Horse Racing NW: Recent Episodes
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Vince at “Breakfast At the Wire,” from 9-10:30 am. It’s free to attend with guests, raffle prizes and a complimentary breakfast item and coffee for all who attend. Wear your “Fab Friday” Hawaiian shirt to the races on Saturdays for free admission. The great Friday concession specials and Lucky One Lemonade Horseshoe Toss move to Saturday, too. Washington Hall of Famers join Joe and Vince on this week’s show. Debbie Pabst is prepping a large number of yearling sons and daughters of farm sire Alternation for the Tuesday, August 25, WTBOA Yearling Sale. Wesley Ward, known world-wide for his many Keeneland training titles and his breakthrough victories at Royal Ascot, is sending Touchy to Washington for the Longacres Mile. He speaks to his colt and the storied race history.
15, 9-10:30 am. The Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame induction ceremony is Saturday, August 15, before the races and there’s the Railbird Rally on Mile Day, August 16. Go to emeralddowns.com and follow us on Facebook for all upcoming special events and promotions. Guests this week include Bob Rondeau and Dana Halvorson. Rondeau speaks to his friendship and the career of Mark Kaufman, former Longacres Publicity Director, who’s a Hall of Fame inductee on August 15. President Dana Halvorson gives facts and figures of the August 25 WTBOA Yearling Sale and new Pabst Blue Ribbon Farm stallion Alternation with 18 sons or daughters in the catalog.
Looking forward to a Super Stakes Sunday at Emerald Downs! This Sunday, July 19, come out for an 11-race card that includes six stakes. In the marquee race, four weeks before the Longacres Mile, Slew’s Tiz Whiz goes for an amazing fifth straight Governor’s Stakes title. He meets crack sprinters Tax Code and Si That Tiger among the seven entries. The track’s leading active stakes winner, Aloha Breeze, seeks her third consecutive Washington State Legislators Stakes score. She’s won eight local stakes, one more than Tom Wenzel-trained stablemate Slew’s Tiz Whiz. It’s Equine Art 2026 week and all art is on display on Track Level through racing on Sunday. All pieces, in many different art disciplines, are available for purchase. Anne Sweet of the Equine Art committee joins Joe and Vince on this week's pod as does Mike Seely of Daily Racing Form. Seely speaks to his upcoming columns and previews Sunday’s stakes action. Go to emeralddowns.com for more information.
It’s Corgi weekend at Emerald Downs! Watch the popular pups speed between races both Saturday and Sunday. Live Music Friday night at the races with The Fabulous Murphtones. Horse racing personality and top handicapper Anthony Stabile, known affectionately as “The Big A,” speaks about the closing of Aqueduct Race Track. The historic facility dates back to 1894 and its final three days are this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Joe and Vince recap last weekend’s stakes action, the highlight being another Emerald Downs stakes victory by Aloha Breeze. She became the top filly or mare earner in track history at $315,390, overtaking Fleet Pacific who raced here 1997-2001 ($307,058). With Aloha Breeze’s triumph, trainer Tom Wenzel took over the top spot among stakes winning trainers, earning his 68th, one more than Doris Harwood.
Saturday, June 20 is Emerald Downs 30th birthday. Get your free Bucket Hat with paid admission while supplies last. Also “Dollar Dogs” available on Saturday, a throwback to 1996. Be at the track Saturday for a 1:30 ceremony recognizing track investors, 30-year horsemen and 30-year employees. There’s also another Fab Friday this weekend, first race at 7 pm. Emerald Downs stakes races begin this Sunday! Races, plural, it’s a stakes quadruple-header with the top horses on the grounds in action. Aloha Breeze, defending Horse of the Meeting and Slew’s Tiz Whiz, two-time Horse of the Meeting, go in the Hastings Stakes and Budweiser Stakes respectively. Also carded is the Auburn Stakes for three-year-old colts and geldings and the Seattle Stakes for three-year-old fillies. 10 races in all beginning at 1:50 pm.
Indian Relay Racing and the Muckleshoot Gold Cup highlight this weekend at Emerald Downs! It’s the 10th edition of the MGC at EmD, known as “The Big Show” to relay teams across the U.S. northern tier and western Canada provinces. Omak Express of the Colville Nation in eastern Washington became the first two-time MGC winner in 2025, rider Tyler Peasley up. Gayle Skunkcap Jr., broadcaster and publicist for Indian Relay Racing, joins Joe and Vince this week with great information on growth of the event and what to expect this weekend. Thoroughbreds and Indian Relay Racing Friday night at 7:00 pm and again on Saturday and Sunday at 1:50 pm. Sport shorts, selections and trivia again this week on Horseracing NW.
Be at Emerald Downs Friday night for horse racing, music, food, fun and the deal of the Summer … well, Spring anyway. With your paid admission Friday night, you’ll receive your EmD Hawaiian shirt! Wear it back on any and all Fridays the rest of the season for free admission. The Jimmy Vegas band performs Friday night and the $1,000 Horseshoe Toss is back too. First race 7 pm, gates open at 5 pm. The “Big A” Anthony Stabile and Emerald Downs trainer Alexis Silva-Martinez are this week’s guests. Stabile has an incredible record picking Belmont Stakes winners beginning with Rags to Riches in 2007. He scored last year with Sovereignty, sticking with his 7-1 Kentucky Derby winner from 2025. Stabile goes through Saturday’s Saratoga stakes races. Alexis Silva-Martinez is off to a great EmD start for 2026, winning at over 20%. Now in his fourth local season, he speaks to the challenges a young trainer faces.
of their own.Racing was exciting this past Memorial Day weekend with top runners such as Aloha Breeze, Si That Tiger, Too Sassy and Baladi all scoring victories. This upcoming weekend sees more horses entered and field size growing. Trainer Howard Gibson joins Joe and Vince this week. Gibson is currently number two in the standings behind Tim McCanna. His barn has scored with top runners Chuckanut Bay and Subtle Shimmer and also has a good number of two-year-olds getting ready. Sport shorts, selections and trivia too on Horseracing NW.
Three days of racing this Memorial Day weekend at Emerald Downs! Bring the family out May 23-24-25, each day is a Family Fun Day and add a Kids Race on Sunday. We’re just a couple weeks away from Friday night racing (June 5) and the Hawaiian Shirt giveaway. Guests this week on the pod include returning horse owner Todd Pedersen and also Paul Beattie of elisportsnetwork.com. Check out Paul’s great Emerald Downs coverage. Many of the track’s top horses are in action this weekend. Slew’s Tiz Whiz on Sunday and Aloha Breeze on Monday go postward for the first time this year. Slew’s Tiz Whiz continues to climb many significant Emerald Downs and Washington-bred lists while 2025 Horse of the Meeting Aloha Breeze is the one and only EmD Divisional Champion at ages two, three, four and five. Both the aforementioned runners are tied for most stakes wins among active horses at seven apiece.
Racing is back, the fans are back and the fun is back at Emerald Downs for 2026! Our first Saturday and Sunday weekend was memorable to many Moms in particular with the very popular Mother’s Day buffet and prize drawings for Moms each day. This Saturday is a “Dollar Day,” so enjoy that price on many concession specials while enjoying live racing and the Preakness on the big screen. Bulldogs get on the track Sunday for top family fun. John Lindley and trainer Tim McCanna join Joe and Vince on this week’s show. Lindley always offers thoughtful insight into handicapping and racing at Emerald Downs. The author of “Parker’s” successful tip sheet, Lindley joins Joe on the set above the Paddock, introducing every race on Saturday and Sunday. Tim McCanna comes off a spectacular start to the season, winning with four of five starters, including scoring his 1,000th Emerald Downs victory on Sunday with Janey. McCanna is #2 all-time in Emerald Downs wins, trailing only Frank Lucarelli. He's won seven training titles at this track.
Coming off a highly enjoyable Opening Day for all in attendance, Emerald Downs moves on to Mother’s Day weekend! Bring Mom either Saturday or Sunday or both for Thoroughbred excitement and family fun beginning at 1:50 pm each day. Make sure Mom fills out an entry blank to be eligible for prize drawings on Saturday and Sunday. Go to emeralddowns.com for more info on promotions and offers. Renowned handicapper and new author Chris Larmey and first year EmD trainer Mark Cloutier join Joe and Vince this week. Larmey, a Washington native, is a member of the National Handicappers Hall of Fame and will be at the track on Saturday to sign copies of his new book “Betting on Horses.” Cloutier has deep roots in Thoroughbred racing and spent the last 40 years involved at Hastings in Vancouver B.C. He’s brought expertise and great career record to Emerald Downs for 2026.
Opening Day is Saturday! Emerald Downs 30th anniversary season begins on May 2, first race 2 pm. Opening Day, Kentucky Derby day and a great day of weather to enjoy the afternoon. It’s the first of 51 days of live racing for 2026. Check out emeralddowns.com for info on all the particulars. See you at the track! Track President Phil Ziegler joins Joe and Vince and speaks to events leading up to and including Opening Day activities. Attendance for live racing has been outstanding and Ziegler emphasizes “something going on every day” at Emerald Downs. Jon White gives info, insight and a top selection on the Kentucky Derby while top local handicapper T.J. O’Brien also adds his Derby analysis.
Make plans for Opening Day, Kentucky Derby day, at Emerald Downs! May 2 is just over a week away for the start of the 2026 season. Gates open at 11:00 am with the first race of the meeting at 1:50 pm. The 5th Floor will open for simulcasting at 7:30 am and Derby day action from Churchill Downs begins at 8:00. Get on your Derby day attire and headwear for some great prizes. Mark Glatt will be the first Emerald Downs (former) trainer to start a horse in the Kentucky Derby when he saddles So Happy on May 2. Glatt grew up in Auburn and trained locally until relocating to southern California in the early 2000s. He was inducted into the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame just last summer. He joins Joe and Vince on this week’s podcast, as does Anthony Stabile. “The Big A” always provides astute information on big races and has made countless winning selections for northwest fans for over 20 years.
It’s just over two weeks until Opening Day for the 2026 Emerald Downs meeting! It’ll be a festive May 2, as that is also Kentucky Derby Saturday. First race 1:50 pm. “Training Day,” available to view late Thursday afternoons, is once again a weekly feature at the Emerald Downs YouTube channel. More info at emeralddowns.com. Joining Joe and Vince is trainer Robert Gilker, stabled here for 2026 due to Hastings not opening in Vancouver B.C. Gilker won the Longacres Mile with Herbie D in 2013 and has traveled and won from his Hastings base for several decades now. Also, Grant Holcomb, who began working in the Thoroughbred industry in 1970 and served as Director of Racing at Longacres, Yakima Meadows and Emerald Downs. He speaks to the passing of fellow employee and friend Bob Coble.
It’s just four short weeks to Opening Day for Emerald Downs 30th anniversary season! Saturday, May 2, is also Kentucky Derby day so join us for all the festivities surrounding those two milestones. The very popular Mother’s Day Buffet is not far off, too – both Saturday and Sunday, May 9-10. Check out emeralddowns.com for seating, offers, promotions and more for the 2026 race meeting. Frank Lucarelli, Emerald Downs all-time leading trainer, and Spokane native Jon White are guests on this pod edition. Both Lucarelli and White are inductees to the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame. Lucarelli's stable is on a great run at Turf Paradise this winter-spring. His 2025 Washington State Champions Saleen G T and Cantcatchthiscat are both in action next week in Phoenix. White takes us through the major three-year-old stakes on Saturday, April 4 and comments on the recent local Hall of Fame class.
Check out emeralddowns.com for seating, offers, promotions and more for the 2026 race meeting. Opening Day is Saturday, May 2, which is also Kentucky Derby day! The very popular Mother’s Day Buffet is not far off – both Saturday and Sunday, May 9-10. Remember Emerald Downs for your family party, business meeting or memorial service. Rooms of all sizes to accommodate your needs with food service, audio/visuals and free parking right next to building. Call Group Sales at 253-288-7700. Joining Joe and Vince on this edition are experienced trainers Mike Puhich and Jason Orman, who are teaming up with syndicate opportunities for new or returning horse owners. Puhich has won the Mile twice and the Muckleshoot or Longacres Derby three times. Orman trained Rock Hard Ten to a Santa Anita Derby victory and runner-up in the Preakness. Also hear from native Washingtonian Delaina Stenchever, who’s doing a great job of reporting and handicapping at the current Turf Paradise meeting.
Welcome back horses and horsemen to Emerald Downs! Horses on the track Monday morning, March 2, as training begins leading up to another year of great northwest racing and fun promotions. We’re getting closer to our 30th anniversary season’s Opening Day on Saturday, May 2. That is also Kentucky Derby day, so make plans to be here for all the excitement. First race on weekends is 1:50 pm. Joe and Vince’s guests include Kevin Sengara, who experienced the ultimate thrills of northwest Thoroughbred racing as a youth when his father, Jeffrey Sengara, won the 1999 Longacres Mile with Budroyale. Kevin Sengara has put together an owner’s syndicate that is getting off to a fast start. Bob Cappelletti, Stable Manager for Washington Hall of Fame owner George Todaro, speaks to the return of 2025 Horse of the Meeting Aloha Breeze and many more promising youngsters for 2026.
New for 2026 - all kids 12 and under receive free admission every race day! Go to emeralddowns.com and get a great deal on a live racing Season Pass. It’s just $55 for 51 days of live racing, plus an additional 20 more daily passes are included. Joining Joe and Vince on the first pod of '26 are Katie Merwick of Second Chance Ranch and also top breeder Debbie Pabst, who speaks to her new stallion this year at Blue Ribbon Farm in Buckley. 2026 milestones on the horizon at Emerald Downs! Horses begin arriving in the stable area on February 27 and the first day of track training is less than four weeks away, March 2. The annual WTBOA banquet, open to the public, is Saturday evening Feb. 28. Opening Day for live racing is Saturday, May 2, which is also Kentucky Derby day.
Happy Holidays from Emerald Downs! It’s simulcasting season and the 5th floor is open seven days a week for all the great race meetings currently in action. Santa Anita’s opening day is Sunday, 12-28, and they’ll race seven of the first eight days out of the blocks. Other top tracks to follow are Aqueduct, Gulfstream, Fair Grounds, Tampa, Oaklawn and, of course, Turf Paradise in Phoenix, where so many EmD horses and horsemen dot the race cards. Frank Mirahmadi and Dan Jukich join Joe and Vince on this edition of Horseracing NW. Mirahmadi calls the action at Santa Anita (also Saratoga) and gives tips on how to improve an announcer’s trade. Also, great stories from his 30 years of race calling. Jukich has been calling several years more than Frank, he at Hastings in Vancouver B.C. Bad news on the future of that track announced recently, he’ll fill us in on that and more. Go to emeralddowns.com for a great deal on season tickets for 2026!
Emerald Downs is open seven days a week for full card simulcasting. Follow many of the top horses and trainers from our 2025 meeting at Turf Paradise, whose schedule includes Monday and Tuesday racing. Many other tracks in operation include Del Mar, Aqueduct and Churchill Downs with Tampa and Fair Grounds opening this week. 2026 Emerald Downs racing dates are official – May 2 to September 7. Vince goes over the all the details . This week’s guests include Delta Downs Track Announcer and Handicapper Don Stevens, who speaks to Delta’s upcoming, all-wager 10% takeout days. Those wagers are effective next Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 25-26, first race 10:55 am EmD time. There’s also Joe Nevills, Bloodstock Editor for the Paulick Report. Nevills is a Thoroughbred fan from his young days in Michigan and he enthusiastically goes over some under-the-radar sires and previews his “All Value Sire Team,” reports coming on December 1.
It's Breeders’ Cup weekend! Catch the action on Emerald Downs 5th floor, with various seating options, tv screens and wagering windows. Seating is first-come, first-served both Friday and Saturday. Gates open 8:30 am on Friday, 8:00 on Saturday. Free parking and free admission for simulcasting and also for the Holiday Gift Fest, Saturday and Sunday, November 8-9. 10-4 each day. Get your Christmas shopping done early! Bring a non-perishable item to support the Auburn Food Bank. Jon White and Anthony Stabile are Joe and Vince’s traditional Breeders’ Cup handicapping guests and they’re back on this week’s podcast. Get some great info from two of the top ‘cappers available (and maybe a story or two, too!).
Tom Wenzel and Dan Jukich join Joe and Vince on the pod. Trainer Wenzel had a monumental closing day and 2025 season. He won three stakes on the card (for the second time at the meeting) Sept. 7, tying Doris Harwood for most stakes wins in track history at 67. Jukich, Track Announcer and Publicist, goes over Hastings events and their final two days of racing. Emerald Downs Fifth Floor is open seven days a week for full card simulcasting. Great racing this fall from California, New York, Kentucky and elsewhere. You’ll many local horses and horseman in action when Turf Paradise begins on Monday, November 10. Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner and so is Emerald Downs Holiday Gift Fest! Be at the track on Saturday and Sunday, November 8-9, 10 am to 4 pm. Outstanding gift ideas and holiday shopping is the fare. Free admission for all and a few spots for vendors remain. Also, if you’re planning a holiday party, EmD should be considered. Contact Group Sales at 253-288-7700.
Emerald Downs just closed a very successful 2025 season! Track President Phil Ziegler joins Joe and Vince to go over the highlights. With the arrival of many northern California-based trainers this spring, field size was up nearly one horse per race, leading toward a large increase in handle. Ziegler’s stakes schedule and promotional ideas also led to an outstanding season with attendance. A look to the future, too. Top northwest handicapper Jon Lindley also joins the show, giving his keen insight on 2025 events on the track. Emerald Downs remains open for full card simulcasting Wednesday through Sunday and goes to seven days a week in October. Joe doesn’t forget the popular Triva Question this time around!
Closing weekend for 2025 is upcoming at Emerald Downs! Four stakes on Sunday included in the first 12-race card in state history. Who’s this year’s Horse of the Meeting? Si That Tiger is the only two-time stakes winner to date but there are many chasers. Speaking of the chase … there are carryovers Friday night in the Pick-5, Jackpot Pick-6 and Pentafecta. Oktoberfest is here Friday, Saturday and Sunday for fans! Wear Oktoberfest gear of any type for free admission. Sign up to try and win among the Stein Hold, Barrell Roll and Hammerschlagen. Prizes in those events all weekend. Former Seattle Supersonic James Donaldson is here for a book signing on Saturday and see top honors awarded in horse and human categories throughout Sunday’s card.
Hard to believe? The 2025 Emerald Downs season is winding down. But before it does, much more activity at and on the track to look forward to. This Saturday is another “Dollar Day,” with plenty of specials at concession stands while Sunday is Italian Day with bocce ball, Italian dancers, music, food, beverage and – the pizza eating contest. Closing day Sept. 7 and its four stakes races will offer plenty of end-of-the-meeting excitement. This week’s guests on Horseracing NW include former Seattle Sonic and longtime NBA player James Donaldson, who’ll be signing his book “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” at Emerald Downs on Saturday, Sept. 6. Also Scott Hanson, Seattle Times horse racing writer, who’s features and Longacres Mile coverage have added interest to a sport he’s been passionate for since a young age. On the track Friday, there’s both Pick-5 and Jackpot Pick-6 carryovers.
Congratulations to Arrowthegreat, winner of last week’s Longacres Mile! The betting favorite came up the inside in the last quarter-mile to win going away over Clovisconnection, who was runner-up for the second consecutive year. This Sunday sees the return of the Owners’ Handicap with its conditions of five furlongs and “catch weights.” Past winners include Chinook Pass, Trooper Seven and Snipledo at Longacres and L.J. Express, Makors Mark and Starbird Road at EmD. It's Wiener Dog Sunday at Emerald Downs and also “Dollar Days” each of the next two Saturdays. Guests this week on HRNW include: WTBOA President Dana Halvorson as he previews the August 26 yearling sale at the WTBOA Pavilion, just up the street from Emerald Downs; and The “Big A” Anthony Stabile with his look at Saratoga’s Travers card this Saturday.
It’s Mile Week at Emerald Downs! The race of the year is Sunday when 10 older runners go to post in the 90th running of the Longacres Mile. Great story lines abound as usual and right at the top is the only Washington-bred in the race, Slew’s Tiz Whiz, running in his fourth consecutive Mile. Morning-line favorite at 9/5, he has a 2022 victory in the big race as well as third-place finishes the past two years. Trainer Tom Wenzel and owner Brian Malarkey join Joe and Vince on the pod. The final “Breakfast At the Wire,” is this Saturday, 8-10 am, rain or shine. Always great information at the show and free breakfast and coffee, too. This year’s class of the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame has their ceremony Saturday at 1 pm. Each inductee – Paskey Dedomenico, Wasserman, El Dorado Farms and Mark Glatt - has a video presentation. Don’t forget the “Railbird Rally” Mile day morning, 11-12:30 in the Park area, north of the Paddock. Dean Mazzuca is your affable host!
Mile talk on “Horse Racing Northwest!” Mile winning trainers Grant Forster and Blaine Wright join Joe and Vince this week. Forster won the past two runnings, each time with Five Star General. Wright won the Mile in 2020 with Anothertwistafate and has four runner-ups in the top event, too. Wright will saddle at least one Mile runner this year, his eighth consecutive season with a Mile starter. Join Joe and Vince for “Breakfast At the Wire,” at the track this Saturday from 8-10 am. There’s great guests on Track Level with the backdrop of morning training going on. Free breakfast and coffee with a suggested donation to the Prodigious Fund. Weather will be great, too. Sports Shorts, Selections and trivia, too on this week’s show.
“Breakfast at the Wire” is back for the next three Saturdays! Joe and Vince host the popular morning workout show, 8-10 am by the Paddock Grille. Guests include Track President Phil Ziegler and jockey Jennifer Whitaker. Along with prizes and trivia, there’s a complimentary breakfast, with a suggested donation of any size to the Prodigious Fund. Guest on this week’s show is Ken Alhadeff, owner of 2023-24 Longacres Mile champion Five Star General. When local race fans recount the most dramatic Longacres Mile finish or top horse to compete in the race, several thoughts, especially in the Emerald Downs era, would go directly to Five Star General. Alhadeff joyfully recaps last year’s victory and gives an update on Five Star General’s new career as a stallion.
Coming off a five-stakes Sunday, Emerald Downs is ready for more Thoroughbred action and on-track entertainment this final weekend in July. The Irish Day Stakes is set for Sunday with multiple stakes winner Si That Tiger playing the role of favorite vs. eight others. Other outstanding races this weekend include a match-up between Surprsinglyperfect, winner of four straight, and What a Dude in Saturday’s feature. Fiesta de Premio Esmeralda this weekend at Emerald Downs! Fantastic horse shows on the track are part of the weekend of family fun as well as four Quarter Horse qualifying races. The first Quarter Horse race goes at 1:00 pm Sunday. “Breakfast At the Wire” returns for the first three Saturdays in August. The 8-10 am workout show features guests, prizes and breakfast. See you at Emerald Downs!
beverage specials plus the $1,000 horseshoe toss. It’s also Corgi weekend, with the popular breed on the track both Saturday and Sunday. Sunday brings the Corgi championship events with a half-hour espn2 special coming later in the summer. Guests include horse owner Craig Fredrickson, who remembers trainer Bonnie Jenne after her passing two weeks ago. Fredrickson became good friends with both Bonnie and Wally Jenne and achieved success with runners such as Couldabenthewhisky, Itsallabouttheride and Dynamic Secret. Jon White adds personal accounts on the career of D W Lukas.
Every summer weekend is full of action at Emerald Downs! Three days of Thoroughbred racing this Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. Family fun galore, too. The Bulldogs take to the track on Saturday and Sunday it’s the World Famous T-Rex races at Emerald Downs. Look up at one point for a special T-Rex event and watch espn2 later this summer for a special “T-Rex Races at Emerald Downs” show. Coming off our first stakes weekend of the season, owner Roy Schaefer joins Joe and Vince. Schaefer and wife Ellie own Saleen G T, who pushed her 2025 record to four-for-four with a victory in the Seattle Stakes. The daughter of Barkley is another successful WTBOA purchase by the Schaefer’s R.E.V. Racing. Sport shorts, selections and trivia, too on Horseracing NW.
Four stakes races on Sunday! Many horse racing eyes across the nation will be on Emerald Downs this Sunday with a stakes quadruple-header full of quality runners. The track's top two active stakes winners, Slew’s Tiz Whiz and Aloha Breeze, headline the Budweiser and Hastings Stakes respectively. Those two have five Emerald Downs stakes victories to their credit and are both trained by Tom Wenzel. Wenzel is number two all-time among trainer stakes wins, trailing Doris Harwood 67-61. Fridays are “Half-Price” Fridays at Emerald Downs this year. Take advantage of great pricing at concession and beverage stands. Promotions this weekend include the Diaper Derby on Saturday and a Kids Race on Sunday. Next week, June 29, it’s the world famous T-Rex race at Emerald Downs with another viral video expected.
Great Thoroughbred action AND Indian Relay Racing this weekend at Emerald Downs! Join us Friday night, Saturday and Sunday for all the exciting races and special events. Indian relay teams in the northern U.S. tier and western Canada refer to the Muckleshoot Gold Cup as the “Big Show” among annual relay events. There have been eight runnings with eight different champions and all former winners are entered this weekend. Gayle Skunkcap Jr., broadcaster and publicist for Indian relay racing, joins Joe and Vince to speak to this weekend’s action as well as history behind the event. Skunkcap, based out of Montana, has been part of all Muckleshoot Gold Cups at EmD and his family has long roots in relay racing. Sport Shorts, selections and trivia on Horseracing NW.
Get your Fab Friday T-Shirt this Friday at Emerald Downs! Racing June 6 at 7 pm and with your paid admission (half-price $5.00!) receive the valuable T-Shirt which gets you free admission on all subsequent Fridays in 2025.It’s Vince and Track President Phil Ziegler this week with Joe a little under the weather. Ziegler speaks to great start at 2025 meeting, while guests include top Belmont Stakes handicapper Anthony Stabile and Secretariat author Patricia McQueen.
The season’s off to a great start with more racing this Saturday and Sunday at Emerald Downs! This is the final two-day racing week for 2025 with the first “Half-Price Friday” set for June 6. That’s T-Shirt day, too. Also, it’s Grandparents Weekend with prize drawings both Saturday and Sunday. Will the video go viral again? Nina Hagen joins Joe and Vince this week. With husband Ron, they have operated El Dorado Farms in Enumclaw since the early 1980s. The operation in on a high after fillies sired by Barkley ran one-two in the Monday feature race at Emerald Downs. Saleen G T, bred by El Dorado, won, and Beauty Bark was second. Barkley and Coast Guard are top stallions at El Dorado and Hagen is excited for racing and sale opportunities for 2025.
Racing continues to get better every week at Emerald Downs! Entries for the upcoming three-day weekend exceed an average of eight horses per race each day. Saturday is at 9.2 starters per race, a figure not achieved here in many years. Precise Timing, trained by Kay Cooper, is the top horse entered this weekend. Last year’s undefeated Horse of the Meeting goes Monday, Memorial Day, in race 8. Owner/breeder Ron Schmid and trainer Mike Morris join Joe and Vince. Schmid has been an active owner since Emerald Downs opened and has his homebred, Dynamic Dee Dee, in a maiden race this Saturday. Morris is from an extended family of horsemen from Oregon, including father Gary, and is excited for his small stable’s possibilities at Emerald Downs in 2025.
More horses, more horsemen, better racing at Emerald Downs in 2025! This weekend is no exception with two-time Washington Horse of the Year Slew’s Tiz Whiz set to make his seasonal debut in the Saturday feature race at six furlongs. Slew’s Tiz Whiz has five EmD stakes victories, tied at the top with Aloha Breeze among active runners. Papa’s Golden Boy has four stakes wins here and he’ll meet Slew’s Tiz Whiz for the ninth time.Crowds and wagering handle are up at Emerald Downs through the first three weekends. This Saturday and Sunday, it’s Teacher Appreciation Weekend, with all teachers and school district employees receiving free admission. John Lindley of Parker’s tip sheet and Emerald Downs television and novelist Judge Chip Small join Joe and Vince as guests. Judge Chip will sign copies of his latest novel, “Stark Justice,” on Track Level Saturday.
It’s Mother’s Day weekend at Emerald Downs! Great racing and prizes for the gals both Saturday and Sunday. All women are eligible for prize drawings – seven winners on each day. First race goes at 1:50 pm. An added Mother’s Day tradition at the track – a mare with her young foal to parade in front of the crowd. Racing is definitely on the upgrade at Emerald Downs this year. With eight races on Saturday and 10 on Sunday, plenty of excitement is expected. Field-size will be up this year, leading to better business all around. Paul Beattie of elisportsnetwork.com joins Joe and Vince to speak to his comprehensive coverage of the track. Sports shorts, selections and trivia, too, on Horseracing NW.
Day #2 of live racing at Emerald Downs is Kentucky Derby Saturday! Gates open on the 5th Floor for simulcasting at 7:30 am while gates open for live racing at the earlier time of 11 am. First live race goes at 1:50 while all can watch the 151st Derby on the infield big screen just before 4 pm. Wear a decorative hat, women and men, to be eligible for prizes in the annual Derby Day Hat Contest. Jon White and Anthony Stabile. Both are knowledgeable, big race handicappers. They’ll both join Joe and Vince with their look at the Derby. Dan Jukich speaks to the Saturday opening of Hastings in Vancouver BC. Sports shorts, selections and trivia complete this edition of Horseracing NW.
See you at Emerald Downs for Opening Day, this Sunday, April 27! First race goes at 1:50 pm. We’ll have the traditional jockey introductions in the Paddock prior to the first race. Horse players take note of the low 12% takeout on Pick-3 wagers plus another year of penny breakage – both of those lead to higher payouts on winning bets. Tickets for all racing days are available at emeralddowns.com. Jockey Frank Alvarado and DRF writer Mike Seeley join Joe and Vince on this edition of the pod. Alvarado, with over 4,000 career victories, has been a Bay Area stalwart for over 20 years. He’s sad to see racing leave that local but is excited to ride for many familiar trainers at Emerald Downs in 2025. Seeley is an accomplished writer with an impressive resume, including a previous stint with the DRF in the St Louis area. Look for his EmD copy in the print edition and on-line at drf.com.
Getting ever closer to Emerald Downs Opening Day, Sunday, April 27! First race goes at 1:50 pm. Horse players take note of the low 12% takeout on Pick-3 wagers plus another year of penny breakage – both direct higher payouts on winning bets. The Snoqualmie Casino sports book adds horse racing action to its menu beginning this Saturday, April 19. wns.com. Joining Joe and Vince this week is veteran jockey Francisco Duran. Hear his interesting career journey of not growing up in a horse or racing family. With many good seasons behind him, including success at Emerald Downs, he’s ready for the new meeting to begin. Sports shorts and trivia on Horseracing NW.
Emerald Downs Opening Day is just around the corner, Sunday, April 27! First race goes at 1:50 pm to begin our 30th season of Thoroughbred racing. We’re looking forward to a great meeting with a significant increase in the horse population and, coming with that, new and more trainers and jockeys. Purchase tickets for any and all days at emeralddowns.com. Joining Joe and Vince as guests on this podcast are Anthony “Big A” Stabile and Johnny Taboada. Stabile takes a detailed look at this weekend’s top three-year-old stakes and you won’t want to miss his detailed analysis. Taboada has become one of the west coast’s most prominent Thoroughbred owners and already has shipped several to Emerald Downs in the barn of Isidro Tamayo. Sports shorts, selections and trivia too on Horseracing NW.
Just six weeks away to Emerald Downs 30th Opening Day! Make plans to come out on Sunday, April 27 for the 2025 lid-lifter. Track President Phil Ziegler and trainer Howard Gibson join Joe and Vince on this edition of Horseracing NW. Ziegler looks to build on last year’s successful mark of a more than 10% increase in attendance with a revamped stakes schedule and several tried and true promotions Gibson, who’s been a top assistant to Tim McCanna, Frank Lucarelli and Vince Gibson in recent years, is in the top 10 at Turf Paradise and his EmD stable totals 20 head. Next week, go to emeralddowns.com to purchase tickets for all your favorite days. For parties, business meetings, anniversaries, memorials, etc, book your event through Emerald Downs Group Sales at 253-288-7700.
Please show your support to Olympia for HB 1703 and SB 5610 for financing critical to racing’s future in Washington. Those bills can offset significant upcoming costs of HISA regulations. Jon White joins Joe and Vince to speak to the national three-year-old picture, less than three months out before this year’s Kentucky Derby. Pool Four of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager is in effect this weekend, closing Sunday at 3 pm. Emerald Downs now has Las Margs Café in the stable area with first day of operations on Monday, Feb. 24. After the first week, regular hours will be 7 am to 2 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. EmD’s Fifth Floor remains open seven days a week for simulcasting, including many top tracks in action this Monday, Feb. 17 for President’s Day.
With the calendar turned to 2025, Emerald Downs is gearing up for its 30th season of Thoroughbred racing, Opening Day on Sunday, April 27. Horses begin training on the track on Monday, February 24. Another date to note is Saturday, February 22. That evening, horse and human achievements of 2024 are recognized at the WTBOA Awards Banquet, open to the public. Washington Hall of Fame trainer Tim McCanna and Turfway Park Track Announcer Tony Calo join Joe and Vince on this edition of Horseracing NW. McCanna, 10-time training titlist at EmD, figures to have a stronger local presence this season. Calo calls the races Wednesday-Saturday at Turfway, first race at 2:55 pm. Turfway averages over 10 starters per race and their $0.50 P-5 payoff averages over $40,000!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Emerald Downs! The track is closed Christmas day but otherwise is open seven days a week for full card simulcasting. Join us for the opening of Santa Anita at 11 am on Thursday, Dec. 26. Check out a great 2025 season pass offer at emeralddowns.com. Trainer Mike Puhich joins Joe & Vince to speak about the monumental contributions of Dr. Mark Dedomenico, who passed earlier this month. Dr Dedomenico had decades of significant contributions to Washington racing, the highlight of which was the opening of Pegasus Training and Rehabilitation Center in Redmond in 2005. Puhich has been Director of Racing and Farm Trainer there since 2008.
Happy Thanksgiving from Emerald Downs! The Fifth Floor is open seven days a week for full card simulcasting. Watch Emerald Downs regulars and Washington-bred horses in action at Turf Paradise, Pleasanton and other tracks. Several race meetings opening early next month - Los Alamitos, Turfway Park and Oaklawn. For a Christmas party or any type of gathering call Emerald Downs Group Sales at 253-288-7700. Trainer Blaine Wright is Joe and Vince’s guest this week. Wright goes over his several stakes entries at Zia Park on Tuesday, Nov. 26, as well as speaking to his large overall stable and the state of racing in northern California. The usual “sport shorts” and trivia too on this edition of Horseracing NW. We’ll be back with another ‘cast prior to Christmas.
It’s Breeders’ Cup weekend and Emerald Downs is your best option to watch and wager on this year’s main event. Gates open at 8:30 am on Friday and 8:00 on Saturday. It’s first-come, first-served seating on the Fifth Floor each day. On Saturday, the Third Floor is also open as well as the Third Floor bar. Have a great Breeders’ Cup! Jon White and Anthony Stabile add their handicapping and historical expertise to this week’s Horseracing NW. Both are welcome regulars on each year’s Breeders’ Cup podcast. Joe and Vince have the usual sport shorts, selections and trivia (Vince showed off his amazing sports knowledge by answering Joe’s sport short).
This week’s show includes an interview with the current #6 rated jockey in the world, Christophe Lemaire. Lemaire has been dominant in Japan for several years and is renowned from successes world-wide. He’s involved with furthering interest in racing through hip-hop music with EmD owner Greg Conley and others. Also, trainer Tom Wenzel remembers beloved groom Darrell LaFrance, who passed away last month after eight decades in the sport. It’s off-season mode at Emerald Downs and full card simulcasting continues, seven days a week. The 2024 Breeders’ Cup is just three weeks away, Nov. 1-2. The Fifth Floor will open early those days with seating first-come, first-served. Book a suite or a room for Breeder’s Cup days through the EmD Group Events department. Call 253-288-7700 to book any meeting or event, including a Christmas party!
It’s a wrap! The 2024 season came to a close with an outstanding closing day card and an exciting Gottstein Futurity. Colonel Ludlow took the top two-year-old race over stablemate A Thousand Miles. Leading trainer Justin Evans had more season-ending titles with Top Sprinter Neiman, Top Older Horse Arma d’Oro and Top Claimer Surprsinglyperfect, as well as Top Juvenile Colonel Ludlow. Join Joe and Vince along with guest John Lindley as they detail the top efforts at Emerald Downs during the 2024 meeting. At the top of the list, Alex Cruz’s unprecedented fifth consecutive local riding title. Carlos Montalvo and Tom Wenzel defended their titles as top stakes jockey and stakes trainer. The track’s Fifth Floor is open seven days a week for full card simulcasting.
It’s closing weekend for the 2024 Emerald Downs season! Racing Friday night at 7:30, Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 pm. Saturday is “Fan Appreciation Day,” with free admission for all. Sunday, closing day, has meet honorees recognized throughout the card despite several categories still up the air. Those categories will be decided by the Gottstein Futurity, Muckleshoot Tribal Classic and Washington Cup Filly and Mare race. Alex Cruz will win his unprecedented fifth consecutive Emerald Downs riding title, congratulations! Cruz won in his first season here, 2020, and is well ahead this year en route to that fifth straight jockey championship. The show includes the usual “Sport Shorts,” selections, trivia and a BC Derby stakes preview as well.
Emerald Downs heads into the final two weekends of the 2024 meeting and it’s Oktoberfest for the fans this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Wear Oktoberfest garb for free admission this weekend and that will also get you a reduced price on German beer at beverage stands. Live Bavarian themed music all weekend as well. Petra Lewin, co-owner and breeder of Blazingbellablu, joins Joe and Vince on this week’s show. Blazingbellablu, 2021 Washington Horse of the Year and three times divisional champion, is now retired. Lewin relates details of the mating that produced Blazingbellablu, events of her career and the great mare’s future. Check out emeralddowns.com for Vince’s updated “news and notes,” – everything about the 2024 meeting you’ll need to know. An easier trivia question this week, too.
Sunday is Italian Day at Emerald Downs! Italian food, music, beer and drinks are the fare along with Tony LaStella, the Sorelli’s Pizza Eating Contest and a bocce ball tourney. Saturday has $1 specials all around the track including hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, soda pop, doughnuts and muffins. First race on Saturday and Sunday goes at 1:30. The theme this week on “Horseracing NW,” is lifelong care of the Thoroughbred race horse. Owner Victor Bahna has written “Heliacal Star,” a novel about an at-risk runner and his cloudy future. There’s plenty of intrigue in this thriller. Bahna will be selling his book at EmD on Sunday. Ann-Kathrin Zemann, Deputy Secretary for the WHRC, has fulfilled her lifelong goal of being an owner of a retired Thoroughbred and she tells her story with enthusiasm.
Saturday is Ladies Day at Emerald Downs! Free admission for all gals with beverage specials and prize drawings, too. Sunday is Wiener Dog day, the canines that began the trend of entertainment between Thoroughbred races. Speaking of Thoroughbreds, take a look at the racing at Emerald Downs scheduled for this weekend, much great action headed by the first two Washington Cup events on Sunday. More Mile talk! The 2024 Longacres Mile will go down in history as one of the most memorable, dramatic and exciting in the many decades of the race. Scott Hanson of the Seattle Times and winning trainer Grant Forster (Five Star General) join Joe and Vince to speak to the event with smiles on their faces (we’re sure).
The Mile was memorable! The 89th Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs provided the highest level of drama for a Thoroughbred horse race. Five Star General brought back a great story and delivered even more by edging Clovisconnection right on the wire. Five Star General became the just the fourth back-to-back winner in race history. Winning owner Ken Alhadeff joins Joe and Vince to recap a great day at Emerald Downs. Also joining this week’s show is WTBOA President Dana Halvorson. He gives highlights and details regarding next Tuesday’s WTBOA Summer Yearling Sale. Horses go to auction at 1 pm and it’s free to attend. Emerald Downs provides great entertainment Saturday with the world-famous T-Rex races and Sunday there’s a free, survivor-style handicapping contest. First race on weekends at 1:30 pm.
Make plans to be at Emerald Downs Sunday for the 89th running of the Longacres Mile! This year’s race features the past two winners – Five Star General (2023) and Slew’s Tiz Whiz (2022) among the full gate of 12 middle distance specialists. The Mile goes as race nine at approximately 6 pm. The Mile is the final leg in an all-stakes Pick-4 wager. John Lindley of Parker’s joins Joe and Vince to go over Mile field. The 2024 class of the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame has their induction ceremony on Saturday at 1 pm. Be here to witness stories on local history. Racing starts afterward at 2:10. Saturday morning is the final “Breakfast At the Wire” show of the season, free to attend between 8-10 am. And, Mile morning it’s the “Railbird Rally” in the park area beginning at 11 am. There’s $1 hot dogs and several $5 beverage specials at the Rally. See you Mile week at Emerald Downs!
It’s just over a week to the 89th Longacres Mile and that’s a prominent subject on this week’s Horse Racing NW. The past two Mile winners are expected to race – Slew’s Tiz Whiz from 2022 and Five Star General from last year. Special events such as “Breakfast At the Wire,” “The Railbird Rally” and “Dancing at the Downs,” are all upcoming this month at Emerald Downs. Go to emeralddowns.com for more information. Leading trainer Justin Evans joins Joe and Vince and speaks to topics such as his current season, dealing with new horses in the barn and also four nominees to the August 11 Longacres Mile. Evans is seeking his second straight EmD training title and is currently in 11th place in North America with 84 wins in 2024.
Fiesta Premio Esmeralda, the highly popular Hispanic summer festival, highlights Saturday and Sunday at Emerald Downs! Lots of fans expected and the dancing horses kick things off on track at 12:30 each day. “Breakfast At the Wire,” morning workout show starts its three Saturday run this week – 8-10 am on Track Level, hosted by Dean Mazzuca. This ‘cast recaps last weekend’s exciting stakes activity, including a dead-heat in the Governor’s between Arma d’Oro and Slew’s Tiz Whiz. Tom Wenzel, trainer of Slew’s Tiz Whiz, joins Joe and Vince and recaps the action, which saw a Wenzel victory in the other stake with Aloha Breeze. Wenzel and Blaine Wright each have three stakes wins at the meeting and Wenzel is at 59 for his Emerald Downs career, one ahead of Wright. They trail all-time leader Doris Harwood at 67.
A busy weekend at Emerald Downs is topped by a stakes doubleheader! Saturday is the 6 1/2 furlong Irish Day Stakes featuring Miner League, who’s on a four-race winning streak, including the June 16 Auburn Stakes. Miner League meets Whiskeyjack for the first time, who was an impressive allowance winner here July 3. Sunday, 11 three-year-old fillies meet in the Kent Stakes, also at 6 1/2 furlongs. Appeal Factor is the clear favorite, bringing in her unbeaten three-for-three record. Trainer Grant Forster joins Joe and Vince and relates the schedule to defend Five Star General’s Longacres Mile title is alive and well for the August 11 Classic. Ron Callan, one of last Saturday’s “Old Media Alumni,” relates stories of his career in Seattle television and radio and his journey to Oregon State athletics.
Happy Fourth of July from Emerald Downs! Racing resumes this Saturday and Sunday with two-year-old stakes Angie C. and King County Express respectively. We’re just five weekends away from the 89th running of the Longacres Mile and defending champion Five Star General is in action this Saturday at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Five Star General is expected to defend his Mile title vs the likes of 2022 hero Slew’s Tiz Whiz and others near and far. Horse owner Jody Peetz joins the group and speaks to the upcoming Hollywood Harbor Sprint Series, beginning on Saturday, July 20. Peetz has both opened her checkbook and done the leg work to fund and promote previous races and series at Emerald Downs and elsewhere. The HH Sprint Series figures to have purses 50% higher than regular values.
The annual Fireworks Spectacular is right around the corner! Emerald Downs presents its July 3 evening of entertainment with Thoroughbred racing at 5 pm followed by a tremendous fireworks show afterward. Tickets are still available at emeralddowns.com or through Customer Service at 253-288-7711. Don’t miss the fantastic show, Wednesday, July 3! Top northwest handicapper John Lindley joins Joe and Vince on this week’s show. Lindley is author of his decades long “Parker’s” tip sheet and also provides “Race Notes,” free of charge at emeralddowns.com. Many topics discussed and John joining in on segment 3 with Selections and his own Sport Short.
Many of the track’s top horses are in action this weekend as Emerald Downs presents the Hastings and Budweiser Stakes at six furlongs. Blazingbellablu tops entrants in Saturday’s Hastings for fillies and mares. She’s been a Washington champion the past three years and won this race in 2023. Fantastic sprinter Aloha Breeze heads the competition, she the winner of two sprint stakes for three-year-old fillies last year. In Sunday’s Budweiser, it’s another meeting of Slew’s Tiz Whiz and Papa’s Golden Boy, the seventh time they’ve gone head-to-head at Emerald Downs. Papa leads the matchup 4-2 and has won the Budweiser the past two times he’s been in it. Slew’s Tiz Whiz is two-time defending Washington Horse of the Year and hero of the 2022 Longacres Mile. Paul Beattie is the guest, speaking to the outstanding coverage of Emerald Downs on elisportsnetwork.com.
It’s three days of great action coming up at Emerald Downs! As well as the Thoroughbreds Friday night and Saturday and Sunday afternoons, there’s Indian Relay Racing all weekend. It’s the Eighth Running of the Muckleshoot Gold Cup with several qualifying heats on Friday and Saturday and the Championships on Sunday. All the great Native culture, music and vendors too, to go along with the great action on the track. This week’s guest, trainer Blaine Wright, has runners in both Thoroughbred stakes this weekend. He’ll saddle Golden Gate allowance winner Arctic Breeze in the Seattle Stakes on Saturday and the one-for-one Rundoft and Tougherthantherest in Sunday’s Auburn. Wright has won four-of-the-past-seven Seattle Stakes and an amazing four consecutive Auburns.
Emerald Downs has more top horses in action this weekend, the last week before stakes races begin on June 15/16. Sunday’s feature is stakes-quality fillies and mares at 6 furlongs and race #2 is the first two-year-old race of the season. Come out and watch and wager on all the great action from Saratoga on Saturday as that track hosts the Belmont Stakes and the fantastic supporting card. Simulcasting on the Fifth Floor starts at 7 am on Saturday. Fab Fridays continue at Emerald Downs with racing at 7 pm, food and beverage specials and the $1,000 Horseshoe Toss. Bulldog races this Sunday with French and English Bulldogs after races #2, #4 and #6.
Come out for our first Fab Friday! The traditional kickoff is this Friday, May 31, and of course there’s a T-Shirt for all attendees. First race at 7 pm. The T-Shirt is good for free admission on Fridays the rest of the season. It’s also Teachers Appreciation weekend at Emerald Downs. All teachers and school district employees get free admission this Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s race card has 72 horses entered over 8 races. Sunday at Emerald Downs sees the return of two-time defending Washington Horse of the Year, Slew’s Tiz Whiz. The Tom Wenzel-trainee faces multi-year rival Papa’s Golden Boy, another Washington award winner many times over. Add Justin Evans trained Prisoner and you have excitement in the older horse division. Kyle Lusk, part of the ownership group of Papa’s Golden Boy is a guest on the podcast as well as Andrea Short, recent director of a Pacific Lutheran University documentary on Emerald Downs. The documentary is available to view on YouTube via “PLU medialab.”
Memorial Day weekend offers Saturday and Sunday action at Emerald Downs, first race each day at 1:30. For fans, fill out the entry blank both days upon entering the track to be eligible for prizes in the “Great Outdoor Giveaway.” It’s also Teacher Appreciation weekend and area teachers and administrators will get their chance on the track in the first “Teacher’s Dash.” Jon White, nearing his induction into the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame this August, just announced his retirement from Santa Anita after working there since 1981. White goes over a few of his hundreds of highlights and milestones of working in the horse racing industry. Justin Evans, defending Emerald Downs training champion, is also a guest. He’s off to a great start at the new meet and may have a stronger and deeper stable than ever.
Joe is a little under the weather, so Track President, Phil Ziegler, steps in to Co-Host with Vince. Trainer, Alexis Silva-Martinez, stops by to talk about Coastal Kid, who had an impressive win in the feature race last Sunday. Promotions Manager, Gary Dougherty, guests on the show to talk about all the promotions and special events this season.This Weekend is a Family Fun Weekend! Plenty of fun activities for the kids, including the Kids Race on the track on Sunday! First race on Saturday & Sunday is @ 1:30pm.
Double the action, double the good weather at Emerald Downs for Week #2! Two days of great racing coming up this Saturday and Sunday, May 11-12. It was a bit damp on Opening Day last Saturday but spectacular, summer-type weather is predicted for this weekend. Sunday is Mother’s Day and all women attendees are eligible for the traditional prize drawings. Fill out the free entry blank upon arriving. Track President Phil Ziegler joins Joe and Vince this week. He speaks to the upcoming season, improvements for fans over the first day, opportunities for fans to get further involved and some financial aspects of year-to-year operations. Veteran jockey agent at Turf Paradise Chad Anderson gives information on EmD new jockeys Karlo Lopez, Brayan Pena and Luis Reyes, who all ride here for the first time this weekend.
Opening Day at Emerald Downs is this Saturday, May 4! It’s our 29th opener and the first race goes at 1:30 pm, gates open at 11 am. The Fifth Floor is open even earlier, 7 am, for simulcasting from Churchill Downs and elsewhere. Yes, Opening Day is Kentucky Derby day, too! Guests on the ‘cast are Jon White and Anthony Stabile and Joe and Vince couldn’t have better big-race handicappers. They’ll make their Derby analyses and selections. Attendees on Saturday can enter the Hat & Best-Dressed Contest. Stop by Customer Service on Track Level to enter for a total of $1,000 in prizes. Have and Up Day at the Downs!
Penny breakage at Emerald Downs for 2024! Help for the horseplayer, more money returned on wagers through the breakage reduction from 0.10% to zero. A wager that paid $6.40 last year will pay up to $6.59 this year. Also, extremely low 8% takeout on Pick 6 and Pentafecta wagers. Opening Day is Saturday, May 4! Joe Bianca, from West Point Thoroughbreds and host of “Rail Talk” podcast, joins Joe and Vince. Bianca praised Emerald Downs on the new breakage level and speaks to that and his racing history and current job. Also a guest is the “Big A,” Anthony Stabile, who begins his new job as Track Announcer at Finger Lakes on Monday, April 29. Emerald Downs is open seven days a week for full card simulcasting.
Come to Emerald Downs on Saturday and root for Lonesome Boy in the $750-k Wood Memorial at Aqueduct! Lonesome Boy is the first Washington-bred to race in the Wood since Smokin Mel finished third in 1997. John Parker, top owner at EmD in six of the past nine seasons, campaigns Lonesome Boy, a son of Nationhood. Parker and family will make the trip for the big event. The race goes at 1:05 pm, EmD time. Parker joins Joe and Vince on this special edition of Horseracing NW. Lonesome Boy has won at Aqueduct in January and followed that with a stakes victory at Parx last month. Also a guest is John Lindley, top northwest handicapper. He’ll look at the Wood and also the Blue Grass and Santa Anita Derby, all Saturday events. Opening Day at Emerald Downs is just four weeks away, Saturday May 4. It’s also Kentucky Derby day.
Jockey Carlos Montalvo had an outstanding 2023, first season at Emerald Downs. He tied for leading stakes jockey with Jose Zunino, each with four added-money triumphs. Montalvo joins Joe and Vince and speaks to the challenges of coming to a new venue, first season successes, his travels as a race rider, family and more. There’s also news, Sports Shorts, trivia on Horseracing NW.
Tom Harris is back as Track Announcer at Emerald Downs! Harris, the always popular race caller, had the EmD job from 2018-21 and speaks to his long announcing history and return to Auburn. Jon White is also a guest, now as a new member in the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame. White has worked in racing since 1974, the past 40+ in California, but has never forgotten his northwest roots. He’s been an ever-present contributor in the Emerald Downs era in radio, tv, internet and print. With morning training underway at Emerald Downs, the Quarter Chute Café is open Wednesday through Sunday until 2 pm. The 2024 season begins on Saturday, May 4. Emerald Downs 5th Floor is open seven days a week for full card simulcasting with the popular Quick Pix food and beverage stand open longer on Saturday and Sunday, until 6 pm.
Winter and full card simulcasting at Emerald Downs go to together! The Fifth Floor is open seven days a week and tracks such as Aqueduct, Gulfstream, Laurel, Tampa Bay, Fair Grounds, Oaklawn, Santa Anita, Golden Gate, Turf Paradise and Turfway Park offer top action and big weekend stakes. The popular Quick Pix café is open 9 am to 6 pm on weekends. In the Thoroughbred world, breeding and foaling season have begun and Nina Hagen of El Dorado Farms in Enumclaw joins the show. Hagen, despite some serious health issues, sounds like her ever-energetic and enthusiastic self. With husband Ron, they stand Washington’s top living sire, Coast Guard, and Barkley has his first crop of two-year-olds this year. Roy Brewer guests as well. He is working on the Feb. 24 WTBOA Awards Banquet and also speaks to two-time defending Emerald Downs Horse of the Meeting Slew’s Tiz Whiz.
Track President Phil Ziegler speaks to the upcoming Emerald Downs racing season, Opening Day scheduled for Saturday, May 4 (Kentucky Derby day). Ziegler, in his current position since the 2015 season, has overseen growth in many areas with innovative marketing ideas. Emerald Downs four-time leading trainer Jeff Metz is also a guest, he with a new position at Santa Anita. Sports Shorts and Trivia, too. Go to emeralddowns.com for a great deal! Get a Season Admission Pass for just $55. The Fifth Floor is open seven days a week with the popular Quick Pix Café open Wednesday through Sunday. Quick Pix weekend hours are 9 am to 6 pm.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays from Horseracing NW! On Saturday night December 23, the Fifth Floor will be filled with music by a tribute group to “the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll band,” the Rolling Stones. Get your tickets early at emeralddowns.com. Full card simulcasting continues, seven days a week at Emerald Downs. Many top tracks in action this winter plus Santa Anita and Golden Gate begin on Monday, Dec. 26. There’s a new sire at Pabst Blue Ribbon Farm in Buckley. His name is Alternation and he has racing and siring success from an outstanding resume. Washington Hall of Fame breeder Debbie Pabst joins the show and speaks to the new addition. Howard Hammer passed away in November at age 103. One of the most noteworthy members of the Washington logging industry for over 50 years and a Thoroughbred owner for as long, brother Jerry speaks to his life and accomplishments.
Happy Thanksgiving from Emerald Downs! The 5t Floor is open this Holiday and you can enjoy a full Turkey Day meal for just $17.50 at Quick Pix. A turkey dinner with all the fixins’ including dessert. Also, there's full card simulcasting from top tracks such as Laurel, Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Del Mar, Golden Gate and Woodbine. WHRC Commissioner Doug Moore joins Joe and Vince on Horseracing NW. Moore sorts out the regulatory bodies that govern racing and wagering in the U.S. HISA and HIWU came in during the 2022 year and their regulatory power affected the WHRC, ARCI, RMTC and Jockey Club’s previous positions of authority. Owner John Parker speaks to the passing of longtime trainer Bill Tollett.
Emerald Downs is ready for Breeders’ Cup simulcasting, this Friday and Saturday, November 3-4. Gates open on Friday at 8:30 am, Saturday at 8:00 am. The 5th floor is first come-first served as far as seating, so get here early. Watch and wager on the 40th running of the Breeders’ Cup, a truly world-wide competition consisting of 14 races over the two days. It’s free admission at Emerald Downs and there’s food specials both days at Quick Pix on floor 5 and on Saturday at Classics, floor 3. Joe and Vince are joined by “Horseracing NW” regular, EmD Track Announcer Bill Downes, and also Jon White and Anthony “Big A” Stabile. All offer angles, opinions and selections on the 14 races of full fields and live longshots. It’s all Breeders’ Cup talk on this edition.
The 40th Breeders’ Cup is just around the corner, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita. Seating on the Fifth Floor at Emerald Downs, each day, is first come-first served. Do the Cup in style this year. The 6th Floor Suites are available for a minimum $1,000, including amenities. Get your group together and call Emerald Downs Group Sales at 253-288-7700. Matt Dinerman’s first job as Track Announcer was at Emerald Downs, replacing Robert Geller in 2015. His aptitude was apparent from the beginning and in December, he’ll be leaving Golden Gate Fields to become the race caller at Oaklawn Park. He joins Joe and Vince on this week’s ‘cast as does Auburn native Mark Glatt. Glatt has become a highly prominent southern California-based trainer and has multiple horses headed toward the upcoming Breeders’ Cup.
Emerald Downs concluded the 2023 season on a high note last Sunday, September 17, and Joe and Vince recap the action that decided several season-ending honors including Slew’s Tiz Whiz earning his second consecutive Horse of the Meeting title. Thanks to all who made the year memorable – the fans and handicappers, the horsemen and their grooms, EmD staff and officials and, of course the horses! Trainer Tom Wenzel joins Joe and Vince and speaks to his great season that ended on a very high note. Closing day, Slew’s Tiz Whiz took the Muckleshoot Tribal Classic and Miner League won the Gottstein Futurity. Wenzel tied a record in earning his third consecutive Gottstein, all for owner George Todaro. Bill McMeans won three straight Gottsteins at Longacres, 1970-72. Wenzel had seven stakes wins to lead all trainers. EmD open seven days a week for full card simulcasting.
It’s Closing weekend at Emerald Downs this Saturday and Sunday, September 16-17. The season that began on May 6 concludes early Sunday evening after an 11-race card that will decide many honorees among horse and human participants. Categories in the balance are Horse of the Meeting, Older Filly/Mare, both Juvenile sex divisions and Top Washington-bred. The three stakes on Sunday – Washington Cup Filly and Mare, Muckleshoot Tribal Classic and Gottstein Futurity will decide many honors. Joining Joe, Vince and Bill are top handicapper John Lindley and jockey agent David “Marbles” Singer. Lindley, the handicapper of “Parker’s” tip sheet and the author of emeralddowns.com’s “Trip Notes,” has had another successful year. His knowledge, experience, recall and attention to detail has led him to success year-in, year-out from Longacres days forward. Singer made book for the leading rider again this year, Alex Cruz. It’s the ninth consecutive season he’s done that at EmD. He also agented for runner-up Luis Negron and fourth in the standings Kevin Radke.
Fan Appreciation Day this Sunday! Free admission for all on Sunday Sept. 10 at Emerald Downs. Add to that, numerous food and beverage specials at concession stands and bars. Racing Saturday, too, starting at 5 pm. That’s also the schedule for closing week, Sept. 16-17 – 5 pm Saturday and 2 pm Sunday. Trainer Blaine Wright and Turf Writer Paul Beattie join Joe, Vince and Bill this week on the podcast. Wright has several promising juveniles and, of course, top three-year-olds in Clovisconnection (two stakes wins) and Prince Abu Dhabi (Muckleshoot Derby winner). Wright has much to look forward to toward the end of this season and in 2024. One can follow Beattie’s comprehensive coverage of EmD at elisportsnetwork.com.
September has arrived and the EmD schedule is Saturday-Sunday for the final three weekends of live racing. This Sunday, Sept. 3, is “Italian Day” with the usual Italian music, dancing, food/beverage and the popular Sorelli Pizza Eating Contest. Sorelli’s owner/operator Kelly Dougan joins Joe, Vince and Bill – talking pizza and horse racing.
Prominent breeder/owner Keith Swagerty joins the crew to speak about an exciting future home for Emerald Downs all-time top winning horse, the Swagerty-bred Mike Man’s Gold. The 26-time winner will head to Kentucky later this month and his permanent home. Jockey Alex Cruz is on track to become the first rider to win four consecutive titles at a major Washington track that includes Longacres, Playfair and Yakima Meadows. Plenty of other stats, too, and the usual sports shorts, selection and trivia.
More great racing and entertainment this weekend at Emerald Downs! It’s our final Fab Friday, August 25, with its food/beverage specials and horseshoe toss sponsored by the Seattle T-Birds and KJR radio. Sunday offers two Washington Cup stakes races – one for juvenile colts/geldings, the other for two-year-old fillies. And, Sunday is Wiener Dog Day at the races – the doggies that started it all!
Joe, Vince and Bill’s guests are Longacres Mile winning trainer Grant Forster and three-time EmD jockey champ Rocco Bowen. Forster is back at his Midwest base and Bowen will be here Sunday, riding two top chances in the Washington Cup stakes. “Sport Shorts,” selections and an easier trivia question, too, on “Horseracing NW.”
A memorable “Mile Day” is followed this weekend with three days of racing, including the meet’s two Quarter Horse stakes races. Plus, Sunday is “T-Rex Day” at the track. EmD is on a historical mission to find the top T-Rex runner going back tens of thousands of years! There’s going to be several heats, a championship dash and a T-Rex kids race too. All T-Rex’s get in free on Sunday.
WTBOA President Dana Halvorson joins Joe, Vince and Bill for this week’s ‘cast. Halvorson and WTBOA staff put on the annual Summer Yearling Sale, next Tuesday, August 22 at 1 pm. Many highlights in this year’s sale including the first yearlings sired by 2018 Longacres Mile champion Barkley, a half-brother to Slew’s Tiz Whiz and a full brother to last month’s Sanford Stakes winner at Saratoga.
The race of the year is Sunday at Emerald Downs, the $150,000 Longacres Mile! Defending champion Slew’s Tiz Whiz is the morning-line favorite at 9/5 over Five Star General at 2-1. Friday night racing at 7 pm while Saturday begins just after 5 pm with the 2023 Washington Hall of Fame ceremony preceding racing. “Groove Nation” performs on the fifth floor after racing on Saturday. The traditional “Railbird Rally” starts at 11:30 am on Mile day morning with racing at 2 pm. See you at Emerald Downs!
Sunday is “Championship Sunday” at Emerald Downs, presented by the National Thoroughbred League. There’s an all-stakes Pick-4 wager, concluding with the 88th Longacres Mile. Mile historian and handicapper Jon White joins Joe, Vince and Bill as does Bill Rapaport to speak to the up-and-coming National Thoroughbred League.
August has arrived and Emerald Downs is just over a week away from the 88th Longacres Mile! It’s Championship Sunday on August 13 with $150,000 Mile and three other $50,000 stakes – Emerald Distaff, Muckleshoot Derby and Washington Oaks. This Sunday, the track’s top juveniles are in action in the $50,000 WTBOA Lads and Lassies, for colt and fillies respectively.
This weekend, enjoy a trip back in time. Sunday is “Turn Back the Clock” day, with a theme of 1970s Longacres in effect. Admission is just $3.00 with 70s music, racing videos, pictures and interviews remembering that era. Longacres all-time top jockey Gary Baze will be present and he, as well as Dean Mazzuca, joined Joe, Vince and Bill on the podcast.
The Longacres Mile is just three weeks away and further positioning for local starters happens this Sunday in the Governor’s Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs. Defending champion Slew’s Tiz Whiz is back after a furious runner-up finish in his seasonal debut June 25. Bridleuptothebar won that Budweiser stakes last month and he’s back along with eight others. It’s a stakes doubleheader that includes the Washington State Legislators Stakes as race #4.
The first of three “Breakfast At the Wire” shows is this Sunday at 8 am on track level. It goes from 8-10 am and a free breakfast burrito is available for all attendees. Horse owner Dean Mazzuca is the affable host. Saturday night, first race is 5 pm and it’s "Ladies Night" at the races. Free admission for all gals, a complimentary chocolate bar upon entry and prize drawings for the distaffers, too. Sunday, one of the biggest attendances of the year, it’s Corgi Day at EmD!
This week’s “Horseracing NW” reviews and previews events on the track at Emerald Downs. Grant Forster, trainer of Five Star General, is the guest. Five Star General, with three placings in the Mile, 2020-21-22, comes back from the Midwest where he’s had another very productive season. Forster won the Mile in 2005 with 60-1 No Giveaway. There’s another EmD stakes doubleheader on Sunday with previous three-year-old stakes winners returning - Aloha Breeze is back in the Kent Stakes while Clovis Connection heads the field in the Irish Day Stakes.
It’s “Equine Art” week at Emerald Downs. Displayed on Track Level through Sunday afternoon, it’s art with the horse as the central theme, in many different mediums. Co-chairperson Anne Sweet adds more details including that all art is free to view and able to be purchased. Saturday is British Night with live music and Sunday is Irish Day, food and drink specials each day.
The Emerald Downs racing surface plays host to the fastest two-year-olds in the northwest Sunday with the running of the King County Express and Angie C. Stakes for colts and geldings and fillies, respectively. Both races are at 5 1/2 furlongs with a purse of $50,000. Post time Sunday is 2 pm. Post time for Friday night is 7 pm while Saturday is 5 pm. Top national handicapper Chris Larmey is the guest, the Washington native speaks to the two podcasts he's involved with.
This weekend is a Family Fun Weekend at Emerald Downs and the younger fans get another chance on the track in Sunday’s Kids Dash. Free ice cream for all participants! Next week, Equine Art 2023 begins on Thursday evening and runs through Sunday, July 16. “Breakfast At the Wire,” begins Sunday, July 23 at 8 am near the Paddock Grille on Track Level.
This week’s show recaps the top performances of last weekend in the Hastings Stakes and Budweiser stakes. Breeder/owner Holly Rydman of Bridleuptothebar, Budweiser winner, joins Joe, Vince and Bill. Also a guest is Steve Butler from Everett, the first winner ever in a “Grandparents Race,” last Sunday at EmD. Sport shorts, selections and trivia on “Horseracing NW.”
Emerald Downs live racing schedule for this holiday weekend is: Saturday, first race 5 pm; Sunday, first race 2 pm; Monday, July 3, first race 5 pm. Gates open Monday at 12:00 noon with the Fireworks Spectacular after racing. Some July 3 tickets available at emeralddowns.com. The track is open seven days a week for full card simulcasting.
It’s a three-day weekend of great action at Emerald Downs! Friday night racing begins at 7pm with the first “$1,000 Horseshoe Toss” of the season. It’s free to sign up, turn in your entry black before post time of the the 3rd race. It’s also the first “Grandparents Weekend” themed promotion at EmD, all grandparents get in free on Saturday and Sunday. There’s a grandparents race down the stretch on Sunday, too.
Racing excitement on tap this Sunday with the Hastings Stakes for fillies and mares and the Budweiser Stakes for four-year-olds and up. Both races are six furlongs. The Bud drew 12 horses including the return of 2022 Washington Horse of the Year Slew’s Tiz Whiz. Roy Brewer, a member of Slew’s Crew Racing, owners of Slew’s Tiz Whiz, joins Joe, Vince and Bill on the podcast. Last week’s trivia too tough? Try this week on Horseracing NW.
It’s Indian Relay weekend at Emerald Downs! Qualifying heats begin on Friday night, continue on Saturday and culminate in the Muckleshoot Gold Cup Championship on Sunday. It’s great action, horse racing of a different variety. The Black Lodge Singers, Ryan Yellowjohn Hoop Dance and more among the entertainment on Track Level. Gayle Skunkcap Jr, publicist for Indian Relay racing, joins the podcast.
Emerald Downs offers its first two Thoroughbred stakes races of the meeting Sunday with the Auburn Stakes for three-year-old colts and geldings and the Seattle Stakes for three-year-old fillies. Both races are at 6 furlongs. Trainer Blaine Wright, who’s won three straight Auburn Stakes and four of the past six Seattle Stakes joins Joe, Vince and Bill on the podcast. Wright will saddle Clovisconnection in the Auburn, a winner of three races in California since last fall.
Be at Emerald Downs Friday night, June 9, and get your "Fab Friday T-Shirt!" Wear the shirt back for Friday night free admission the rest of the season.
It'll be Friday-Saturday-Sunday racing at Emerald Downs through the end of August.
Western Hockey League champs, the Seattle Thunderbirds are here on Saturday, there's "Dancing At the Downs" Saturday night and Bulldog racing on Sunday.
Anthony "The Big A" Stabile makes his first media appearance since his departure from NYRA television in May. Also known as "The Beast of the Belmont," due to his spectacular handicapping record in the Belmont Stakes, Stabile has been popular with Emerald Downs fans since his first local radio selection in 2004. He gave out 16-1 Lane's End winner Sinister G. on the "Win, Place Show," KJR radio. Also a guest is Paul Beattie of ESN (elisportsnetwork.com), who does a thorough job covering Emerald Downs with recaps and interviews.
Jockey agent Aldo Matias joins Joe, Vince and Bill on this week's show. Matias is agent for his stepfather Javier Matias (#5 all-time in EmD wins) as well as Kevin Orozco and Rigo Sarmiento. Aldo Matias is a student in the University of Arizona Racetrack Industry program, he's bilingual and an accomplished soccer player. Stats, selections, sport shorts and trivia too, on Horseracing NW. It's a Family Fun weekend at Emerald Downs! That means much to do and see for the little guys and gals. Free pony rides and face painting both Saturday and Sunday, first race each day at 2 pm. And on Sunday, kids get to run the track in the annual "Kids Race." All participants get free ice cream after the event.
Put Emerald Downs in your plans this Memorial Day weekend! Racing Saturday, Sunday and Monday - first race at 2 pm. Besides great action on the track, fans have a chance to win high quality, outdoor-themed gifts in "The Great Outdoor Giveaway," all three days. Emerald Downs has three-time defending jockey champion Alex Cruz back riding, the always popular Kevin Radke off to a great start and talented newcomers in the saddle such as Luis Negron, Alexis Valdes, Silivo Amador and Carlos Montalvo. Trainer Dan Markle and jockey Alexis Valdes join Joe, Vince and Bill on this week's podcast. Markle has been part of every Emerald Downs season and will soon have his stable in action here. He speaks about his friend and client Glyn Kelly, who passed away recently at age 89. Valdes is in his first season of riding locally and is off to fast start winning at 24% over the first five days of the season.
It's Teacher Appreciation Weekend at Emerald Downs, this Saturday and Sunday, May 20-21. All school district employees receive free admission for themselves and a guest on both days. First race 2 pm. Live music at EmD on Saturday evening - Prom Date Mix Tape plays on the 5th floor between 8-11 pm. Tickets can be purchased at emeralddowns.com for a discounted rate. Just $10 at the door. It's Preakness time and EmD is open for simulcasters at 8 am on Friday and 7 am Saturday. The Preakness goes at 4 pm, between live races 4 and 5 on Saturday. Matt Johnson of the Seahawks and Sounders speaks to Dori Monson as a friend and colleague. Saturday's third race is the "Dori Monson Memorial Purse," with family and friends remembering the Seattle radio host and a great racing fan. Trainer Candi Cryderman also joins Joe, Vince and Bill on this week's show.
Week #2 at Emerald Downs is this Saturday & Sunday, May 13-14, first race at 2 pm. As predicted, many more horses in participation - 9 races on Saturday and 10 races Sunday. Bring Mom out for Mother's Day and enjoy Emerald Downs and a great weekend of weather. A great addition and tradition to Mother's Day racing is the appearance of a Thoroughbred mare and her four-week old foal, paraded on the track. This week's show includes trainer Kay Cooper, speaking to her many decades working with her father, Washington Hall of Fame trainer Jim Penney and her 2023 stable of horses. Also a guest is John Lindley of "Parker's" tip sheet and producer of Emerald Downs website's valuable handicapping service "Trip Notes." Lindley hit 4/7 races on Opening Day. "Sport Shorts," selections and trivia, too, on Horseracing NW.
Opening Day at Emerald Downs! Saturday May 6, be here at 1 pm for the first race of the new season. Sign up to win prizes in the Fabulous Hat Contest between 11:30 and 2:30 on Track Level. Win your share of $1,000. And, if you'd like to see many of our new jockeys, they'll be introduced in the Winner's Circle prior to the first race. New trainers, too, many from Turf Paradise in Phoenix. Joe & Vince are joined again by Track Announcer Bill Downes, back for his second season of calling EmD action. Get all the data for Emerald Downs and plenty of Kentucky Derby talk with Jon White, Roger LeBlanc and jockey Luis Negron. For handicappers on-track and around the world - low, low takeout this season of just 10% on Daily Double and Pick-3 wagers! Gates open for simulcasting at 7 am with Churchill Downs first race set for 7:30.
The countdown continues to Opening Day at Emerald Downs! Saturday, May 6 is the date for the beginning of 2023 live racing and a big plus is it's Kentucky Derby day as well. First race at 1 pm, come see the many new faces among jockeys, trainers and horses. Win your share of $1,000 in the Derby day Hat Contest. And, for horseplayers on EmD races, note the new low 10% takeout on Daily Double and Pick-3 wagers. Joining Joe and Vince as guests this week are popular jockey Kevin Radke and new trainer Justin Evans. Radke was a strong second in the standings here in 2022 and followed that with jockey titles at Fresno and Golden Gate. Evans, stabling here for the first time, is the runaway leader in the current Turf Paradise standings, and is certain to win his third straight title there. Track Announcer Bill Downes joins Joe and Vince for the next podcast on May 4.
One month to Emerald Downs Opening Day! Join us Saturday, May 6 for our first day of live racing with a big additional plus - it's also Kentucky Derby day. First race at 1 pm. We'll have the traditional decorative hat contest and also a best-dressed category, too. Prizes awarded after the Kentucky Derby. Saturday, April 8 has three important three-year-old stakes - the Wood Memorial, the Blue Grass and the Santa Anita Derby. Jon White and Anthony Stabile join Joe and Vince to speak to contenders for this weekend and the Kentucky Derby. Also this Saturday, "Dancing at the Downs" returns with an Aerosmith cover band. Gates open on the 5th floor at 7 pm. Cost is $10 at the door, slightly less at emeralddowns.com.
Getting closer to Opening Day at Emerald Downs, Saturday May 6! That's also Kentucky Derby day so make plans to be here for the season's first race at 1 pm. The next of our popular live music nights, "Dancing At the Downs," is Saturday night, April 8, with an Aerosmith tribute band. "Training Day" on youtube.com begins next week, March 23. Emerald Downs is open for full card simulcasting seven days a week while the Quarter Chute Cafe's schedule is Wednesday through Sunday. Guests include trainer Mike Puhich, in action this Saturday at Oaklawn Park. His local horse-owning clients Bob & Molly Rondeau and Tom Lambro have Call Me Fast in the $500k Essex Handicap. The Rondeau's have added value Saturday with 2021 Longacres Mile hero Backround, entered in the seventh race. Another Washington native joins the 'cast, Ed Moger Jr., trainer of recent Santa Anita Handicap-gr1 winner Stilleto Boy. The horse was purchased by brother Steve two years ago and is up to $1.7 million in earnings.
Please support the local Thoroughbred and horse industry by indicating your support of Senate bill 5598, progressing at this time in the Washington legislature. Go to leg.wa.gov, find the bill (SB 5598) and click "pro" to support. This is the most important legislation for racing in decades. First big milestones of 2023 are upon us! The WTBOA Awards banquet is this Saturday evening at Emerald Downs and the opening of training is Monday morning, February 27. Free coffee and doughnuts Monday morning at the world famous Quarter Chute Cafe, operated by Joe and Sally Steiner. Guests on this edition of "horseracing nw" are horse owner and now music producer Greg Conley - he speaks to his underway venture of an album of racing music. Three-time EmD training champ Jeff Metz also is a guest - he'll be the man in charge for the Emerald Racing Club again this season.
It's 100 days to Emerald Downs first day of racing in 2023, Saturday, May 6. That happens to be Kentucky Derby day and first race goes at 1 pm. Be aware that House Bill 1529 has bilateral support at the new Washington legislative session. If passed, horses and racing will receive tremendous annual financial benefits. Please contact your representative and senator to express support. Owner Fred Desimone speaks to the recent passings of Bob and Barbara Meeking, both age 94 and both highly valued and respected members of local breeding and racing. Former EmD Track Announcer Robert Geller joins the crew and gives his always credible takes on life and sports. Go to emeralddowns.com for discount rates on season passes and the next "Dancing At the Downs," Feb. 11.
Happy New Year from Emerald Downs! Jon White speaks to a strong opening of the Santa Anita winter meeting and adds some northwest history too. Patrick Kerrison, former EmD Director of Media Relations, has personal thoughts on the recent passing of his father Ray Kerrison, renowned and respected turf writer. Toss in Washington horse information and trivia, too. "Dancing at the Downs" returns on Friday night, December 30. Sonic Funk Orchestra plays from 8-11 pm on the Fifth Floor. Tickets available for $10 at emeralddowns.com, $15 at the door. More shows coming up on February 11 and March 11.
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas from Emerald Downs! Racing dates are out for the 2023 season, Opening Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 6. Yes, Opening Day is Kentucky Derby Day. This month, go to emeralddowns.com for discounts on 2023 season passes and for info on "Dancing At the Downs." Live music returns on the 5th floor Friday night, December 30, with the Sonic Funk Orchestra. Get your tickets now at the track website for $10. The price will be $15 at the door. Guests on the show include longtime Gulfstream Park personality and handicapper Ron Nicoletti, who's looking forward to more quality racing this month and beyond at GP. Opening Day to their Championship meeting is December 26, with higher purses, a new turf course and a long list of top trainers and jockeys. Jeff "the Fish" Aaron spent 25 years in western Washington media before returning recently to Phoenix. "The Fish" has developed a strong interest in racing and catches up with "Horseracing NW" listeners.
Emerald Downs is ready for the Breeders' Cup! Gates open Friday, Nov. 4 at 8:00 am and at 7:00 am on Saturday, Nov. 5. Get your meals at "Quick Pix," on the 5th Floor, opening each day at same times. On Saturday, the 3rd Floor is open as well. Joe and Vince remember Victor "The Predictor" Cozzetti, who passed recently after 50 years in horse racing media. They're also joined by season-long podcast partner Bill Downes in the third segment. Bill is attending the Breeders' Cup at Keeneland and gives out his top picks. Also, hear from top handicappers and racing historians "The Big A," Anthony Stabile and, of course, Jon White. Yes ... sports shorts and trivia too for this week's podcast.
The Simulcasting Season is here and beginning Monday, October 3, Emerald Downs is open seven days a week for full cards from around north America. Join us on the 5th Floor to follow Washington-bred horses, local trainers and the best racing from all points.
Joe and Vince recap closing week for the 2022 meeting including the fifth match-up between heavyweight Washington-breds Slew's Tiz Whiz and Papa's Golden Boy, easily the top two horses at Emerald Downs this year. News, notes, stats, names and numbers about season #27 are topics of discussion. Also - sports shorts, one selection and trivia on Horseracing NW!
It's closing weekend for the 2022 Emerald Downs race meeting and fans will see many of the top stars in action. Longacres Mile hero Slew's Tiz Whiz races against Papa's Golden Boy for the fifth time this year in Sunday's Muckleshoot Tribal Classic. Reigning Washington Horse of the Year Blazingbellablu contests the Washington Cup Filly/Mare race and top two-year-old at the meeting may be decided in the 12-horse Gottstein Futurity. Jockey Alex Cruz and owner Bob Wilmot are guests on this week's show.
Everyone gets in free on Sunday! Sept. 18 is closing day and also Fan Appreciation Day. Also, check out the special prices at track concession stands this weekend - the list is nearly endless with great deals. Great handicapping tests, too, this weekend with 11 races both Saturday and Sunday. Thanks for being part of the 2022 at Emerald Downs!
It's the last three-day weekend of racing at Emerald Downs for the 2022 meeting, this Sept. 9-10-11. The last "$1,000 KJR-Seattle T-Birds Horseshoe Toss" is on Friday night while Sunday, 9-11, is "First Responder Day." All first responders and active or retired military get in for free.
Mike Man's Gold, the track's all-time winningest horse, will be officially retired on Sunday. He won 26 times at this track, victories in an amazing 10 consecutive seasons. Claimer of the Meeting honors, as always, goes to the final weekend and contenders Missed the Boat, Mixo, Willing to Burn, Brony Boy, Warfront Fighter, Sir Deputy, Classic Leah and Prospera are all racing this weekend.
The Longacres Mile winner returns! Slew's Tiz Whiz, Washington-bred hero of the 87th Mile on August 14, returns in this Sunday's featured allowance at one mile & seventy yards. Slew's Tiz Whiz meets Mile favorite Top Executive and third-place finisher Five Star General among the field of eight. That new race distance will be unveiled for the first time at Emerald Downs on Friday night, September 2.
Sunday is "Italian Day" at Emerald Downs with the Sorelli's Pizza Eating Contest, musical entertainment from Tony La Stella and the Goombas, Italian dancers and David Madrid back to host festivities. Also on this show - bad beat stories, sport shorts, selections and triva.
The Washington Cup begins at Emerald Downs this Sunday with two juvenile sprint stakes. Miss Dynamic heads the filly field while it's Runnin Out of Days, the top name among colts/geldings. Anthony "The Big A" Stabile speaks to Saratoga's outstanding Travers day card. Hear from trainer Nick Lowe, who had the one-two finishers in the 2021 Bank of America Challenge Championship, Cm Once Ina Bluemoon and Cm Boom Shakalaka. They're back to contest the $40-k dash.
The Wiener dogs started the craze and they're back this Sunday at Emerald Downs! It's racing between races for Wiener dogs and Wiener Wannabes. Also Sunday, support Emerald Downs Race Track Chaplaincy by purchasing a ticket in the 50/50 raffle.
Saturday, join the $40 buy-in handicapping contest, covering five Emerald Downs races and five from Del Mar. Sign-up on the fifth floor.
On this week's show, a recap of the 87th Longacres Mile, won impressively by Washington-bred Slew's Tiz Whiz. His trainer, Tom Wenzel, is a guest and you may be surprised at Wenzel's record in Washington's premiere race. WTBOA President Dana Halvorson previews next Tuesday's sale, beginning at 1 pm (there's a sister to Slew's Tiz Whiz among the yearlings!). And, Robert Geller previews Sunday's Queen's Plate at Woodbine.
More info from last week and the week upcoming (T-Rex races on Sunday) while Joe, Vince and Bill do their usual handicapping angles, sport shorts, selections and trivia.
It's Longacres Mile week at Emerald Downs! The Mile, 12-horse field is set with defending champion Background as the 2-1 morning-line favorite. The Washington Oaks, Emerald Distaff and Muckleshoot Derby complete the schedule for an all stakes Pick-4 that has 42 horses competing. Plenty of Mile talk from Joe and Vince and track announcer Bill Downes, who's preparing to call his first Mile.
Scott Hanson of the Seattle Times speaks to his Mile history as well as previewing his column on Kevin Radke, appearing in Sunday's Seattle Times. Mike Puhich, trainer of Background, speaks to his horse's 2022 season. "Breakfast At the Wire" on Saturday morning and "Run the Mile" immediately after at 11:00 am. Join the "Railbird Rally" crowd in the Park area at 11:00 am on Sunday.
The 87th Longacres Mile is just around the corner, Sunday, August 14. Talk turns to the Mile for Joe, Vince and Bill - along with renowned Mile historian and handicapper Jon White as guest. A full field is expected for this year's Mile and included on the card is the Emerald Distaff, Washington Oaks and Muckleshoot Derby - an all-stakes Pick-Four.
Traditional Mile events are back including "Breakfast At the Wire," 8-10 am on Saturday, August 13; "Run the Mile," 11 am on August 13 (sign up at emeralddowns.com); "Railbird Rally," 11-12:30 on Mile Day in the park. Handicapping angles, selections, Sport Shorts and ... oops, forgot trivia this week!
The Governor's Stakes, Washington State Legislators Stakes and 80 Corgis highlight action on the track at Emerald Downs this weekend. Ultra-fast sprinter Papa's Golden Boy seeks to defend his Governor's title and head to the August 14 Longacres Mile as the local favorite. Register on the 5th floor for Saturday's handicapping contest, a $40 entry. Live-money Win-Place wagers on Emerald Downs and Del Mar races.
John Lindley and Greg Conley are this week's guests. Lindley speaks to EmD handicapping trends and Conley has the latest on Thoroughbred racing in the metaverse as well as his involvement with 10 horses in the Joe Toye barn. Selections, Sports Shorts and Trivia, too.
Another upcoming weekend of top races and special events at Emerald Downs! Racing is highlighted Sunday by the Kent Stakes for three-year-old fillies and the Irish Day Stakes for three-year-old colts and geldings. Sunday is our annual Irish Day and prior to that we'll have a British-themed Saturday. Seniors 60+ get in for half-price every Saturday. Equine Art on Track Level all weekend.
Paul Beattie of Eli Sports Network is this week's guest. elisportsnetwork.com is a site of season long Emerald Downs coverage, check it out. Also, a remembrance from Al Padilla on the life of Clell Sherwood, outstanding jockey in his years and EmD's first Jockey Room Superintendent. Selections, sport shorts and trivia on Horseracing NW.
Get a recap and preview of Emerald Downs each week on "Horseracing Northwest." For a supplement to the podcast, check out "News & Notes" at emeralddowns.com, updated in detail each week by Vince Bruun. Bob Cappelletti, Stable Manager for Washington Hall of Fame owner Dr. George Todaro, joins Joe, Vince and Bill.
A Two-Year-Old doubleheader this Sunday at Emerald Downs with the Angie C. Stakes and the King County Stakes for juvenile fillies and colts respectively. The Angie C. offers the top billed two-some of Aloha Breeze and Miss Dynamic, each an impressive winner of her debut. Selections, sport shorts, handicapping angles and trivia - something for every racing fan!
Combine your horse racing with fireworks at Emerald Downs this Holiday weekend. Racing Friday night, Saturday afternoon and special Sunday post time at 5 pm - followed by the annual July 3, Xfinity Fireworks Spectacular! Very limited tickets available, go to emeralddowns.com for access to one great show.
Trainer Blaine Wright, winner of three of the first four stakes races at the current meeting, joins Joe, Vince and Bill. Wright is on a six-season run of tremendous success locally, with a big start to this season. Handicapping angles, selections, the popular "sports shorts," and trivia, too.
Indian Relay racing and the Muckleshoot Gold Cup return to Emerald Downs this Friday-Saturday-Sunday, June 17-19! Fantastic horsemanship, athleticism and competition on display throughout the entire weekend. All former Gold Cup Champions are back, with 18 teams total from around the west and across the northern tier to the Dakotas.
This Friday night has the first Pick 5 carryover of the meeting. That head start pool is $13,385. First race Friday at 7 pm, Pick 5 begins in 3rd race. Outstanding card on Sunday when the season's stakes schedule gets underway. The Seattle Stakes for three-year-old fillies and Auburn Stakes for three-year-old colts and geldings highlight weekend Thoroughbred activities. For a complete statistical recap, check out "news & notes" every week at emeralddowns.com.
The Emerald Downs meeting heads into another three-day weekend of action. First race on our initial "$5 Friday" is 7 pm, with Saturday and Sunday racing at 2 pm. We're just a week away from the first stakes races of the meeting - the Seattle for three-year-old fillies and the Auburn for three-year-old colts and geldings on June 19. And, great excitement over June 17-18-19 with the Muckleshoot Gold Cup!
Joe, Vince and Bill Downes go over Emerald Downs racing in detail with a review and preview. Make sure to check out "News & Notes" at emeralddowns.com, updated each week by Vince Brunn, a thorough statistical recap of the meeting. Guest this week is "The Beast of the Belmont," Anthony Stabile of nyrabets.com and Fox TV network - he's well known by northwest racing fans.
Get your Friday night T-Shirt this Friday, June 3 at Emerald Downs. Free admission on all following Fridays wearing this T-Shirt! First race 7 pm.
Nick Rousso joins Joe, Vince and track announcer Bill Downes. Rousso outlines the Breyer Speed Figure process, he the Beyer maker for EmD. Selections, Sport Shorts and trivia too.
Racing is back at Emerald Downs and the weekend of May 21-22 was a spectacular example! Good weather (finally) brought great crowds, good wagering handle and top track performances. Jockey Kevin Radke, winner of a record-tying six wins on Saturday, is the guest.
Joe, Vince and new track announcer Bill Downes preview Saturday's feature race. Second, Third and Fourth-place finishers from last summer's Longacres Mile meet in Saturday's 8th race at 5 1/2 furlongs. Papa's Golden Boy has won five of his last EmD sprints and takes on Windribbon, runner-up in The Mile. A tough trivia question this week.
This weekend is "Teacher Appreciation Weekend" at Emerald Downs, and all state school district employees receive free admission with district I-D cards. Expecting dry weather on Saturday, the Emerald Downs jockeys will be introduced in the Paddock prior to the first race. An outstanding riding colony this year!
Washington Hall of Fame trainer Howard Belvoir is Joe & Vince's guest on this edition of "Horseracing NW." Belvoir doubled on the Emerald Downs Opening Day card and has many entrants for week #2. Racing is two days this week, Saturday and Sunday, first race each day at 2:00 pm. Bill Downes, weekly honors, selections and trivia too.
Opening Day is Sunday! First race 2:00 pm to start the new meeting with a 20% purse increase from last year and a nationwide low 14.7% takeout on Win, Place and Show wagers. Get an Emerald Downs Magnetic Calendar when you arrive and also fill out your entry blank for prize drawings. Chef Scott is putting out an outstanding product, wherever and whenever you purchase a meal.
New EmD Track Announcer Bill Downes joins Joe & Vince for opening day info, a Kentucky Derby rehash and much information about Downes' career and life in and out of racing. As well as Track Announcer, he's also an accomplished handicapper. Welcome Bill!
Opening Day at Emerald Downs for live racing is Sunday, May 15. Get a magnetic calendar and fill out your entry blank for prize drawings on Opening Day. We're ready for a great meeting with purses up 20% over 2021 and all fan-favorite promotions are back. Also, Roger LeBlanc of lazybettorusa.com joins Joe and Vince for his keen insight into Saturday's Run for the Roses.
Make plans to be at Emerald Downs for the 148th Kentucky Derby, coming Saturday, May 7. Free admission all day and the 5th floor opens at 7 am for first-come, first-served seating. Track Level and the Third Floor open at 11 am. It'll be a party atmosphere on Track Level starting at 11:30 and the Fabulous Hat Contest is back. Get a wager on your favorite horse and watch the Derby on our huge screen.
Trainer Mike Puhich joins Joe and Vince to speak to the Glen Todd Horse Dispersal which begins on Wednesday, April 27. The auction is on-line at digital.fasigtipton.com. and the auction ends on May 3. Also, NYRA's Anthony Stabile adds his considerable expertise to the Kentucky Derby picture.
Emerald Downs Opening Day for 2022 is Sunday, May 15. The daily worktab is building toward the start of season #27 in Auburn. On the show - a recap of WTBOA award winners, admission specials for the upcoming season and some great shots of young foals (YouTube edition) by two new local sires - Barkley and Conveyance.
Guest Jon White has been a prominent Kentucky Derby historian and handicapper for several decades. He adds his expertise to the current three-year-old picture with his take of top stakes this Saturday at Gulfstream, Oaklawn and Turfway Park. Dan Jukich of Hastings Park speaks to the recent passing of Glen Todd. Todd, an owner, trainer, breeder, benefactor, sales purchaser and promoter, had been the single largest figure in B.C. Thoroughbred racing for the past 30-plus years. Also very prominent at Emerald Downs, Todd won the 2012 Longacres Mile with Taylor Said.
Emerald Downs announces another 10% purse increase effective Opening Day, May 15. That, on top of a 10% purse increase declared immediately after the close of the 2021 EmD season. Always great news to breeders, owners, trainers, jockeys and everybody else connected to local Thoroughbred racing!
Guests this week include four-time EmD Leading Owner John Parker and also author/handicapper Eric Floyd. This year Parker will race juveniles sired by his top career horse, 2017 Longacres Mile winner Gold Rush Dancer. Floyd's recent book "Heaven's Premier Horse Race," speaks to a mythical event among Triple Crown winners with proceeds going to retired race horses. Video of this podcast available at YouTube.
Great news, more work necessary for the betterment of Washington Thoroughbred Racing. HB 1928 passed the House in the Washington State Legislature and moves on to the State Senate. The bill would provide funds to the racing industry for purses, breeders, horse aftercare, youth programs, the Racing Commission, fair meets, etc. Contact your local Senator and voice your support.
Robert Geller, Matt Dinerman, Tom Harris and for 2022, new announcer Bill Downes to call the races at Emerald Downs. After nine seasons at Indiana Grand, Downes will travel west for Opening Day, May 15. Also a guest is four-time leading EmD trainer Jeff Metz, who'll be in charge of Emerald Racing Club horses for the new meeting. Happy retirement to former Club trainer Sharon Ross!
Guest on the podcast is Greg Conley, who along with father Chuck, has campaigned Mike Man's Gold for most of the past five seasons. Mike Man's Gold, Emerald Downs all-time winningest horse, will be back here for 2022 at age 12. Mike Man's Gold is also about to enter the metaverse, through Greg Conley and partners. Learn more about that this week.
The 2022 Emerald Downs stakes schedule is out with more stakes and more money. The Longacres Mile-gr3 is up to $150,000 this year and is set for Sunday, August 14. The boost in stakes, along with other horsemen incentives, puts 2022 off to a great start. See emeralddowns.com for more info.
President Dana Halvorson speaks to the career of retiring WTBOA General Manager Anne Sweet, ending her outstanding service at the end of the year. Sweet has spent over four decades at the organization, mastering a myriad of job titles and skills, greatly contributing to the Thoroughbred industry.
Marshall Allen was named recipient of the 2021 Race Track Chaplaincy of America White Horse Award. The video covering Allen's life-saving action is available at youtube.com. Also included in the show are the top contenders for 2021 Washington-bred honors, details on the traditional December 26 opening day of Santa Anita, and a couple of short, new segments with Joe and Vince. Trivia and selections, too. Merry Christmas!
Track President Phil Ziegler is guest and there's great news for live racing at Emerald Downs for 2022! Racing dates have been requested, Horsemen Incentives announced for all 2021-22 first-time claiming horses and the stakes schedule will have a number of increased purses.
Many 2021 EmD stakes stars are still in off-season mode while Blazingbellablu continues to blaze to a Washington three-year-old filly title and possibly more yearly honors. There's Marshall Allen's life-saving action, toss in some hockey talk, stats and trivia, and you have a December edition of Horseracing NW.
The 38th Breeders' Cup comes up this weekend at Del Mar and that's the theme of this week's Horse Racing NW podcast. We'll hear from Jon White and Anthony Stabile on B.C. angles and John Lindley joins Joe and Vince in the EmD studio. All involved have stories to tell and wagering angles to offer.
Gates open at 9:00 am on Friday and 8:30 am on Saturday for all the great action at Del Mar and tracks around North America. Seating is first-come, first-served on the 5th floor at Emerald Downs and extra seating on Floor 3 if need be.
Emerald Downs 2021 live racing season concluded last Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25-26 with plenty of on-track drama. Races were decided among leading owner, trainer and jockey which led to announcements of all season ending award winners. The top prize went to Top Executive, named Horse of the Meeting after going undefeated in three starts. He won three stakes and was the leading money earner.
Tom Wenzel is featured guest, he the trainer of Gottstein Futurity hero Midnight Mojo. Wenzel speaks to the development of Midnight Mojo, owned by Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame inductee George Todaro. Wenzel's been involved in many of the track's top moments with a client list that also includes Ron Crockett, Jerre Paxton, Karl Krieg and Dave and Jill Heerensperger. Next stop on the podcast is Breeders' Cup week!
It's closing week for the 2021 Emerald Downs meeting! 11 races both Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25-26. Note the earlier Saturday start, 6:00 pm first race. Plenty of bargains at the concessions stands on Sunday.
John Lindley, author of well know "Parker's" tip sheet, joins Joe & Vince for discussion of contenders for seasonal honors. Lindley makes comparison to top horses this meeting to recent divisional champions. The race for leading jockey is currently a dead-heat between defending winner Alex Cruz and Julien Couton. Leading stakes jockey this season, Kevin Orozco, rides in two of the three stakes on Sunday. Retiring trainers Sharon Ross and Chris Stenslie saddle their final runners this weekend.
Emerald Downs enters its final two weeks of racing for 2021 with tight races for leading owner, trainer and jockey. Racing this Saturday night, Sept. 18, at 6:30 pm (Pacific) and 2:30 pm on Sunday. Refreshed every Thursday by Vince Bruun, check out "News and Notes" at emeralddowns.com for updated info on the entire meeting.
Horse Racing NW guest is Sharon Ross, half of the Washington Hall of Fame trainer team with husband Larry. The Ross' have been a tremendous addition to this state's Thoroughbred racing since their first season at Longacres in 1981. They won the first EmD training title in 1996 and, along with Jim Penney, are the only conditioners to win The Mile at both Longacres and Emerald Downs. You'll be amazed to hear when Sharon's last "day off" training was!
Indian Relay Racing broadcaster, publicist and producer Gayle Skunkcap joins Joe and Vince in a Muckleshoot Gold Cup preview. This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10-12, is the 5th Muckleshoot Gold Cup with $67,000 in purses. 18 teams from across the west including former winners Carlson Relay, Starr School, Abrahamson Relay and River Road. Skunkcap speaks to new and returning teams and what to look for. Special first Thoroughbred time of 5:00 pm on Saturday.
Three weekends of Thoroughbred action remain at Emerald Downs for 2021. Great races exist in the drive for leading owner, trainer and jockey. Stakes races this weekend include the $50,000 Washington Cup Juvenile and Juvenile Filly sprints. The track's all-time leading trainer, Frank Lucarelli, has four entered between the two stakes and he's the guest on this week's show.
The 2021 Muckleshoot Gold Cup highlights horse racing action at Emerald Downs this weekend! Over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 10-12, it's Indian Relay Racing at its finest with $67,000 in purse money to be awarded. Free admission all day Friday and the first Thoroughbred race on Saturday goes at a special time of 5:00 pm. 18 teams make up the 2021 Gold Cup, including 2019 champs, River Road of Montana.
Horse Racing NW reviews and previews weekly action at Emerald Downs. The Oaks and Derby provided excitement last week and our final three-day week of racing this season is this week, Sept. 2-5. With four weekends remaining, great races exist in owner, trainer and jockey standings. Stats, lists and trivia.
The local Thoroughbred community laments the passing of Junior Coffey, ex-UW Husky and NFL player and northwest trainer for the past 45 years. Joe and Vince discuss his incredible life and have comments from fellow trainers Frank Lucarelli and Kay Cooper. Find out more about the life of Junior Coffey at the Seattle Times and by typing in his name on YouTube.
Much more racing excitement in week upcoming at Emerald Downs! 10 horses entered in each of the Muckleshoot Derby and Washington Oaks on this Sunday's card. Stakes action from last weekend recapped as well as highlights from the WTBOA Sale. Stats, standings and trivia too.
Studio guest this week is none other than Bob Rondeau, winning owner of the August 15 Longacres Mile with horse Background. Rondeau, involved in racing since the 1970s with his father in Colorado, fully appreciated victory in the northwest's top event along with wife Molly and a large contingent of friends and rooters.
The Mile was Monumental and Memorable at Emerald Downs! Background's thrilling victory in the 86th running of the Longacres Mile is recapped by Joe and Vince. They're soon joined by trainer Sandi Gann who saddled Emerald Distaff winner Princess of Cairo and third-place Mile finisher Five Star General. Facts and Figures, selections and more trivia.
Upcoming, four stakes races this Sunday, August 22 at Emerald Downs. Juvenile fillies in the Barbara Shinpoch and juvenile males in the WTBOA Lads, both races at 6 1/2 furlongs. Also two Quarter Horse stakes - the Bank of America Challenge and the John Deere Juvenile Challenge. The Wiener Dog races join in the fun on Sunday!
It's Mile Week at Emerald Downs! Another tremendous edition of the Longacres Mile-gr3 is this Sunday, August 15. Positioning to the first turn could be key this year with several powerful speed horses among the 11 starters. Papa's Golden Boy drew post #1 and he'll face accomplished shippers Anyportinastorm, Background and Five Star General.
Background, owned by Bob Rondeau and trained by Mike Puhich (this week's guest), is the top 2021 earner in this year's field. Background's jockey, Rocco Bowenj, returns to Emerald Downs seeking his first Mile triumph. Bowen's won three jockey titles here and 31 stakes races but hasn't ridden at EmD since 2018. Jon White relates his lengthy history in the northwest's premier race and gives his selection.
The 86th Longacres Mile is just over a week away with nominations in and weights announced on Saturday. Background is here from the midwest, Five Star General from British Columbia and Anyportinastorm expected from southern California. Other shippers possible to take on Papa's Golden Boy and top local stars.
Trainer Chris Stenslie is this week's guest. From her barn comes possible Emerald Distaff favorite Daffodil Sweet and she's nominated Hard to Deny to the Mile. The "$1,000 Horse Toss" returns on Saturday nights and vote for the top horse in our first 25 years beginning Saturday. Check out "News and Notes" at emeralddowns.com, tons of EmD information updated weekly.
Great racing for the Thoroughbreds and the ever-popular Corgis dogs highlight this week at Emerald Downs. The annual WTBOA Summer Yearling and Mixed sale is Tuesday, August 24, and WTBOA President Dana Halvorson has information on the Sale and much more. Leading jockey Alex Cruz's track-record 46-day winning streak is recapped.
On-track action looks great for the upcoming week of Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The track's all-time leader in races won, Mike Man's Gold, heads the list in a competitive sprint on Thursday. Preps for the August 15 Longacres Mile and Emerald Distaff are on Saturday and Sunday brings a stakes-double header of top northwest three-year-olds. The Longacres Mile is the focus of "trivia" for the next few weeks.
Papa's Golden Boy is the best horse at Emerald Downs! Stakes races from July 11, won by Papa's Golden Boy and Daffodil Sweet, are recapped. Papa's Golden Boy, dominant winner of the Governor's Stakes, is #2 in Washington-bred earnings so far this year. He trails only Harbored Memories, who races in the Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar on Friday.
Owner Roy Schaefer is this week's Horse Racing NW guest. He and wife Ellie make up R.E.V. Racing, and Roy tells the story of the purchase of their Cobra Jet, likely favorite in this Sunday's King County Express Stakes for two-year-old colts and geldings. Also Sunday, the Angie C. Stakes for two-year-old fillies. Stats, selections and trivia, too.
Horse Racing NW previews the upcoming three-day race week at Emerald Downs, featuring a stakes doubleheader on Sunday. Guest trainer Candi Cryderman will saddle Squan's Kingdom in the Washington Legislators Stakes. The Governor's Stakes includes Papa's Golden Boy, Baja Sur, Windribbon and Unmachable. Marketing Manager Wes Petree tells the story behind EmD's outstanding new live-race graphics. Plus or minus for historical par times on internal fractions and final race times are instantly displayed.
New racing schedule beginning this week and for several following weeks at Emerald Downs. Thursday at 6 pm, Saturday 6:30 pm and Sunday 2:30 pm. Selections and trivia, too!
The first three-day week of racing is on tap at Emerald Downs. Wednesday and Thursday night at 6 pm and Saturday, July 3, at 6 pm. Last season's Horse of the Meeting, Dutton, is in action Wednesday night in race 7, part of an outstanding card that includes the meet's first two-year-old races. Guests include breeder-owner Petra Lewin and handicapper John Lindley.
Fireworks are back at Emerald Downs! Get your tickets at emeralddowns.com. Our traditional "fireworks spectacular," a fantastic south King County event is back on it's well-known night of July 3. Racing at 6 pm this Saturday, July 3, followed by one great fireworks show!
Fans back in force at Emerald Downs on Sunday, June 20, for Father's Day and EmD's 25th birthday celebration ceremony. The season's first four takes races are recapped, too. Papa's Golden Boy became the first 2021 Washington-bred stakes winner with his triumph over Baja Sur in the Budweiser.
No racing at Emerald Downs this Sunday, June 27, due to projected 100+ degree temperatures in western Washington. The Jackpot P-6 continues to grow, up to $64-k for racing on Wednesday, June 23. Joe and Vince are joined by DRF handicapper Michael Hammersly and new stakes winning breeder-owner Ron Bohlman. Bohlman's Ms Lynn took Sunday's Seattle Stakes with a furious finish.
Happy Birthday Emerald Downs! This Sunday, June 20, is the track's 25th birthday with a public ceremony leading up to the first race at 2:30. Hear reminisces about the track's first opening day in 1996. Jackpot Pick-6 wager growing ... carryover into Wednesday night racing is $39,492.
Stakes races begin this week with two Thursday night and two Sunday. Guests include historian and handicapper Jon White and EmD trainer Blaine Wright, who's out front in stakes wins over the past five seasons. Wright has runners in all four added events this week including Baja Sur returning to the northwest with a perfect 4-for-4 EmD record.
Horse Racing NW reviews and previews racing at Emerald Downs, entering week #4 of the current season. Get the latest on upcoming races, promotions and special events. Father's Day, June 20, is the track's 25th birthday as well as the first Sunday on the schedule. Get your tickets at emeralddowns.com.
Guests this week include EmD trainers Joe Toye and Bob Bean. Toye is off to a 7/15 start, including two victories from the track's all-time top winner Mike Man's Gold (25 EmD wins). Bob Bean, in his first season locally, has been around the game and then some, with great stories to relate since the 1970s.
Guests include Anthony "Big A" Stabile, of NYRA, Vegas Insider and Horse Racing Radio Network fame. Those of us in the Emerald Downs circles know him well from his prowess picking winners on "The Win Place Show" for many years and recently on "Horse Racing NW" podcast. Also, Scott Hanson, turf writer and do-everything for the Seattle Times sports department. He's covered EmD closely and has a 25-year birthday story coming soon.
Back to fast-track racing at EmD over Wednesday-Thursday, June 2-3. 18 races over the two days. Three days of racing per week coming soon, with birthday racing on Sunday, June 20. Not far off the first stakes races of the meeting coming on Thursday, June 17.
Emerald Downs is off and underway for 2021! Joe & Vince recap opening week and look at week #2. Racing schedule is Wednesday and Thursday nights, first race 6 pm Pacific time. This week's guests include Pam Christopherson of Bar C Racing (home of the late Harbor the Gold) and Randy Goulding, DRF handicapper (red hot at picking winners) and turf writer.
Who's #1 in 2021 earnings among Washington-bred horses? Listen to "Horse Racing NW" and find out. Check out Vince Bruun's "News & Notes" at emeralddowns.com, a wealth of info on past week results and much more. EmD currently has fans for live racing, go to emeralddowns.com to purchase your tickets.
Emerald Downs is set to start another racing season, Opening Day on Wednesday, May 19. Defending training champ Frank Lucarelli is a guest as well as jockey Kevin Radke, riding at EmD for the first time since 2008.
Get your tickets for live racing by going to emeralddowns.com. Purchase tickets for any of the first 10 days of the meeting and save 20%. All the current Covid protocols for attendance are listed, too. Hear about the wagering menu, such as the new daily Pentafecta wager, and the new Jackpot P-6.
The Kentucky Derby is the major theme on this edition of Horse Racing NW. Guest handicappers, broadcasters and authors include Anthony "The Big A" Stabile, Roger LeBlanc and Gary Dougherty. Vince recaps and previews recent and future Washington-bred runners in other locales. Trivia returns too.
Opening day at Emerald Downs is Wednesday, May 19. Check emeralddowns.com over upcoming days for information on attendance and tickets. Prior to that, Emerald Downs has floors 2-3-5 open this Saturday, May 1, Kentucky Derby day. Gates open at 7 am with free parking and admission.
Opening Day for 2021 racing at Emerald Downs arrives on Wednesday, May 19. Prior to that, Vax Day for horsemen is at Emerald Downs on Thursday, April 15. Vaccination available between 1:00-3:30 pm on Track Level.
John Lindley, author of Parker's tip sheet and horse owner and breeder Kelly Dougan join Joe and Vince this week. Emerald Downs has floors 2-3-5 open on Kentucky Derby day, Saturday, May 1. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Opening Day for 2021 racing at Emerald Downs arrives on Wednesday, May 19. Prior to that, Vax Day for horsemen is at Emerald Downs on Thursday, April 15. Vaccination available between 1:00-3:30 pm on Track Level.
John Lindley, author of Parker's tip sheet and horse owner and breeder Kelly Dougan join Joe and Vince this week. Emerald Downs has floors 2-3-5 open on Kentucky Derby day, Saturday, May 1. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Emerald Downs is set to open for racing on Wednesday, May 19 and Horse Racing NW gives the details on the 2021 season. EmD morning training can be viewed from the 5th floor of the Grandstand building, now open at 7:30 am Wednesday-through-Sunday. The track's 25th birthday (and first stakes race of the meeting) is June 20.
Jon White joins Joe and Vince and concentrates on the three-year-old division with the Kentucky Derby just six weeks away. Selections for the Louisiana Derby, trivia and more.
The Fifth Floor at Emerald Downs is open for simulcasting! After several months on track level, fans can once again enjoy the familiarity and comfort on floor five. There’s a new bill introduced in Olympia that could be very positive for horses and racing in Washington.
Former EmD and current Golden Gate Fields track announcer Matt Dinerman looks at events in northern California while racing author and handicapper Eric Floyd speaks to his new book and picks his horse for the Sam Davis Stakes.
Horse Racing NW is back for an end of the year episode. News on Washington-bred horses and Washington horsemen in the upcoming weeks. An EmD great has a new career scheduled for 2021.
Alittlelesstalk is a cinch for Washington-bred Top Older Filly or Mare for 2020 and has a shot at the Horse of the Year title. She's in action Saturday Dec. 26 at Laurel in the $150-k, grade-3 Allaire Dupont at 1 1/8 miles for fillies and mares. Nina Hagen informs on happenings at El Dorado Farms in Enumclaw, exciting news on new stallion Barkley.
"Horse Racing NW" has a light schedule through the rest of 2020 but two guests and some personal sports history talk from Joe and Vince add to this week's 'cast. Two top Washington-breds from the 2020 EmD meeting are in action this week.
The passing of notable Washington horseman Richard Wright is a sad note but there are remembrances of his many contributions and likable personality. Trainer Jeff Metz is a guest, running Coastal Kid in this Sunday's Bob Hope S-GR3 at Del Mar. Also, Paul Beattie, the man behind the outstanding racing coverage again this year at elisportsnetwork.com.
Emerald Downs concluded its 2020 race meeting on October 28-29 and events of closing week, along with seasonal honors are topics of discussion by Joe & Vince. Winners are recognized! Also a look ahead to the Breeders' Cup and local angles.
Guest interviews include Emerald Downs President Phil Ziegler and Handicapper John Lindley of "Parker's" tip sheet. Ziegler speaks to the challenges of beginning and operating the 2020 race meet, which was successful on many fronts. Lindley speaks to the prowess of Horse of the Meeting Dutton and Breeders' Cup angles
A preview of closing week at Emerald Downs for the 2020 season with 22 races remaining over Wednesday 10-28 and Thursday 10-29. Many seasonal honors have been decided but the always hotly contested Claimer of the Meeting category has drama.
Guest interviews include trainer Bill Tollett, who starts his final Thoroughbred on Thursday prior to retirement in his native Texas. He's won races the past 52 consecutive years in Washington. Also, Jon White discussing the upcoming Breeders' Cup and the morning-line favorite for a very contentious Classic.
With two weeks remaining in the 2020 Emerald Downs meeting, several season-ending honors have been decided while others offer contention to the end. Alittlelesstalk, Dutton or Unmachable for Horse of the Meeting?
One of racing's top broadcasters/handicappers, Anthony Stabile, discusses one of the best Breeders' Cup Classic match-ups in years while Emerald Downs new all-time leading jockey Juan Gutierrez speaks to his local accomplishments. A tough trivia question and selections from Joe & Vince.
The week ahead brings a 10% purse increase for Emerald Downs racing while jockey Juan Gutierrez is on the verge of the all-time track record for wins. Trainers Kay Cooper and Tom Wenzel are guests.
Three weeks of racing remain at Emerald Downs for 2020 on the Wednesday and Thursday schedule. While owner (Chad & Josh), jockey (Alex Cruz) and trainer (Frank Lucarelli) races have strong favorites to win, there's approximately 60 opportunities remaining to earn the first prize check. A look to the upcoming week by Joe and Vince along with stats, trivia and selections.
After an exciting 1/ST Bet Washington Cup last Thursday, Emerald Downs has four weeks of racing remaining in the 2020 season. Jockey Juan Gutierrez is closing in on a significant all-time track record.
Results at Emerald Downs from top Washington-bred horses last week led to multiple changes in the top state-bred earner list for 2020. On the national scene, juvenile colt Bodenheimer took the biggest prize of the year ($90-k) earned by a Washington-bred. His trainer Valorie Lund is a guest as well as second-leading Emerald Downs owner Greg Conley. Stats, trivia and selections.
Two Washington Cup races and the Gottstein highlight week #15 at Emerald Downs. The Muckleshoot Tribal Classic pits full brothers Papa's Golden Boy and Gold Crusher meeting for the first time while Alittlelesstalk is a strong favorite to take her fourth local stakes victory in the Filly & Mare. Spectacular juvenile Dutton headlines the Gottstein's ten-horse field.
Breeder-owner-author Tim Floyd is a guest interview. Floyd is connected with top racemare Alittlelesstalk and second-time starter Myuddermamasapaint in the Gottstein. Also interviewed is Papa's Golden Boy co-owner Jeff Lusk, speaking to their speedster's development and chances for Muckleshoot victory. Preview, recap, stats, trivia and selections.
Many of the meeting's top allowance and claiming horses in action at Emerald Downs over this week's two days, Wednesday Sept. 23 and Thursday Sept. 24. Welcome back to the track's #4 all-time leading jockey, Leslie Mawing.
Guests this week include trainer Jack McCartney, who has multiple stakes winner Unmachable in Thursday's first race as well as top jockey agent David "Marbles" Singer. Singer currently has the book of the meet's top three jockeys - Alex Cruz, Juan Gutierrez and Gary Wales. Stats, trivia and selections too.
Racing rescheduled at Emerald Downs this week to due poor air quality in the area. Friday at 2 pm and Sunday 2 pm are days/times for live racing on Sept. 18 and Sept. 20.
Anothertwistafate gave owner Peter Redekop and trainer Blaine Wright their first Longacres Mile victories in a historic Thursday night at Emerald Downs. Jockey Juan Gutierrez won his third Mile. John Lindley of Parker's recaps the Mile while guest trainer Roddina Barrett speaks to her stable star Alittlelesstalk, winner of the Emerald Distaff. Predictions, stats, trivia too.
Focus this week is the 85th Longacres Mile, set for Thursday, Sept 10 at 8:30 pm Pacific time. Guests include owner-trainer Glen Todd with two entrants in the Mile and top race historian Jon White.
Last week's Muckleshoot Derby and Washington Oaks were each won by huge performances and the Derby winner Gold Crusher has a full brother in the Mile - the ultra fast Papa's Golden Boy. Can trainer Frank Lucarelli and owners Chad & Josh keep up their incredible run of success with Elliott Bay in the Mile? Stats, selections and trivia too.
Nominations released for the Sept. 10 Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs - first Mile on a weekday and first under the lights with post time scheduled for 8:30 pm (Pacific). Trainer Howard Belvoir, fresh off a spectacular debut victory by two-year-old Dutton, speaks to his runners in this week's Muckleshoot Derby and Washington Oaks. Also, local handicapper T.J. O'Brien on Kentucky Derby wagering strategies.
Washington-bred horses performed well this past weekend in other states and 10 are entered in the two, two-year-olds stakes at Emerald Downs on Thursday, August 27. Guests include new author Keith Swagerty and trainer Tom Wenzel.
22 races at Emerald Downs over August 26-27 including the WTBOA Lads and Barbara Shinpoch Stakes. Nine juveniles entered in each of those. Play the Pick-5 at Emerald Downs! Pool size is way up in 2020 and there have been four payoffs this month in the $19-k to $32-k range.
Emerald Downs features 19 Thoroughbred races and three Quarter Horse stakes over Wednesday and Thursday, August 19-20, with field size of 8.3 per race scheduled. Mike Willman speaks to the full Thoroughbred life of Mel Stute, a horseman since the mid-1940s. Trainer Nick Lowe has the morning-line favorite in all three Quarter Horse stakes on Thursday. Trivia, stats and picks, too.
Exciting action on the track continued at Emerald Downs last week and more of the same expected August 12-13. Barkley returns in Thursday's Mt. Rainier Stakes and Hall of Fame Washington Thoroughbred breeder Debbie Pabst gives sale details and speaks to the Blue Ribbon Farm yearling consignment.
A $54-k Pick-5 carryover highlights the Wednesday, August 5 racecard (average field size 8.7 for 11 races). Jon White updates the road to the Kentucky Derby and Rob Rao raps morning-line with Vince. Facts and figures, stats and selections.
Emerald Downs presents 10-race cards on Wednesday and Thursday with Thursday featuring the meeting's first two stakes races - Angie C and King County Express. Randy Goulding of DRF speaks to Hastings invaders in each EmD stakes race while WTBOA President Dana Halvorson informs of a great catalog of yearlings and broodmares in the August 18 WTBOA Sale.
A recap of outstanding victories by Alittlelesstalk, Papa's Golden Boy and Take Charge Deputy. Juan Gutierrez, Washington Hall of Fame jockey, is on the verge of a career milestone. And, coming off a great week of nationwide attention and wagering handle, 21 races scheduled this week with average field size of nine horses per event and an interview with owner Mike Pegram.
2018 Longacres Mile winner and one of the track's all-time great horses, Barkley, makes his seasonal debut in race two on Wednesday, July 15. 21 races scheduled over the two days of racing this week. New information on Emerald Downs stakes races, beginning Thursday, July 30. Special guest Ron Crockett continues to be a positive force in the progress of the state Thoroughbred industry as a consultant to Phil Ziegler and Jack Hodge. Selections and Triva!
This show has a preview of week #3 and review of week #2 in the new season at Emerald Downs. John Lindley guests, he is the author of "Parkers" tip sheet and also in charge of the free handicapping supplement "Trip Notes", available in the racing section at emeralddowns.com. Send in trivia answer to trivia@emeralddowns.com.
Racing without fans happened for the first time at Emerald Downs on Wednesday-Thursday, June 24-25. Many eyes nationwide were on the EmD signal, wagering handles on the P-4 and P-5 were high. Total handle on Thursday was in the top ten over the past four seasons. Also, an interview with the track's all time leading trainer, Frank Lucarelli.
A look at Wednesday and Thursday's first two cards by Morning-Line price maker Vince Bruun and Joe Withee. New 15% Superfecta takeout figures to be popular with excellent field size over the two, 10-race cards. We catch up with defending jockey champion Gary Wales and talk about the upcoming season.
A preview of facts and figures, rules and regulations for Emerald Downs Opening Day on Wednesday, June 24. More good news - 5th Floor simulcasting with free admission begins Friday, June 26. With the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, Anthony Stabile of NYRA and HRRN provides insight while Mike Gastineau looks back at a memorable EmD event with a Belmont connection.
Emerald Downs will offer a low 15% takeout on Superfecta wagers at the upcoming meeting which begins on Wednesday, June 24. The Muckleshoot Casino and Northern Quest Casino in Spokane will be open for simulcast wagering beginning June 20, Belmont Stakes Saturday. Plus, Blaine Wright speaks to his impressive stable of horses for 2020.
Opening Day is set for 2020! Plus ... 2019 Washington Horse of the Year and 2019 EmD Horse of Meeting vie in Saturday's Albany at Golden Gate. Jon White joins Joe and Vince. Handicapping, pet peeves, trivia and more!
First show! Covers Emerald Downs 2020 opening data, updates on Washington horses and horsemen, handicapping, pet peeves and more. Since Joe and Vince are involved, plenty of statistical data too!