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PLAINS TWP. — And they’re off.

Saturday night marked the start of the racing season at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, kicking off eight months of live harness races at the 5/8-mile oval track.

The racetrack off Route 315 opened in July 1965 as Pocono Downs, with its debut attracting Gov. William Scranton and other dignitaries. Its fortunes rose and fell over the years, as other forms of gambling — notably state lotteries and the casinos of Atlantic City — started to siphon away the interest and betting dollars 0f Pennsylvanians.

Racing at the track has seen a resurgence since 2005, when the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority of Connecticut purchased the 400-acre Pocono Downs property and began work on what has become a sprawling entertainment complex including casino gambling, live events, food and a hotel.

The track’s 2018 schedule will include the return of the Breeders Crown year-end championships in October, marking their appearance at Pocono for the third time since 2010.

Times Leader photographer Sean McKeag takes us on behind-the-scenes look at a night in the life of the track as racing got underway for the season on Saturday.

Drivers race their horses around the 5/8-mile track during the 1-mile pace at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Plains Towhship on Saturday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL031918HorseRacing1.jpg.optimal.jpgDrivers race their horses around the 5/8-mile track during the 1-mile pace at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Plains Towhship on Saturday. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Trainer Jose Godinez, of Golden Shoe Training Center in Montgomery, N.Y., prepares Chevals Clivesdale for Saturday evening’s races at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL031918HorseRacing2.jpg.optimal.jpgTrainer Jose Godinez, of Golden Shoe Training Center in Montgomery, N.Y., prepares Chevals Clivesdale for Saturday evening’s races at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

People line up in the lobby for a promotional giveaway and free programs before the start of the races at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL031918HorseRacing3.jpg.optimal.jpgPeople line up in the lobby for a promotional giveaway and free programs before the start of the races at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Groom Juliana Edwards, of Team Allard, leads Somewhere Fancy to a stall in the paddock at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL031918HorseRacing4.jpg.optimal.jpgGroom Juliana Edwards, of Team Allard, leads Somewhere Fancy to a stall in the paddock at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Drivers’ racing colors hang in the locker room and are ready to wear at the beginning of each night of races.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL031918HorseRacing5.jpg.optimal.jpgDrivers’ racing colors hang in the locker room and are ready to wear at the beginning of each night of races. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Starting judge Joseph DeSimone rides in the vehicle pulling the starting gate on the track. “Every day is something different,” said DeSimone, who has been involved with horse racing since he was 6. “It’s just a lot of fun. Not many people go to work every day and enjoy their job.”
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL031918HorseRacing6.jpg.optimal.jpgStarting judge Joseph DeSimone rides in the vehicle pulling the starting gate on the track. “Every day is something different,” said DeSimone, who has been involved with horse racing since he was 6. “It’s just a lot of fun. Not many people go to work every day and enjoy their job.” Sean McKeag | Times Leader

A driver does a lap around the track to warm up his horse Saturday before the beginning of the first harness race of the night —and the season — at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL031918HorseRacing7.jpg.optimal.jpgA driver does a lap around the track to warm up his horse Saturday before the beginning of the first harness race of the night —and the season — at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Sean McKeag | Times Leader