The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono continues their end of year Awards on closing night, Saturday, Novemer 26th, honoring the harness racing driver and trainer of the Year in special ceremonies in the Hanover Shoe Farms Winner's Circle.
George Napolitano Jr. will again come out on top of the driving colony, as he has been the pacesetter from practically the first "They are underway!", while trainer Chris Oakes had a terrific end to his local campaign to take home the trainers' title.
George Napolitano Jr. was far clear in the drivers dashwinning derby – his total of 359 victories has been eclipsed locally in one season only by the 407 victories "George Nap" rang up last year. This was the 10th year where George led the Pocono drivers colony in sulky successes, and it was the eighth time he posted the highest UDR of the meeting, with a .383 "batting average" with three local cards in 2016 to go.
"GNap" got many of his victories behind horses trained by Chris Oakes, as Oakes, winning his third Pocono trainers title, with scorching fractions late in the year, posted 34 PcD victories since October 1 (32 of them driven by Napolitano) to bust open what had been a good battle with three-time defending champion Rene Allard.
Closing night will also be a special Fan Appreciation Night, giving back to the loyal fans watching and wagering on Pocono racing all season. Fans can win up to $100 in live racing vouchers and other prizes, printing right from the tote machines starting at 6:00p.m. Pacer's Clubhouse will also be open one final time for the season with dinner starting at 5:00p.m. by reservation only, 1-888-WIN-IN-PA.
Pocono will also be airing their special "Farewell video", spotlighting the season's best races; horsemen; and the track team members. The video is produced by International Sound Corporation in conjunction with Pocono Marketing.
Jennifer Starr