Emerald Downs

Assuming that you, too, have by this stage marvelled at the tenacity, balance and athleticism of Alex Cruz in winning a race despite losing both irons leaving the gate, at Emerald Downs last weekend, then perhaps you might also have been prompted to reassess our prejudices against the seat of the 18th Century guardsman. To the modern eye, the long-shanked equitation of those days appears ludicrous: awkward, stilted and, above all, inimical to the freedom of the horse's movement. We think of the elevation of the modern jockey, as popularized...

Emerald Downs will raise overnight purses by 10% for the 2022 racing season, the second consecutive year for such an increase. After not being able to attend the races in 2020, fans have returned to the Emerald grandstand this year and revenues have exceeded expectations. "Our race fans came out to enjoy the beautiful weather, great racing, and popular promotions," said track president Phil Ziegler. "Revenue from admissions, food & beverages, and wagering were all better than projected. That enables us to put more money towards purses in 2022." The...

Junior Coffey, a star running back at the University of Washington and one of the state's most successful Thoroughbred trainers, died of congestive heart failure Monday at age 79. A three-time All-Coast selection and three-time Honorable Mention All-American at Washington, Coffey led the Huskies in rushing in 1962 and 1964 and played professionally with the NFL's Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants. His pro career included a rookie stint on the Packers' 1965 championship squad coached by the famed Vince Lombardi. After a knee injury curtailed his...

A celebration of the life of longtime Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association general manager Ralph Vacca will be held at the Morris J. Alhadeff Sales Pavilion at Emerald Downs Aug. 14 at 3:30 p.m. Vacca spent 47 years at the WTBOA, moving up the ladder to serve as general manager from May 1973 until his retirement in December 2007. He also spent several years in Kentucky, working at Stoner Creek Farm, Claiborne Farm, the Daily Racing Form and the Thoroughbred Record. Vacca passed away last July at 84.

Emerald Downs has announced several incentive programs for the 2021 race meet that begins May 19 and continues through Sept. 23. To help increase its horse population, Emerald Downs will offer a $10,000 bonus to any new trainer who brings at least 10 horses to the track. A $5,000 bonus will be paid directly to the trainer upon arrival and an additional $5,000 after the trainer's 10th start of the meet. Trainers must come from a track outside of Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. The popular Ship and Run Incentive...

Officials at Emerald Downs in Auburn, WA, have announced that the purses for all races are to be increased by 10% for the final three weeks of the 2020 racing season, Oct. 14 through Oct. 29. Through 30 days of live racing, handle is averaging $1,871,799, a 67% increase over last year. "We have been pleased at the increased betting on our races plus the increased wagering by Washington residents through the advanced deposit companies," track president Phil Ziegler said. The purse increase applies to the final seven days of...

The Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association's 53rd annual summer sale will take place as scheduled on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at the WTBOA Sales Pavilion at Emerald Downs. The catalog features 123 yearlings, 17 broodmares and one broodmare prospect. COVID-19 protocols will be in place and published at washingtonthoroughbred.com. Online bidding will also be available (click for more).

Kactus Kate (Tourist) became the first winner for her freshman sire (by Tiznow) at Emerald Downs Wednesday evening. Off at odds of 15-1 in her unveiling, the Oak Crest Farm homebred forced the issue on the outside in second, poked her head in front as they hit the quarter pole and kicked clear in the stretch to graduate by two lengths. Kactus Kate is a half-sister to Sutra (Meadowlake), GISW, $356,873. Tourist, winner of the 2016 GI Breeders' Cup Mile, stands at WinStar Farm. 5th-Emerald Downs, $19,340, Msw, 7-1, 2yo,...

Officials at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington, have released a revised stakes schedule for a 44-day meeting that runs June 22 through Oct. 4. The 85th running of the $100,000 GIII Longacres Mile S., as usual, is the focal point of the meet, but has been moved back to be run Sept. 13 on a program that also includes the Emerald Distaff S. The richest of the 14 remaining stakes is the $60,000 Gottstein Futurity S. for the 2-year-olds on closing day. The schedule features six stakes for 3-year-olds and...

The Washington Horse Racing Commission voted to approve a 44-day season for Emerald Downs Friday. Racing was originally scheduled to begin Apr. 18 and has now been approved to begin Monday, June 22. Races will be conducted every Monday and Tuesday with no fans in attendance. Horse Racing without public participation is included in Phase 3 of Governor Jay Inslee's "Safe Start Washington" plan. Upon entering Phase 4, racing will open to the public and Emerald Downs will return to a traditional weekend race schedule. A revised stakes schedule will...

John and Janene Maryanski and Gerald and Gail Schneider's multiple stakes winner Baja Sur (Smiling Tiger) was named horse of the year, champion sprinter and champion 3-year-old at the 2019 Washington Annual Awards Dinner and Horsemen Stimulus Auctions held at Emerald Downs Saturday. Bred by the late John Roche and trained by Blaine Wright, the gelding won three stakes in 2019 and added his year-end honors to his 2018 Washington-bred juvenile championship title. Other state-bred champions honored Saturday were: Grinder Sparksaglo (Grindstone), champion older horse; No Talking Back (Flatter), champion...