The Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association's president, Earl Beal, Jr., has announced that the organization will increase the bonus for any Pennsylvania owned, trained or sired winning horses at Pocono Downs.

The bonus, which will climb from 20% to 40%, will be in effect from September 1 through 13.

In addition to the 40% win bonus, the PHHA will also extend a 20% bonus to second-place horses at the Pennsylvania track. Qualifying winners will automatically receive the bonuses as part of their purse cheques.

Under certain circumstances, a qualifying winner could earn a bonus totaling up to 80%: 40% from the 2008 bonus, 20% if the win occurs in a Pennsylvania-sired race plus an additional 20% if a horse meeting the two prior conditions also wins from the ninth hole.

The bonus program was developed in response to a funding excess created by this year's abbreviated meet, which is 95 days versus 133 in 2007, to allow for the construction of a new paddock over the fall and winter.

"While we wish this year's meet could have been longer, the benefits of a completely new and state-of-the art paddock far outweigh this one-time inconvenience," said Beal.

"The bonus program has been tremendously successful in offsetting the condensed schedule," he added. "And this large increase for the final month of racing provides a meaningful way for us to celebrate and reward those who support the Pennsylvania standardbred industry."

To date, over $600,000 has been awarded in conjunction with the bonus program.

(PHHA)