Needle points to long history at Pocono Downs

Racing at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs has improved tremendously over the past 30 years or so, just ask Saul Needle, who is now in his 33rd year of employment at the Northeastern Pennsylvania harness racing track.

Needle was the track’s announcer and assistant race secretary for 16 years prior to becoming director of racing. His office is responsible for putting together the races for the meets.

“When I first became race secretary it was really hard to get horsemen to compete here,” said Needle. “That’s because of the small purses. Today, we are a destination. Everyone wants to race at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs and the other harness racing tracks in Pennsylvania.”

He added that when he first became race secretary here the total purses amounted to $30,000 to $35,000 per week. He said overnight daily purses in 2008 would be approximately $120,000.

Even prior to the construction of Pennsylvania’s first casino at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority increased daily purses several times. Those amounts have now grown to the $120,000 range, thanks to the monies received from slot revenues.

Needle also has witnessed a dramatic evolution of the sport during his tenure as both race caller and director of racing.

“It really was a huge story back in the 1970s when a horse won a race in 2:00 or less,” offered the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs’ race director. “Following the race and turning my attention to the winner’s circle I would announce that such and such a trainer or driver just had his first two-minute mile.

“Today, 98 percent of the horses cross the finish line in 2:00 or less. Half of them are 1:55 or less. That’s how far we’ve come in the sport. It’s because of the breeding, training, condition of the racing surfaces and catch-drivers.”

He noted that nowadays you don’t find too many trainers driving their horses. They leave that up to the catch-drivers like Tim Tetrick, Eric Goodell, Mike Simons, Jim Taggart Jr., Tom Jackson and Larry Stalbaum, regulars at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, he stated.

“There’s no question the quality of racing here at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs just keeps on getting better and better with each passing year,” said Needle. “Once again, top-notch trainers like Mickey Burke, Mark Ford, Ross Croghan and Erv Miller will have horses racing here in 2008.  “Coupled with our stakes schedule it’s going to be another historic year.”

The 95-day meet at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs opens Tuesday afternoon, April 1, with a 2:00 p.m. post. Racing will be held on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays through Sept. 13.

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