Racing tradition, bold fashion and no shortage of thrills take center stage as Mohegan Pennsylvania hosts its annual Derby Day Extravaganza on Saturday, May 2nd. Racing fans and guests alike are invited to immerse themselves in live harness racing, coverage from Churchill Downs, crave‑worthy food offerings, signature drinks, a festive hat revue and wall‑to‑wall race‑day excitement throughout the property.
The extravaganza begins at 10:00am at The Racetrack at Mohegan Pennsylvania where betting officially opens. At 1:00pm, Live harness racing action begins on the racetrack, followed by a festive hat revue and an early evening live broadcast of the iconic Run for the Roses. Guests looking to enhance their race-day experience can enjoy beverages throughout the day, including Coors Light, Heineken, Party on the Patio Lager with Lime, Happy Thursday, High Noon, Surfside, White Claw and a variety of spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, alongside classics like Mohegan PA’s Derby Day Extravaganza signature Mint Julep.
“The Derby Day Extravaganza at Mohegan Pennsylvania has become one of the most memorable events of the year—and we’re thrilled to bring back the energy on Saturday, May 2nd,” said Tony Carlucci, President & GM of Mohegan Pennsylvania. “What is unique about our event is the combo of Live harness racing on our Racetrack, followed by live coverage of the Run for the Roses – joined by great food and drinks, our annual hat revue and a fun celebration for all ages,”
In addition to live coverage on the infield screen, Churchill Downs coverage will also be shown throughout the Pacer’s Clubhouse, Racing Lobby & Simulcast areas all day. Betting options at Pacer’s Clubhouse include the self-service simulcast terminals on the lower level as well as the upper-level betting windows, staffed by helpful staff.
Advance wagering will be available on Friday, May 1st beginning at 10:00am, allowing guests to plan ahead for Derby Day.
Hat Revue Competition
The always popular Derby Day Extravaganza Hat Revue returns with expanded categories and prizes. Guests must register to participate, and awards will be given for:
Best in Show
Most Elegant Hat
Most Creative or Outrageous Hat
Boldest Brim
Too Hot to Trot
Dapper Dan
Best Pair or Group Themed Hats
Should guests not have a hat – Mohegan PA’s Spa Sapphire will be on-site with Derby Day essentials, and fabulous extras!
For more details on Derby Day at Mohegan PA, visit moheganpa.com
ABOUT MOHEGAN PENNSYLVANIA
Mohegan Pennsylvania, owned by Mohegan, was the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania in 2006 and since then has become one of the premier entertainment, gaming, and dining destinations in the state. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Pennsylvania features a newly renovated 238-room hotel with an on-site spa, adjacent to a 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It features nearly 75,000 square feet of gaming space, including close to 60 live table games, over 1,500 slot machines and electronic table games, a sportsbook, a variety of dining options, nightlife, entertainment, and live harness racing. Mohegan Pennsylvania is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting MoheganPA.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X orInstagram and view us on YouTube. Gambling problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER.
Food trucks, mint juleps, contests, promotions, live music and more to take place on Saturday, May 3rd
WILKES-BARRE, PA (April 11, 2025) – With the 151st Kentucky Derby set to take place on Saturday, May 3rd, Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania is gearing up for a one-of-a-kind Derby Day Extravaganza! Beginning at 10:00am, this annual event will provide guests with an opportunity to indulge in delicious bites from popular food trucks, try various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, experience live harness racing, participate in a Hat Revue for a chance to win up to a $500 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card, and join in on a promotion where guests can win up to $1,000 in free wagers.
Refreshing beverages being served at the Derby Day Extravaganza include Coors Light, Modelo, Party on the Patio Lager with Lime, Twisted Tea, and a variety of seltzers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can also enjoy the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, mint juleps! Those looking to grab a quick bite can head over to the Burger Bus and Eat Up Now food trucks, where a variety of mouthwatering options will be available. Guests can also stop by the Best Cigar Pub booth, located outside near the Winner’s Circle, where a selection of freshly rolled cigars will be available for purchase.
Specialty juleps will also be available for purchase at Breakers, Crafty Stir, Embers Terrace, The Hive Taphouse, Latitudes, Molly O’ Sheas, Pearl Sushi Bar, Rustic Kitchen, and Sunset Bar. For a full list of flavors, guests can visit the Mohegan Pennsylvania website.
The Hat Revue is set to return, and guests have an opportunity to compete for lucrative prizes! Registration for the Hat Revue will be from 5:00pm – 6:00pm in the Racing Lobby. Top prizes include a $500 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card that will be awarded to those named “Best Couple” or “Group Themed Hats”. Winners of the “Most Classic Derby Hat” and “Most Creative Hat” categories will each receive a $250 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card. Mohegan Pennsylvania gift cards can be redeemed towards an overnight stay, divine dining choices and other incredible offerings across the property.
Beginning at 10:00am on Friday, May 2nd, Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania will accept advanced Kentucky Derby wagers in Simulcast and tellers will be available to assist. Beginning at 10:00am on Saturday, May 3rd, Simulcast will be self-service and available for all tracks with live meets (including Churchill Downs) throughout the day. The upper-level Pacer’s Clubhouse will also have live tellers at the betting windows. Additionally, guests can wager on live harness racing, which is set to take place from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. All guests must be 18 years or older to place wagers.
Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania is holding a promotion where guests who wager $100 or more with a teller on any race will receive one entry for every $100 wagered. Guests must place these entries into one of the 20 boxes located in the Racing Lobby based on who they think will win the Kentucky Derby. At approximately 6:57pm, the Kentucky Derby will begin, televised on the outdoor jumbo screen and indoor racing TVs. At the conclusion of the race, four winners will be selected out of the corresponding boxes of the official top four finishers. The selected first-place box winner will receive $1,000 in free wagers valid for Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 17th. Second – fourth place winners will receive $500, $250 and $100 in free wagers, respectively.
Following the Derby Day Extravaganza, the party goes on at various venues across the property. Wilkes-Barre native Bill Hoffman will be playing solo acoustic rock music from 6:00pm – 10:00pm at Embers Terrace, Bean and Vine Café & Wine Bar will feature a Piano Night with Lee Strubeck from 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Breakers will have Light up the Moon playing a show like no other from 8:30pm – 12:30am, and The Hive Taphouse will feature Reel in the Years playing all the 50s, 60s, and 70s to current day favorites from 9:30pm – 12:30am.
Additionally, guests can play their favorite slots and tables games for their chance to win a share of $35,000 in cash and Free Slot Play with the “You’re Off to The Races” promotion! From now through Saturday, May 3rd, guests will receive one entry for every Status Point earned. Those who play on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the designated time period will receive 10X entries! On Saturday, May 3rd between 3:00pm – 5:00pm and 7:30pm – 10:00pm, there will be two winners chosen every 15 minutes to select a rose and reveal a prize up to $5,000 cash. Guests must activate their entries each hour by playing slots or table games with their Momentum card.
The Derby Day Extravaganza is an all-ages event. However, most areas of Mohegan Pennsylvania are restricted to guests 21 years of age and older, including the hotel, gaming areas, and several restaurants. Valid, unexpired photo identification (driver’s license, passport, military ID) is required to access 21+ areas. Expired identification will not be accepted. All persons, bags and personal items are subject to inspection. No portable chairs are permitted.
ABOUT MOHEGAN PENNSYLVANIA
Mohegan Pennsylvania, owned by Mohegan, was the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania in 2006 and since then has become one of the premier entertainment, gaming, and dining destinations in the state. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Pennsylvania features a newly renovated 238-room hotel with an on-site spa, adjacent to a 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It features nearly 75,000 square feet of gaming space, including close to 60 live table games, over 1,500 slot machines and electronic table games, a sportsbook, a variety of dining options, nightlife, entertainment, and live harness racing. Mohegan Pennsylvania is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting MoheganPA.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X orInstagram and view us on YouTube. Gambling problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER.
On Saturday, May 6th, Kentucky Derby enthusiasts can enjoy live music, food trucks, mint juleps, a Hat Revue contest and plenty more!
WILKES-BARRE, PA (April 25, 2023)– The Kentucky Derby Celebration is back at Mohegan Pennsylvania! This much anticipated annual party gets started at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 6th when outdoor beverage windows and food trucks open. Registration for the Hat Revue starts at 4:00pm, and guests will compete for up to $500 in Mohegan Pennsylvania gift cards. The Kentucky Derby celebration at Mohegan Pennsylvania is free for all fans age 21+ to enjoy.
Outdoor beverage windows at the Kentucky Derby Celebration will offer mint juleps, Coors Light, Blue Moon, and a variety of seltzers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Two of Pennsylvania’s best food trucks, Ray’s Porketta and Jitty Joe’s Homemade Ice Cream, will be stationed outside for the celebration. There will be live music by The JOB and Light up the Moon starting at 2:00pm. Guests can also participate in the NEPA Cornhole Tournaments throughout the afternoon on the track infield.
It’s contest time! Guests can bring their greatest Churchill Downs inspired hats for a chance to win great prizes. Registration for the Hat Revue will be from 4:00pm – 6:00pm, and there are three different prizes that guests can win. The top prize includes a $500 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card that will be awarded to the Best Dressed Couple. The other two categories are Most Classic and Most Creative, each awarding a $250 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card. Mohegan Pennsylvania gift cards can be redeemed towards an overnight stay, tantalizing dining choices and incredible shopping selections across the property.
At approximately 6:57pm, the Kentucky Derby will begin, televised on the outdoor jumbo screen and indoor racing TV’s. Mohegan Pennsylvania will also be accepting advance wagers for the Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 5th. There will be no live harness racing meets scheduled for May 6th but simulcast wagering will be available for all tracks with live meets including Churchill Downs throughout the day. All guests must be 18 years or older to place wagers at the indoor simulcast location.
ABOUT MOHEGAN PENNSYLVANIA Mohegan Pennsylvania, owned by Mohegan, was the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania in 2006 and since then has become one of the premier entertainment, gaming, shopping, and dining destinations in the state. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Pennsylvania features a 237-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 67,000 square feet of gaming space including nearly 60 live table games, more than 1,700 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Pennsylvania is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting MoheganPA.com Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, download our app and view us on YouTube.
On Saturday, May 7th, Kentucky Derby enthusiasts and live racing fans can enjoy food trucks, Mint Juleps, Beer specials, a Hat Revue contest and plenty more!
Returning for the first time since 2019 will be the Kentucky Derby Celebration at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono (MSP). While the Downs will be open for racing wagers (18 or older) beginning at 10:00am, this much anticipated party really gets started at Noon when outdoor beverage windows and food trucks open. Also beginning at Noon is registration for a Hat Revue where participants will compete to take home great prizes under the categories “Most Classic”, “Most Creative”, and “Best Dressed Couple.” WNEP TV’s Ryan Leckey will be on-hand as the special guest judge for this contest! Live racing at the racetrack begins at 1:30pm. This Kentucky Derby Celebration at MSP does not have an admission fee.
Outdoor beverage windows at Mohegan Sun Pocono’s Kentucky Derby Celebration will offer Mint Juleps, Coors Light, Blue Moon, White Claw, spirits, various mixed drinks and non-alcoholic beverages. And three of PA’s best food trucks, Eat Up Now, Hot Potatoes and 2 Wayz One Passion, will be stationed outside for the celebration.
Guests can also bring their greatest Churchill Downs inspired hats for a chance to win great prizes. Registration for the Hat Revue will be from Noon – 4:30pm, and there are three different prizes that guests can win. With WNEP-TV’s Ryan Leckey serving as the special guest judge, a top prize the includes a $500.00 Mohegan Sun Pocono gift card along with a $200.00 racing voucher will be awarded to the Best Dressed Couple. The other two categories are Most Classic and Most Creative, each awarding a $250.00 gift card and a $100.00 racing voucher.
Ryan Leckey is an Emmy-award-winning content creator and one of the most well-known TV personalities in Pennsylvania. Leckey hosts “Leckey Live,” every weekday on WNEP-TV, where he has been since 2005. In addition to keeping audiences engaged and updated on social media as well, Leckey also heads up “Ryan’s Run,” a charity campaign benefitting children and adults with disabilities at Allied Services Integrated Health System.
At 6:57pm, the Kentucky Derby will begin, televised on the outdoor jumbo screen and indoor racing TV’s. Mohegan Sun Pocono will also be accepting advance wagers for the Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 6th.
The first ever Kentucky Derby took place in 1875, making it the longest running sporting event in the United States. Also known as “The Run for the Roses”, the popular race features 3-year-old racehorses and has had some incredible moments in its storied history. One of those moments came in 2018, when the Kentucky Derby hosted the first leg of the most recent Triple Crown winner, Justify. The Triple Crown is one of the hardest feats in all of sports, requiring the same horse to win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes in the same season. It has only been accomplished 13 times.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO
Mohegan Sun Pocono, owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, was the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania in 2006 and since then has become one of the premier entertainment, gaming, shopping, and dining destinations in the state. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including nearly 60 live table games, over 1900 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun Pocono is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting our website. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, download our app and view us on YouTube.
With the Kentucky Derby taking place this past Saturday and our traditional double-header of racing on that day, The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono hosted five cards of live harness racing instead of the usual four for the week. As if choosing for the Weekly Awards wasn’t difficult enough, there are many more possibilities this time around because of the extra races. Let’s take a look at who garners the honors for this busy week of harness racing action.
PACER OF THE WEEK: HIGHALATOR
On Saturday night, Pocono hosted its first big stakes race of the season with the Van Rose Invitational Pace for a purse of $50,000. It was also the first race at Pocono in the Great Northeast Open series, which inaugurated last year to much acclaim and will culminate with big-money finals at the end of the summer. Saturday night’s race looked on paper like it would belong to Western Fame, who was coming off a convincing victory in the $500,000 final of the Levy series at Yonkers.
But the field was full of top aged pacers, including Highalator, a standout five-year-old stallion from the Jenny Bier barn who always seems to rise to the occasion when he appears at Pocono. He left from the #2 post in a field of nine as the 2-1 second choice, while Western Fame left from the #7 spot at 3-5. Western Fame grabbed the engine while Highalator, with Richard Still in the bike, found the pocket seat early.
The key to the race may have been how Western Fame was hounded by long shot The Wall and his first-over bid. In the stretch, the favorite couldn’t summon enough to hold off the pursuit. Highalator, on the other hand, began to erupt as soon as the passing lane opened up. He flew home just a neck in front of Bettor Memories, who came out three-wide at the end of the mile with a lot of pace. Highalator paced the mile in 1:49:4 for yet another signature win on the Pocono oval.
Other top pacers for the week included: Always At My Place (Anthony Napolitano, Ron Burke), who scored a condition victory on Saturday night in 1:49:1, which is the fastest pacing time of the year to date at Pocono; Dancin Hill (Tyler Buter, Gareth Dowse), who won his third straight race, the last two at Pocono, when he beat a claiming handicap group on Saturday night in a career-best 1:50:4; and Nine Ways (George Napolitano Jr., Antonia Storer), who moved up the condition ladder for his second straight victory on Saturday night, getting it done in a career-best 1:50:1.
TROTTER OF THE WEEK: TWO AM
With the exception of a break of stride on April 14, this five-year-old gelding from the Todd Buter barn has been a consistent threat at Pocono in the 2019 meet. He has hit the board in three of four races here, peaking with a condition victory in a $21,500 featured condition trot on April 21 in 1:53:2. He returned to action in the $17,500 condition feature on Sunday night following a 6th place finish at the Meadowlands in his previous start.
Leaving from post position #2 in a field of eight, Two AM, who went off as the 1-2 favorite, sat back and let others battle for the early lead on the sloppy track. After some jockeying for position, Truemass Volo grabbed the engine, while Two AM idled in fifth in the early portion of the race. But driver Tyler Buter didn’t allow him to sit there for very long, sending him in motion first-over as the field headed into the clubhouse turn.
Buter didn’t wait around for cover, urging Two AM to engage Truemass Volo with his first-over move. He corralled the leader around the final turn and then left him, and the rest of the field, behind in the stretch. Despite being parked around two turns, the gelding still was out-trotting everybody in the lane, coming to the line a 3 ¼-length winner over Truemass Volo in 1:54:3, a time which was especially impressive considering the sloppy conditions.
Honorable mention on the trotting side goes to: Tiger’s Too Good (Anthony Napolitano, Pete Pellegrino), whose condition victory on Sunday night in the slop in 1:57 gave him two consecutive victories; Rich And Miserable (Tyler Buter, Todd Buter), who followed up a win at Yonkers with a condition win at Pocono on Sunday night in the slop in 1:56:2; and Karets (George Napolitano Jr., James Cosenza), who powered to a condition win on Monday in 1:53:4, the fastest trotting time posted this week at Pocono.
LONG SHOT OF THE WEEK: SHADY CITY
A flying rally in the passing lane gave this condition pacer driven by Larry Stalbaum a victory on Saturday night at 24-1, good for a $51.40 payout on a $2 win ticket.
DRIVER OF THE WEEK: ANTHONY NAPOLITANO
A-Nap certainly enjoyed the double-header schedule on Saturday, as he picked up four driving victories in both the afternoon and evening cards.
TRAINER OF THE WEEK: TODD BUTER
The Buter barn seems to have an endless supply of excellent trotters of all ages, as evidenced by Todd’s wins with Two AM and Rich And Miserable on Sunday night.
That will do it for this week, but we’ll see you at the track. Feel free to e-mail me at [email protected].
WILKES-BARRE, PA (April 25, 2023)– The Kentucky Derby Celebration is back at Mohegan Pennsylvania! This much anticipated annual party gets started at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 6th when outdoor beverage windows and food trucks open. Registration for the Hat Revue starts at 4:00pm, and guests will compete for up to $500 in Mohegan Pennsylvania gift cards. The Kentucky Derby celebration at Mohegan Pennsylvania is free for all fans age 21+ to enjoy.
Derby Celebration at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono (MSP). While the Downs will be open for racing wagers (18 or older) beginning at 10:00am, this much anticipated party really gets started at Noon when outdoor beverage windows and food trucks open. Also beginning at Noon is registration for a Hat Revue where participants will compete to take home great prizes under the categories “Most Classic”, “Most Creative”, and “Best Dressed Couple.” WNEP TV’s Ryan Leckey will be on-hand as the special guest judge for this contest!