The 2008 Adios Stake purse has been increased $60,000 to $500,000, it was jointly announced by Dale Rapson, vice president of Racing at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, and Earl Beal, president of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association.
Because of ongoing construction at the Meadows (home of the Adios), the 2008 Adios will be raced at Pocono Downs the afternoon of Saturday, August 9. Eliminations, if necessary, would be conducted Friday, August 1.
The $500,000 purse will tie the record for being the richest in the history of Pennsylvania harness racing.
"Hosting the Adios is an honor made even special by the $60,000 purse increase," stated Beal. "The Adios traditionally attracts the sport's top three-year-old pacing colts and geldings. And, as the richest race in our great state's racing history, we expect it to be a memorable event."
Rapson echoed similar sentiments concerning the Adios and said Pocono Downs will be rolling out the "red carpet" for everyone involved on Adios Day.
Several of the horses entered in the Adios will be looking to accumulate added purse money since the top 24 three-year-old colt and pacers throughout North America (accumulated purses earned) will be headed to Chester Downs the following week to participate in the Battle of Brandywine.
Top eight money earners will be going for another $500,000 purse with the next eight racing for $200,000 and bottom eight for $100,000.