The Hambletonian Society today announced that the dates for the 2010 Breeders Crown races for two and three-year-olds and older horses, which will be taking place at Pocono Downs, have been adjusted

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Harness racing’s $7-million year-end series will take place on Saturday, October 9, 2010 instead of the previously announced date of November 6 at Pocono, located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

When the 2010 World Equestrian Games displaced the Grand Circuit meet at Lexington’s Red Mile, a window opened to move the Breeders Crown back to its traditional October date. Eliminations will take place the prior week.

“Mohegan Sun at Pocono made the commitment to be the first track to host all 12 divisional championships on the same night, and we wanted to make sure we chose the best possible date, taking many factors into consideration.” said Tom Charters, president and CEO of the Hambletonian Society, which owns and services the events.

“We worked with the existing stakes schedule and the Red Mile to try to optimize the situation for all involved.”

Pocono Downs will be the 30th host track and the first new venue since Colonial Downs in 1998 to host the series. The five-eighths-mile oval is the first to stage all 12 events on a single night.

(With files from the Hambletonian Society)