phil ziegler | Horse Racing Free Tips

Emerald Downs Announces 10 Percent Purse Increase

Emerald Downs has announced a 10 percent purse increase on overnight races for the 2022 season. This is the second consecutive year that purses have increased by 10 percent.

The 2021 season marked the return of fans after running in front of an empty grandstand in 2020.

Track President Phil Ziegler was pleased to have the fans back: “Our race fans came out to enjoy the beautiful weather, great racing, and popular promotions. Revenue from admissions, food & beverages, and wagering were all better than projected. That enables us to put more money towards purses in 2022.”

Each season the track receives a purse supplement from the Muckleshoot Tribe, who own and operate Emerald Downs.

The purse increase announcement comes after the track met with representatives from both the horsemen and breeders' group. Incentive programs including the popular shipping bonus will return. The 2022 Longacres Mile (G3) will have a purse of $150,000, a $50,000 increase from the past two years.

Emerald Downs' stable area is scheduled to open at the beginning of March. Details of the 2022 season along with stall applications will be available later this Fall.

For more information on Emerald Downs visit www.emeralddowns.com or call 253-288-7000.

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Emerald Downs Announces 50-Day Live Race Meet For 2021

Emerald Downs has announced a 50-day live racing season in 2021, opening on Wednesday, May 19, and continuing through Thursday, Sept. 23. The 2021 dates were approved during the Washington Horse Racing Commission meeting last week.

Emerald Downs President Phil Ziegler is looking forward to running more race days in 2021, “We were successful running Wednesdays and Thursdays last year,” Ziegler said. “Plus, we are planning to add Sunday racing this year during the summer months.”

The stable area opens for horsemen on Monday, March 1, with training beginning Friday, March 5.

Stall Application

The 2021 stakes schedule will be announced next month.

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Emerald Downs Concludes 2020 Season With Record Average Daily Handle

Emerald Downs concluded its 38-day 2020 racing season with record average daily handle. The track's 25th season was conducted with strict COVID protocols and without spectators.

Daily wagering averaged $1,796,475, a 61 percent increase over last year's average. Most of the wagering came from internet and mobile site customers located throughout the United States and Canada.

Track president Phil Ziegler reported there were no positive COVID cases: “We want to thank all our stakeholders for working together safely. We had unprecedented challenges not only at the track but in all aspects of our lives. We were the first professional sport to return in the state of Washington and through everyone's efforts we were able to put on a healthy and successful meet.”

Good health was not limited to the human participants. Over the 391 races conducted there were zero catastrophic breakdowns from the 2,895 starters.

On the track accomplishments included trainer Blaine Wright winning his first Longacres Mile with Anothertwistafate, Frank Lucarelli winning his 7th training title with 42 wins and Alex Cruz taking the jockey title with 72 wins in his first season at Emerald Downs.

2020 Season Timeline

• Barn area and training begins February 1. Opening Day scheduled for April 18.

• Stay at Home order issued on March 16. Only essential workers permitted in stable area as training and horse care continued. Opening Day delayed indefinitely.

• Approvals to run live racing (and other professional sports) posted by Governor's office on June 5.

• Washington Horse Racing Commission approves revised dates. Opening Day set for June 24 with racing Wednesdays and Thursdays without fans.

• June 24 – Opening Day. Horse Racing becomes the first professional sport to return in Washington.

• Longacres Mile is run on Thursday September 10th marking the first weekday running and the first time run under the lights.

• The 38 Day Race Meet concludes on Thursday, October 29.

Emerald Downs is located right off Highway 167 in Auburn, WA.

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Emerald to Raise Purses by 10%

Officials at Emerald Downs in Auburn, WA, have announced that the purses for all races are to be increased by 10% for the final three weeks of the 2020 racing season, Oct. 14 through Oct. 29.

Through 30 days of live racing, handle is averaging $1,871,799, a 67% increase over last year.

“We have been pleased at the increased betting on our races plus the increased wagering by Washington residents through the advanced deposit companies,” track president Phil Ziegler said.

The purse increase applies to the final seven days of racing this season.

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