As the  50^th Anniversary season for the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono winds down, the track in Northeast PA is honoring the standouts of the 2015 season on Wednesday. November 18th, and closing night, Saturday, November 21^st.
Wednesday night, the award for the Pacer of the Year was presented to four-year-old Luck Be Withyou.  The stallion from the Chris Oakes barn topped some of the world’s best pacers on July 4^th, winning the Ben Franklin Pace in 1:49, going gate-to-wire from an outside post.  He also had a spectacular fall, returning from Canada to chalk up three straight condition wins in September and October.
Trotter of the Year honors went to Proud Moment, who is enjoying his best season ever at age nine, not typical for a trotter. But this is not just any typical trotter!  Six of the wins for the veteran warrior were at Pocono, and when he didn’t visit the Winner’s Circle, he often hit the board in impressive fashion.  He beat claimers and conditioners; did it from the outside and the inside; and won his six races for five different trainers.  The high point of his outstanding year was a three-race winning streak in July and August that included his career-best mile of 1:52.2.
The mare, Kiddie McCardle, was presented with the Mare of the Year honors on Wednesday, as well.  She has performed for several different barns at Pocono this season, picking up eight wins, including a 1:51.1 mile which set a career-mark for her at age seven. She is extremely tough, despite the fact that she’s often faced with brutal post positions in claiming handicaps; she’s been extremely competitive of late since moving over to face condition pacing mares.
The award for Leading Trainer/UTR, was bestowed upon Chris Oakes for the fourth time.  Accompanied by his family and friends, Oakes accepted his award on Wednesday night, and was in the Winner’s Circle as  Luck Be Withyou and Proud Moment were honored.
Closing night, Saturday, November 21^st, the Leading Driver; Leading Trainer – Wins; Claimer of the Year; and Three-Year-Old of the Year accept their awards.  It is also a special thank you to the loyal fans with Fan Appreciation Night.  Souvenirs of the 50^th Anniversary season will be given out with a coupon from the live racing program starting at 7:00pm.