Emerald Downs Horse Racing Track in Washington
Emerald Downs of Washington's Auburn Valley, is a prestigious thoroughbred racetrack, beautifully situated with Mount Rainer as a backdrop. A calendar full of exciting horse racing events and fun activities attracts large numbers of racegoers to Emerald Downs racetrack every summer.
Opened in 1996, Emerald Downs’ main track was resurfaced in 1997. Since that time it has truly blossomed into a renowned thoroughbred racing venue. Emerald Downs has a one mile oval dirt track with the bid board in the center. The impressive six level stadium provides a magnificent view of the racecourse, the entire establishment occupying 167 acres. From April through to October, Emerald Downs race track hosts a number of thrilling stakes and handicaps including the US Bank Stakes, Auburn Stakes, WA State Legislators Stakes, Federal Way Handicap, Seattle Handicap, King County Handicap, Tacoma Handicap, Emerald Express Stakes, Seattle Slew Breeders’ Cup, EMD Breeders’ Cup Derby, Gottstein Futurity, Mt. Rainier Breeders’ Cup, Washington Breeders’ Cup Oaks, NWSS Knights Choice Stakes and others. The most important race run at Emerald Downs is the Longacres Mile Handicap. This challenging race had its beginnings back in 1935 at Longacres. At the time the purse was $10,000 to attract both racers and spectators. The Longacres Mile Handicap soon became the top mile race in the United States and still maintains this reputation.
Thoroughbred racing at Emerald Downs racetrack is complemented by a number of special events. Family Sundays are arranged to satisfy everyone from the smallest to the oldest, featuring clowns, pony rides and much more. Dining options vary, with the on-site Rainer Restaurant being a firm favorite for many. When live racing ends at Emerald downs, simulcasting picks up. Simulcast wagering allows visitors to get involved in races from around the country.
Emerald Downs has certainly seen its fair share of champions and record setters. Sabertooth has set the 6 ½ furlongs record of 1:13, which is also a world record. Willie The Cat tied the world record for the 5 ½ furlongs race in 2004. State record makers are Flying notes (1 1/8 mile record) and Kid Katabatic (1 1/16 mile).
Emerald Downs is truly a summer horse racing experience racegoers do not want to miss.
