by Mark McKelvie, WEG Communications

Campbellville, ON — The 53rd season of live harness racing at Mohawk Racetrack is set to begin this Thursday (April 7).

A total of 144 cards, pending regulatory approval, are scheduled for the 2016 Mohawk meet, marking the longest meet in the history of the Campbellville oval. The meet will run from April 7 to Nov. 7. Live racing will be conducted every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the meet. Tuesdays will be added to the schedule beginning in June.

The start of the Mohawk meet regularly adds new energy to the racing season for fans, horsemen and officials.

“I love the atmosphere,” said driver Sylvain Filion. “The fans are closer and you get a chance to speak with them. It’s just more fun for everybody.”

Filion, who led all drivers last season with 160 wins at Mohawk, noted that racing strategy changes from Woodbine to Mohawk.

“There is a change of the racing style,” said Filion. “I think the front end won’t be as efficient down there as it is (at Woodbine), but it’s always a real nice track to race on.”

The 2016 Mohawk meet is once again loaded with major events throughout the season.

The signature event of the Mohawk meet is the C$1 million Pepsi North America Cup on Saturday (June 18). The richest race in Canadian harness racing will once again bring a giant party to Campbellville, as the finest 3-year-old pacers will vie for the Cup. Post time for Pepsi North America Cup night is 6:30 p.m.

The always popular Fireworks and Family Fun Night will draw a large crowd on the Victoria Day long weekend. Fireworks Night is scheduled for Saturday (May 21) and will feature a special post time of 6:45 p.m.

The Grand Circuit will once again take over Mohawk for a four-week stretch at the end of the summer. Canadian Pacing Derby and Metro Pace night is scheduled for Labor Day weekend on Saturday (Sept. 3), while Canadian Trotting Classic and Maple Leaf Trot night is set for two weeks later on Saturday (Sept. 17).

The wagering menu at Mohawk will continue to offer all of the usual signature and popular wagers. A pair of guaranteed pools will be offered nightly, as the $30,000 Pick-5 and $50,000 Early Pick-4 hold their regular spots on each card.

The Jackpot Hi-5 wager, which has generated record handles at Mohawk, will start with a $25,590 carryover from Woodbine on Thursday’s card.

Several ‘Welcome Back’ promotions are scheduled for opening weekend at Mohawk. The first 250 fans to arrive Thursday evening for the opening card of the meet will receive a free program.

On Saturday evening, fans will be greeted by live music upon arrival and the first 250 fans will once again receive free programs along with a coupon for a free coffee. Customers with a reservation in the Terrace Dinning Room Saturday will also receive a complimentary “NA Cup Squeeze” beverage.

Post time for each night of racing, except on special dates, is 7:30 p.m.

Fans and horseplayers can stay up to date on news, promotions and events all season long by visiting www.MohawkRacetrack.com and Mohawk’s Facebook and Twitter pages.