by Jennifer Starr, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is planning a momentous Sire Stakes Championship Night for Saturday, September 6, with over $1 million in purses, and an Open Trot and an Open Pace to sweeten the night.

The $50,000 Modern Family Open Trot will be held in honor of the late trotter, who passed away on July 20 following the Maple Leaf Trot. Modern Family, a 5-year-old son of Cantab Hall, was trained and co-owned by Daryl Bier, in partnership with Charles Dombeck and Richard Poilucci. A 19-time winner in 51 career starts, Modern Family had career earnings of more than $550,000. The connections of the trotter have been invited to take part in the Winner’s Circle presentation following the race.

Also planned for the evening’s card will be a $50,000 Open for the top pacers in harness racing, and anyone interested in entering the Pace or the Trot should contact the Race Office at 570-831-2228.

PA Sire Stakes Championship Night will feature the best of the freshman PA-bred trotting and pacing stars competing in $260,000 finals. Consolation races will also be held.

Post Time is 6:30 p.m., and the day will kick off with a Signings and Sightings meet and greet with Hall of Famer and former New York Giants Linebacker Lawrence Taylor from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the Sky Bridge, connecting the casino and the racetrack. Those wishing to meet the football legend should obtain a wristband to secure their spot in line, starting at 1 p.m. Only authorized photos will be signed, and they will be issued at the signing.