The initial qualifying races of the 2009 harness racing season at Pocono Downs will be held Thursday, March 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Saul Needle, director of racing for Pocono Downs, said more qualifying races also are scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, and Thursday, March 26. Following those qualifiers all of the qualifying races will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays.

Pocono Downs opens its 2009 harness racing season Wednesday, April 1, with a 6:30 p.m. first race post time. Night racing will be conducted Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the 135-day meet with Saturday afternoon first race post times of 1:00 p.m.

The 2009 meet will continue through November 21.