by Jennifer Starr, Racing Marketing Manager, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Spring is in the air and the first official sign in Northeast Pennsylvania is the return of horses to Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The stables open for the 2013 racing season on Friday (March 1).

Luann Reynolds, Stall Superintendent, will be on hand as more than 50 horses will begin arriving shortly after the gates open at 8 a.m. Among the early arrivals include horses from the stables located in the immediate and surrounding areas of Pennsylvania, along with Florida, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Canada.

According to Ms. 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.

“The stable area is filled to capacity again this season,” 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 at Pocono this season, and it will be a very exciting year. 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 12); Thursday (March 14); and Thursday (March 21).

The Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs Race Office would like to remind everyone that there is a sustaining payment form now available for anyone planning to make payments for the Ben Franklin Free For All Pace or any of the Pennsylvania All-Stars events.

The form may be accessed on the Horsemen page by clicking here.

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 May. Friday nights are added in June and July, and racing continues Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from August until closing day on Nov. 16. For a complete schedule, visit www.mohegansunpocono.com.