Talking animals like Mister Ed, the Geico Gecko and the Taco Bell Chihuahua have been a part of television for years.  New Yorkers will have the chance to meet one of the newest talking mammals — and even help name him — as Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway launches its “Who’s that Horse Name Him and Win” contest with a live appearance by the equine on Wednesday at the News Corp building (1211 Ave. of the Americas).

The harness racing horse appears in Empire City’s television commercials, which have had extensive runs in the New York metropolitan area since 2009, often wisecracking or flirting in the fun spots which highlight various aspects of the casino and raceway.

Fans can help pick the name and win $1,500 if their entry is selected.  Submissions will be accepted at the live event on Wednesday, at the promotions booth at Empire City Casino or online at www.EmpireCityGaming.com.

The Empire City horse has already met thousands of fans who visited him during the recent “Summer Festival” at Yonkers Raceway on June 19. 

Empire City’s horse follows in the hoofprints of television’s most famous talking horse, Mister Ed, who appeared in the 1960’s show featuring the horse Bamboo Harvester (voice by Allan Lane) and starring Alan Young, who portrayed the character Wilbur Post, the only one to whom Mister Ed would speak.