by Jennifer Starr, for The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono

Wilkes-Barre, PA — The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono has seen a sharp increase in total handle after 27 days of racing in its 2016 season, according to Vice President of Racing Operations Dale Rapson.

Despite the less than ideal weather conditions, numbers continue to trend up for the track in Northeast Pennsylvania, with total handle up 12 percent.

“One of the main reasons for the increase is the change in our racing schedule, dropping Wednesday nights and adding Mondays, and adjusting our Sunday night post time to 7:30 p.m.,” Rapson commented. “Rick Kane, our Racing Secretary, has put together some great cards that have attracted not only a good quantity, but also an excellent quality of horses. Our driving colony remains top-notch in the field as well.”

Going into the busy time of the season, the Downs management feels that they will keep the momentum going.

Racing continues Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. through Nov. 26.

Sun Stakes Saturday is set for July 2, featuring the Earl Beal Jr. Memorial Trot, James M. Lynch Memorial, Max Hempt Memorial and the Ben Franklin Free-For-All Pace. August 20 is set aside for Super Stakes Saturday, with the Colonial Trot, the Valley Forge and the Battle of the Brandywine.