Pocono: More live racing dates could cause problems for other jurisdictions

Major changes in the landscape of harness racing are set for early in 2020. After multiple years of conceding the playing field to others in the Northeast, horsemen from the eastern side of Pennsylvania will make changes that could prove significant to their constituents, not just in the next few months but perhaps for years to come. That the Pennsylvania Racing Commission approved dates recently which pave the way for racing to commence at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono on February 8 should be soothing for local horsemen, while at the same time a concern for those in East Rutherford.

That’s the impression you get when you see Pocono starting in February with dates on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month. Even 25 more races in Pennsylvania at that time of year could be incredibly problematic for those trying to fill full cards in New Jersey.

Just a cursory look at last Saturday’s (12/7) Meadowlands program was enough to signal potential damage to full cards this February. When you consider that of the 125 horses programmed at The Meadowlands on the December 7 card, 33 show past performance lines recently at Harrah’s Philadelphia or Pocono.

What’s interesting about the change in Pennsylvania is that it happens at the same time that the backstretch at Pocono has been closed. Though 80 percent of horses routinely ship in to race at Pocono, the loss of live racing for an extended period of time would actually place an unnecessary burden on many horsemen. Those that still wished to campaign in Pennsylvania would be forced to ship cross state to The Meadows, something that’s possible yet at the same time risky and extremely time consuming during the winter months.

Local horsemen in advocating for a revised racing schedule on the eastern side of Pennsylvania are essentially trying to keep racing going for an 11-month period without much of a break. The 2020 dates will see Pocono adding an additional five racing dates with 139 in all. The extension of the program will see Harrah’s Philadelphia close out its 2020 season on December 20.

Sam Beegle, the President of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association, believes there are plenty of positives to come should 2020 work out as expected. “I think primarily this is a plus for the economy in Pennsylvania.,” Beegle said.

Beegle was quite complimentary about the relationship the horsemen have with Pocono management. “They’re building a 48-stall ship-in barn that should be ready by February. It will give horsemen the chance to come in and train over the track.”

Less down-time is one of the key driving forces behind the change in schedule. Perhaps convenience is a key factor as well since those horsemen that are stabled within the region have been forced to make long ships throughout the winter. Weather could play a factor in whether the races actually do take place. There is confidence that track maintenance will do a first-rate job to see it happen while at the same time, realism. “If we have to cancel because it’s not safe, we will,” said Beegle.

What’s interesting about the added dates is the fact that purses will not suffer due to the expansion. Horsemen have maintained a purse structure at Pocono and Harrah’s Philadelphia for years with a mindset of keeping a cushion in the purse account that affords them the ability to expand.

Pennsylvania is clearly the leader in North America in the number of horses being bred and many owners and trainers take advantage of local programs to increase their revenue streams. Though the stable area at Pocono will be closed, there are many training facilities within close proximity as well as State Fairgrounds to accommodate the horses. So in essence, from an economic benefit to the state perspective, more horses could be stabled and remain active within Pennsylvania on a year-round basis.

Clearly the impact of the changes in Pennsylvania could have a ripple effect in New Jersey. While some of those horses that raced at The Meadowlands last Saturday night were probably already stabled within New Jersey and will likely race at The Meadowlands during the winter, some will find it much easier to stable and race in Pennsylvania over the winter to limit long ships-in through adverse conditions. It’s probably reasonable to believe that Pocono will actually be in a better position to race during questionable weather if a large majority of horses entered are already within close proximity.

While it’s clearly understandable why Pennsylvania horsemen would make these changes, it’s disappointing that the 2020 dates could have a daunting impact in East Rutherford. It’s always been my opinion that The Meadowlands owned the winter dates and the winter audience. However, in recent years as Late Closers were wiped off the map and dates were pared down, owners and trainers had to make educated decisions on whether to rest horses during the winter months or to race with limited options. That many drivers would take the same period off was initially shocking, but reality has to set in when you’re an independent contractor and working days are limited.

It’s hard to say at this point what the overall impact will be on The Meadowlands and surrounding tracks, but it’s reasonable to expect a significant loss at the entry box. Pennsylvania-owned and bred horses are likely to be on the menu when Pocono opens its 2020 campaign on February 8 and that could put a rather large dent in the numbers everyone sees.

That Pennsylvania’s horsemen want to improve their overall situation and provide their members with a broader schedule is admirable. That the horsemen have forged workable relationships with the racetracks is obviously a major part of any current or future changes.

For racing to succeed and prosper in any locale those relationships are vital.