Wilkes-Barre, PA — The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono and the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association are pleased to announce for horsemen review the early and late closers that will be highlighting the 2021 racing season. The Northeast Pennsylvania oval will begin a 137-day meet on Saturday (Feb. 6), concluding on Saturday (Oct. 30).

The Pennsylvania All-Stars, an early closer for PA sired 3-year-olds, will make its first appearance of the season in May and June. The 2-year-old All-Stars will be held in July. Nominations for the 3-year-old PA All-Stars events are due on Tuesday (Feb. 16). The 2-year-old event nominations will not be due until Monday (March 15).

Sun Stakes Saturday has been updated to feature a new placement in the racing calendar as well as a new format; one that was once unique to Super Stakes events of past racing seasons.

Moving from the usual July 4th weekend, Sun Stakes Saturday will now be held on Saturday (Aug. 21). The events of the day will feature the $300,000 Earl Beal Memorial 3-year-old Open Trot, the $300,000 Max Hempt Memorial 3-year-old Open Pace, and the $250,000 James Lynch Memorial 3-year-old Filly Pace. In addition, a new event has been added to the 2021 lineup — the $250,000 Delmonica Hanover 3-year-old Filly Trot.

The Beal and the Hempt will offer $200,000 and $100,000 consolations while the Lynch and the Delmonica Hanover will have $125,000 and $75,000 consolations.

This year’s unique racing conditions allow eligible horses to fit into their proper event based on their 2021 seasonal earnings up to the draw date. Nominations close for Sun Stakes Saturday on Tuesday (Feb. 16).

Both the Pennsylvania All-Stars and Sun Stakes Saturday event nominations and sustaining payments should be mailed to: Hambletonian Society, Inc., 109 South Main St., Suite 18, Cranbury, NJ 08512-3174.

Complete racing conditions and payment information for these racing events can be found on The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono Horsemen’s Page.