by Jennifer Starr, for Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — It’s time to put away the snow shovels and get out the jog carts. The stables at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs officially open for the 2014 season this Saturday (March 1).

The gates will open at 7:30 a.m. and Luann Reynolds, stall superintendent, will be on hand as more than 50 horses begin arriving. Among the early arrivals include horses from stables located in the immediate and surrounding areas of Pennsylvania, along with Florida, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Canada.

According to Reynolds, the horses will continue to arrive over the next several weeks, as the backside population swells into the hundreds and the horses hit the track to warm up for the qualifying days.

“We are very excited to see everyone back, and our stables are full to capacity,” she said. “Our track has wintered well, and is ready for the return of racing. We will be hosting some of the best horses, drivers and trainers here again at Pocono this season. Best wishes to all of our horsemen for a safe and prosperous season, and welcome back, fans!”

Three days have been set aside for qualifying prior to opening day: Tuesday (March 11), Thursday (March 13) and Thursday (March 20). Opening night is Saturday (March 22).

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs will be offering live harness racing to start the meet on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday with a post time of 6:30 p.m., through June. Friday nights are added in July and August, and racing continues Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from September until closing day on Nov. 22.

For a complete schedule, visit www.mohegansunpocono.com.