by Jennifer Starr, for Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — The Max C. Hempt Memorial Stake No. 61 and the James M. Lynch (filly division) for 3-year-old pacers will become early closers in 2015.

Both the initial nominating payment and 2-year-old sustaining payment that have been made on horses to the former stakes event will be refunded by the Hambletonian Society.

There will be a new nominating fee of $500 due for the Max Hempt (3-year-old Open) Pace and a $350 nominating fee for the Lynch (3-year-old filly) Pace. Both are due on February 15, 2015.

Complete information regarding subsequent sustaining payments and starting fees will be announced in December.

For 2015, the Max C. Hempt Memorial Pace will be a guaranteed $500,000 and the James M. Lynch Memorial Pace will be a guaranteed $300,000. Dates for these events will also be announced in December.

For No. 61, the monies will be prorated among the owners of the horses eligible at the time of cancellation. For No. 62, the nomination fees will be refunded to the nominators.

Live racing continues at the track in Northeast PA until Nov. 22, with live race nights Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This Friday (Oct. 17) is an added night and will be celebrated as “Fan Appreciation Night.” Fans can bring their Racing Rewards card and valid ID to the Trackside Concession Stand on the apron and choose a souvenir from the 2014 racing season, one per fan, while supplies last.