Weiss late-closers highlight Pocono opening week

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs opens their season on Tuesday, April 3, and opening week will be filled with a trio of late-closing events named for one special track employee.

 

Bobby Weiss held the title of director of track maintenance for over 40 years, and was responsible for maintaining probably the most widely recognized racing surface, regardless of size, in North America. Numerous world records were recorded on the famed red colored five-eighths mile oval while under Bobby's regime, not to mention countless new lifetime marks. Over the years the track's reputation for consistency and safety for the horses racing on it have grown through accolades from various trainers and drivers who have competed on it. Though Mr. Weiss retired at the conclusion of the 2011 season, he remains as a consultant with the track to oversee the surface for the 2012 season.

 

The Bobby Weiss Late-Closing Series begins opening night with the first event for 3- and 4-year-old pacing colts and geldings. Eighty-three have been nominated to this division.

 

Fifty four fillies and mares have been nominated for the division scheduled for the second night of racing on Wednesday. The event continues on Friday, April 6, with the 3- and 4-year-old Trot, which has 86 nominations.

 

Each event will have two legs going for $15,000 and the finals for all events will carry a purse of $30,000. The finals begin on Tuesday, April 17. (Pocono Downs)