party, tribute and Latin bands, comedy, New York-s hottest DJ-s, and more. A plethora of dining options will satisfy even the most discerning palate with Italian cuisine at Nonno-s Trattoria; Dan Rooney-s, a high-energy sports bar; Alley 810, a craft cocktail lounge with retro bowling lanes; and convenient delicious options at the International Food Court or Lil- Cocina. Visit Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (off I-87 at Central Avenue) Yonkers, NY, Westchester County, open seven days a week from 10:00 am to 6:00 am. Visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200 for information.