by Jennifer Starr, for Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Saturday (Oct. 19) was a record-breaking night for Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs as they hosted the 2013 Breeders Crown. All 12 championship races were held with purses in excess of $6 million.

A record handle for the track in Northeast Pennsylvania was reached, and the number was also the largest handle ever for a harness track in Pennsylvania. Including Australia and New Zealand, the total handle was more than $3.2 million. In 2010, when the track hosted the Breeders Crown, the total handle was $2.3 million.

The estimated crowd for Saturday night was more than 9,000 people. Both the VIP Tent and the Patio seats, sold on Ticketmaster, were sold out before the event. Fans poured into the two complimentary General Admission tents and free Grandstand, and every bench, chair, and table was filled on the track apron. The on-and-off showers did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the fans, on hand to see the best racing!

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs has extended their 2013 racing season to Saturday (Nov. 23), with a special meet-and-greet with Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt on closing night from 4-6 p.m. Fans may line up at 2 p.m. to secure a wristband and an authorized photo. No outside merchandise will be signed.

Friday (Nov. 22) has been deemed “Fan Appreciation Night” with fans choosing a souvenir from the season from 7-9 p.m. just by showing their Racing Rewards card and valid I.D. One per fan, while supplies last.

There will be no racing Nov. 19 and 20.