Spring is just around the corner and The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono is getting the stable area ready for its valued horsepeople.

The gates to the stable area will officially open for the 54th season on Friday, March 1 at 7:30 a.m. (the gates will remain locked until that time).

All horsepeople must have a valid Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission licence, which must be presented upon entry at all times. In addition, per Paddock Judge/Stall Superintendent Luann Sensenbach, all paperwork must be on file with the stall office, and may be faxed to 570-831-3528. For stall rentals, please call 570-831-2125.

Applications for racing privileges may be submitted at myhorsemen.mohegansunpocono.com.

Applications must be submitted for horses nominated to the late- and early-closing events before entering to race. If a trainer has not raced at ‘the Downs’ prior, the entry may not be accepted if a racing application is not on file.

The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono stable area features an excellent training track, tack shop and farriers, two veterinary clinics, laundry facilities, and a secure area with a guard on the premises 24 hours a day. Entry is with a licence only. The stable area is minutes from major interstate highways.

The first qualifiers of the season will take place on Tuesday, March 5; Thursday, March 7, and Wednesday, March 13.

Racing opens for the season at the renowned five-eighths-mile track on Saturday, March 16, and will continue in March on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with no racing on Sunday, March 17. In April, the track moves to the regular schedule of Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday. Saturday and Sunday post will be at 7:00 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday will be at 4:00 p.m.

(The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono)