In 2008, horsemen at Pocono Downs raced for a record $14,588,000 in purses for the 95-day harness meet which recently concluded.
The total included $778,000 in bonuses to Pennsylvania-owned, bred and sired horses.
Including the Delvin Miller Adios, Max C. Hempt Memorial, W.N. Reynolds Memorial and James M. Lynch Memorial, daily average purses totaled $153,500. The weekly average purse total was $607,000. There were a total of 1,345 races during the 95-day meet with an average of 14 races daily.
"This was a very exciting and successful year for our members," said Earl Beal Jr., president of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association.
"Despite the abbreviated 95-day meet, the PHHA ensured the equitable distribution of purses that led to some of the most competitive racing nationwide. The additional $778,000 paid as purses also was very well received by our horsemen," concluded Beal Jr.
(With files from Pocono)