Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash. has announced a new incentive program for its 52-day race meeting in 2022.
Beginning with opening day May 15, 2022, all 3-year-olds and older that ran in any claiming race at least once at any track—including Emerald Downs—since Jan. 1, 2021, receive a $1,000 bonus ($750 to the horse owner, $250 to the trainer) in the horse's first start in any claiming race at Emerald Downs which must occur before July 1, 2022.
“It's important to extend bonuses to all horses,” track president Phil Ziegler said. “We appreciate shippers, of course, but we also recognize that some of our owners and trainers race exclusively at Emerald Downs. This bonus money helps offset their off-season expenses. For the horses that go out of state in the off season, this helps with the expense of bringing them back to Emerald Downs.”
Emerald Downs recently announced a 10 percent purse increase for the 2022 meeting—the track's second 10 percent increase since 2019.
Emerald Downs also announced other incentives for 2022:
• Initial stall bedding will be provided for all horses arriving prior to starting day.
• All hot walkers will be free throughout the season.
• Participation money on any race that has eight or more starters increased to $300 (horses finishing sixth through last).
“We recognize the economic demands of owners and trainers,” Ziegler said. “Thoroughbred racing is exhilarating and exciting, but the cost of doing business is a difficult obstacle. Higher purses and less expenses are extremely important.”
Opening day for Emerald Downs' 52-day meeting is Sunday, May 15. The stable area opens in March. The stakes schedule, featuring the 87th running of the Longacres Mile (G3), will be released in December.
The post Emerald Downs Announces Claiming Bonuses For 2022 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
