After one of the mildest winters on record, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is preparing for their 2012 racing season by opening the stable gates Thursday, March 1, for the arrival of horsemen and horses. Racing kicks off Tuesday, April 3rd.
Luann Reynolds, Stall Superintendent, will be on hand as more than 50 horses begin arriving shortly after the gates open at 8 a.m. Among the early arrivals include horses from the stables of Mickey Peterson, Mike Mourad, Jodi Bendick, Earl “Bucky” Angle, Kevin Reynolds, Clarence Martin, and Joe Antonelli.
According to Ms. Reynolds, the horses would continue to arrive over the next several weeks, as the backside population swells into the hundreds and the horses hit the track to warm up for the qualifying days. “The stable area will be filled to capacity this season,” she said. “Everyone is looking forward to the return of the racing season! The track is in amazing condition, thanks to our phenomenal track maintenance department, and that will make for some great racing this year. Best wishes to our horsemen and fans!”
Two days have been set aside for qualifying prior to opening day: Tuesday, March 27 and Friday, March 30.
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs will be offering live harness racing during the 2012 meet, their 47th season, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday with a post of 6:30 p.m. On Kentucky Derby Day, May 5, an 11 a.m. card will start off the day’s festivities, with the night racing card starting immediately after Derby 138. In July and August, Sunday night racing will be added to the lineup. The meet will include 135 racing days and will conclude November 17.