The golden era of Pocono Downs

The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono is getting ready to kick off their 50th harness racing season on Saturday, March 21, and the commemorative book looking back at the past 50 years has been released.

"The Golden Era of Pocono Downs" features photos, statistics, and feature articles, including the role of Pocono in Hurricane Agnes in 1972, and is available at the Pocono Programs desk for $3. Long-time harness writer Jerry Connors researched and compiled the statistics, along with several of the features within the book. Also featured is an article on the impeccable track surface written by Jay Bergman, longtime editor of harness racing's Harness Eye and columnist for DRF.com.

Dale Rapson, Vice President of Racing Operations, at the track for 36 years, announced at the press conference on Wednesday that he was truly proud of how far Pocono has come in 50 years, from a track headed for bankruptcy, to the superior racing surface it is today, attracting the best drivers, trainers, and horses in the country.

The book also features a four page photo collage dedicated to employees over the years. According to Mr. Rapson, his employees are one of the reasons that Pocono is so successful. "It's the way they treat the customers, that's the big thing," Rapson said. "The customers love our employees. Plus, their dependability – you can always count on them, and I think, their knowledge. I learn from them as well as they learn from me."

"The Golden Era of Pocono Downs" will be on sale throughout the season. The official anniversary weekend will be August 21-22, with the $2.3 million Super Stakes Saturday set for August 22. A special early Post Time of 5:30pm is set for both nights.

From this day forward, the track will be known as 'THE DOWNS AT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO'. The casino is Mohegan Sun Pocono. In any articles, captions, etc., please refer to us as 'THE DOWNS AT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO' or Pocono, as we are usually called.

Jennifer Starr

Racing Marketing Manager

Racing Operations