Washington Horse Racing Commission

Emerald Downs will offer 52 days of live racing in 2023, beginning May 6 and continuing through Sept. 17. The 2023 season features 20 Saturdays, 19 Sundays, 11 Fridays, and two Mondays. The meet's stakes schedule, which will be released in full in December, is highlighted by the 88th running of the Longacres Mile. Live racing dates were approved at last week's monthly meeting of the Washington Horse Racing Commission.

Former Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association General Manager Ralph Vacca passed away in his home in Auburn, WA, July 20. He was 84. Among those surviving Vacca are children Darrell (Linda) Vacca, Melanie (Tom) Bidman, Dionne Stein, Kyle Vacca and Rachel (Rich) Pring; grandchildren, Rafe, Josh, Kevin, Garrett, Teddy and Julian; great-grandchild, Caelin; brother, Richard (Linda) Vacca. A memorial scholarship in Ralph Vacca's name is currently being established. Remembrances may be sent: c/o Washington Thoroughbred Foundation, 3220 Ron Crockett Dr NW, Auburn, WA 98001. Born in Seattle, the first...

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...