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Pocono News Section
Thousands Turn Out for "Kentucky Derby" of Harness Racing
Thousands Turn Out for "Kentucky Derby" of Harness Racing - Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 9:00PM EST
Reported by: Dia Wallace
Saturday, Aug 9, 2008 @ 09:00pm EST
PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY- Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs rolled out the red carpet Saturday for the richest race in the history of Pennsylvania Harness Racing. The $350,000 purse for the Adios Stakes was a memorable one.
A number of other events were held in conjunction with the big race, drawing a crowd of more than 4,000 people. Deanna Lombardi won the title of Miss Mohegan Sun at Poconos Downs. The beauty pageant was just part of Pennsylvania’s richest harness race of the year.
Mohegan Sun CEO Bobby Soper said, “We've got arguably the biggest, if not the biggest, race in Pennsylvania for harness racing. A $350,000 race and some of the best drivers in the world.
The showcase race drew a lot of excitement from the crowd and likely had a positive economic impact at the track. The signature race is usually held at the meadows near Pittsburgh but moved to Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs for one year while a new casino building is built on the track's property.
“I think it's an honor that they trusted us with the race, they thought enough about our facility to accommodate, real pleased with how it all transpired,” added Soper.
“Shadow Play” with driver David Miller won the race, taking home half of the purse – that’s about $175,000.
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