Harrisburg, PA — Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly visited Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Monday (March 30) as part of an effort to educate lawmakers on the economic impact horse racing has on the state, as well as the intricacies of a typical race day.
At the end of the Tuesday (March 31) Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission meeting, Tony Salerno, the commission’s head of the Standardbred bureau, said about 40 people participated in a tour of the facility during a live racing day.
“They got up close and personal with everything that was going on and asked questions,” Salerno said. “It might be a good idea to have more of (these tours).”
Mike Harant, executive director of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association, which represents horsepeople at Pocono and Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack, said the latter track also plans a day to host lawmakers this year.
Earlier in March, Kate DeMasi, president of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, which represents horsepeople at Parx Racing, testified before the Pennsylvania House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee as part of a Pennsylvania Equine Coalition endeavor. The coalition represents the interests of owners, trainers and breeders of both breeds in the state.
In other business at the meeting, Ed Rogers Jr., who served on the old Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission and transitioned to the dual-breed PHRC, announced his retirement. Rogers said he has served on a Pennsylvania racing commission for 21 of the last 30 years.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the racing commission members, staff, and the horsepeople,” Rogers said. “It has been a great go and I appreciate all of you.”
Rogers said his replacement on the PHRC has been selected, but it is possible he could still be on the commission for its April meeting.