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Blazingbellablu Named Washington Horse of the Year

Blazingbellablu (Grazen) became the sixth 3-year-old distaffer to be named Washington Horse of the Year when she was recognized during the Washington Thoroughbred Champions Annual Awards and dinner held at Emerald Downs racetrack in Auburn Saturday. A homebred for Petra Lewin's Rainbow Meadows Farm and trainer Charlie Essex, the filly won the Kent S. at Emerald Downs last July.

Also honored during Saturday's ceremony: 3yo champion Coastal Kid (Coast Guard); 2yo champion Cobra Jet (Curlin to Mischief); 2yo filly champion Koron (Nationhood); champion older horse and champion sprinter Papa's Golden Boy (Harbor the Gold); champion older female Itsallinthenotes (Ministers Wild Cat); and champion turf horse Harbored Memories (Harbor the Gold).

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick L. Pabst, breeders of Koron, were named 2021 Washington breeders of the year and their stallion Conveyance topped the state sire list. Both titles are awarded by earnings.

Brookie Girl (Proud Citizen), who produced Papa's Golden Boy, was named the state's leading broodmare.

Retiring Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (WTBOA) General Manager M. Anne Sweet became the 23rd recipient of the S. J. Agnew Special Achievement Award for her nearly 44 years of service to the WTBOA and the Washington Thoroughbred industry.

Trainer Marshall Allen's efforts to help save longtime horse owner Jim Foulkes last year on the Emerald Downs' backside were acknowledged with the Race Track Chaplaincy of America White Horse Award.

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Emerald Downs to Up Purses Again

Washington's Emerald Downs will increase purses by an additional 10% for the upcoming 2022 meeting. The overnight purse increase is the second 10% boost for the meet, making the total increase a robust 20% from last season, and comes on the heels of several incentive programs. It is also the track's third 10% increase since 2019.

“The more people that get tickets, buy food and beverage, and wager on the live races allows us to offer higher purse supplements,” said track president Phil Ziegler. “We are excited to welcome back families for a day of exciting horse racing plus the fun promotions we have with Corgi races, 3rd of July fireworks, and Indian relay races, just to name a few.”

Emerald Downs, owned and operated by the Muckleshoot Tribe, receives approximately 20% of all purses as a supplement from the Tribe. Opening day for the 52-day meet is Sunday, May 15.

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Downes Named New Announcer At Emerald

Emerald Downs has announced the hiring of Bill Downes as track announcer for its 2022 live racing season, beginning Sunday, May 15.

Downes succeeds Tom Harris, who recently stepped down to spend more time with his family.

A Chicago native, Downes brings an extensive announcing resume to Emerald Downs. He served as Indiana Grand track announcer from 2013 to 2021, and before that called races at Ellis Park, Beulah Park, Presque Isle Downs, and River Downs. He also was back-up announcer at Churchill Downs.

“I'm thrilled to come to Emerald Downs,” Downes said. “Emerald is a track I've always held in high esteem. I was there once for a two-day handicapping tournament, and the thing I noticed was an excellent on-track experience. Everyone was having a good time.”

Asked to describe his announcing style, Downes said his No. 1 goal is accuracy and providing information.

“Accuracy is the most important thing, nothing else matters if you aren't accurate,” Downes said. “I like to set the scene for a race. Every race is a story.”

Harris, who called four seasons at Emerald Downs, commuted from Spokane to Auburn weekly to call the races.

“I will certainly miss all of the great people, horsemen and horses at Emerald Downs,” Harris said. “It truly has been a wonderful adventure in my life, but my family is very important.”

Downes becomes just the fourth announcer in the track's 27-year history. Robert Geller was in the announcer's booth from 1996 to 2015, followed by Matt Dinerman (2015-2017) and Harris (2018-2021).

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Downes Named Emerald Downs Announcer

Bill Downes has been named track announcer at Emerald Downs for the Washington track's 2022 season which opens May 15. He replaces Tom Harris who recently stepped down.

Downes served as Indiana Grand track announcer from 2013 to 2021, and before that called races at Ellis Park, Beulah Park, Presque Isle Downs, and River Downs. He also was back-up announcer at Churchill Downs.

Downes becomes just the fourth announcer in Emerald Downs' 27-year history. Robert Geller was in the announcer's booth from 1996 to 2015, followed by Matt Dinerman (2015-2017) and Harris (2018-2021).

The post Downes Named Emerald Downs Announcer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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