by John Zimich, publicity director, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association (PHHA), will be holding an “East meets West Battle of Pennsylvania” on Friday, November 16.

Featured in the drivers’ competition will be the top reinsmen from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs and The Meadows Racetrack.

Representing Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs will be Tim Tetrick, currently the 2007 meet’s leading driver, Eric Goodell, Jim Taggart, Jr., Tom Jackson and Mike Simons.

The Meadows “team” will have Dave Palone, leading driver there, Tony Hall and W. Mike Wilder.

Eight races on the 12-race card will feature the above eight drivers who will be competing for the first prize of $11,000. Second-place in the competition will be worth $9,000, with $7,000 for third, $5,000 for fourth, $4,000 for fifth, $3,000 for sixth, $2,000 for seventh and $1,000 for eighth.

Each of the eight drivers will have the opportunity of selecting one horse in a race with a random drawing being held to round out each of the eight-horse fields.

According to Saul Needle, director of racing at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, and Ron Battoni, who is executive director of the (PHHA), 50 points will be awarded to the winner of a race with 25 for second, 12 for third, eight for fourth, five for fifth, four for sixth, three for seventh and two for eighth.

In the event of a scratch, 15 points will automatically go to the driver of that horse.

Purses for the designated races for the drivers’ challenge will be increased an extra 20 percent with the sixth, seventh and eighth-place finishers receiving $150 each. Normally, only the first five finishing horses receive purse monies.

All eight drivers have agreed to donate their purse money to the fund that is being established for the son of the late Amy Comly. Amy was a horse owner and trainer at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.