by Jennifer Starr, for The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono

Wilkes-Barre, PA — The rain held off just enough for the gates at the stable entrance of the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono to open on Wednesday morning (March 1) at 7:30 a.m. Soon the stable area was filling up with the sounds of whinnies and laughter as horsemen arrived with their precious cargo, officially kicking off the 2017 racing season.

Pocono photo

Linda Kakaley helps McSorleys Mistake get settled into his stall.

Linda and John Kakaley were the first to arrive with McSorleys Mistake and Swiss Platinum, both owned by Charlie and Mary Johnston. A smiling Linda helped John get the first two horses settled in their stalls before a few more of theirs arrived soon after. John hit the track to train with McSorleys Mistake as the torrential downpour began, but neither John nor the trotter seemed to mind.

Horses for the Peter Pellegrino Stable soon arrived in a trailer driven by Ollie Rose III, and Bucky Angle’s trailer was seen being unloaded by the veteran horseman.

Outrider Tia Shafer’s horses Red and Hollywood, along with pony Niles, stepped off the trailer after their long ride from Ohio, and were greeted by hugs from Tia.

Stall applications are still being taken for the stables at https://myhorsemen.mohegansunpocono.com with special reduced rates for the 2017 season. Call Luann Reynolds at 570.831.2125 for details.

The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono stable area features an excellent training track; tack shop and farriers; two veterinary clinics; laundry facilities; and a secure area with a guard on the premises 24 hours a day. Entry is with a license only. The stable area is minutes from major interstate highways.

Racing opens for the season at the renowned five-eighths-mile track on Saturday (March 18). Three dates have been set aside for qualifiers — Tuesday (March 7), Thursday (March 9) and Wednesday (March 15).