Emerald Downs is a Must Visit
Going to one of the biggest and best racetracks in America, such as Saratoga or Santa Anita, is always a good time, but a day at the races at one of the not so big, or not so famous racetracks, can be every bit as enjoyable. In fact, some of my favorite racetrack experiences, and racetracks, include those not generally mentioned among racing’s elite. Tampa Bay Downs and Kentucky Downs are two mid-sized racetracks that readily come to mind. A day at either is always a day well spent. Another, which unfortunately I have not had the pleasure of visiting in recent years, but is on my short list of favorites, is Emerald Downs.
Whether it is the beautiful backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the laid-back atmosphere, or the consistently underrated racing, I’ve long considered the Suburban Seattle race place one of my personal favorites. Back in the day, and when I lived in Seattle, Emerald Downs was my go-to, and the two wonderful summers I spent there are still part of my racing fan soul. If you’ve never been there, let me personally vouch for the charm of Emerald Downs. I know I need to get back, and 2017 would be as good as time as any.
Here are some specifics on the 2017 racing season at Emerald Downs:
- It all begins on Saturday, April 8. The 70-day live racing dates runs through closing day on Sunday, September 17.
- Live racing is scheduled Saturday and Sunday only during the first and last two weeks of the season, with Friday racing beginning April 21 and continuing thru September 1. There are also two Mondays of racing, July 3 and May 29.
- There are 30 stakes races on this year’s schedule, totaling $1,685,000 in purses.
- Of course, the headliner at Emerald Downs, as it was at the old Longacres, is the $200,000 Longacres Mile on August 13. Point Piper is the defending champion, but look for local hero Stryker Phd to go after his third victory in 2017
- The highest concentration of stakes racing, combined with the unbelievable summer weather of the Seattle area, can be found in the second half of the meet, including 13 stake races in August.
- Longacres Mile day will feature four stakes races, which also includes the Emerald Distaff.
- Unlike many racetracks, Sunday is the big day at Emerald Downs, with 27 stakes, running through the $65,000 Gottstein Futurity for 2-year-olds on September 17.
- Other big races days include the $75,000 Washington Oaks on July 23, and the $75,000 Emerald Downs Derby on July 30.
For a great day of racing, I highly recommend a visit to Emerald Downs in Auburn Washington, and if you can stay more than a day or two, you will only fall in love with it even more. The horses are generally there the entire meet, so you quickly get to know them. As a bettor, you will appreciate a recent trend in field size. In 2016, the average field size jumped up to 7.43, which was well up from the year before. Good racing, nice atmosphere with friendly people, amazing weather, there is a lot to love about Emerald Downs.