Harness: $100,000 Driver Challenge on tap at Philly, Pocono

Summer is heating up at Harrah’s Philadelphia and The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono with the addition of a $100,000 Driver Challenge series.

A $40,000 top prize will be awarded to first place, with second through eighth place awards ranging from $4,000-$15,000.

The series will begin May 27, with the final set for Sunday, September 18 at Harrah’s. Points will be accumulated Fridays and Sundays at Harrah’s, and Sundays and Mondays at Pocono. At both tracks, one point will be awarded for starts in races 1-4, two points for 5-9 and three points for 10-14. The final day to accumulate points is Tuesday, September 12.

On September 18, the eight highest point earners, in order of their rankings, will each select a race and their drive in it. Purses for those races will have an additional 20% added, and horses finishing sixth, seventh and eighth will receive $300.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the top drivers in North America at our two member tracks,” said Sam Beegle, President of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association. “It’s something we know the fans will appreciate, and it will add to the excitement during our peak months for live racing attendance.”

-release from PHHA