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Emerald Downs Announces New Trainer Incentive Program

Emerald Downs has announced several incentive programs for the 2021 race meet that begins May 19 and continues through Sept. 23.

To help increase its horse population, Emerald Downs will offer a $10,000 bonus to any new trainer who brings at least 10 horses to the track. A $5,000 bonus will be paid directly to the trainer upon arrival and an additional $5,000 after the trainer's 10th start of the meet. Trainers must come from a track outside of Washington, Oregon and British Columbia.

The popular Ship and Run Incentive Program also has been enhanced for 2021. Out of state horses will receive a $500 bonus for their initial start at Emerald Downs. The bonus is for horses whose most recent start was outside the state and have not raced at Emerald Downs in 2019 and 2020. In addition, horses must have started for a claiming price of $3,000 or more in each of its three previous starts. First-time starters are not eligible. Additionally, every unplaced starter will continue to receive a $200 participation fee.

Emerald Downs' stable area opens Monday, Mar. 1 and training begins Friday, Mar. 5.

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Washington Horsemen Asked Not To Crash Second COVID-19 Vaccination Event

The following note was distributed by Emerald Downs president Phil Ziegler late Monday:

The Muckleshoot Tribe had a vaccination event on January 29-31 in their Health & Wellness parking lot. This event included employees of their businesses and their household family members.

It was brought to our attention on Saturday that racing industry people who were not employed by Emerald Downs were going to the event and representing themselves as employees. This misrepresentation was documented on the consent form.

Throughout the weekend we kept hearing from our employees that they saw trainers, horse owners and other industry people at the event who are not employed by the track.

Needless to say, this is not a good reflection upon our industry.

On February 19-21 the Tribe will be holding a second dose event for all those who received their first dose on January 29-31.

This event once again includes industry people who are employed by Emerald Downs (plus household members), had a vender pass or other venders who had authorization to attend.

For essential workers at the track who will be actively working in the stable area when we open in March, we can provide authorization for you to attend the second event.

For authorization, please email your information to philz@emeralddowns.com or if you have any questions please call me at 253-288-7004.

The post Washington Horsemen Asked Not To Crash Second COVID-19 Vaccination Event appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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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.

The post Emerald Downs Announces 50-Day Live Race Meet For 2021 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Former WTBOA GM Ralph Vacca Passes Away

Former Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association General Manager Ralph Vacca passed away in his home in Auburn, WA, July 20. He was 84. Among those surviving Vacca are children Darrell (Linda) Vacca, Melanie (Tom) Bidman, Dionne Stein, Kyle Vacca and Rachel (Rich) Pring; grandchildren, Rafe, Josh, Kevin, Garrett, Teddy and Julian; great-grandchild, Caelin; brother, Richard (Linda) Vacca. A memorial scholarship in Ralph Vacca’s name is currently being established. Remembrances may be sent: c/o Washington Thoroughbred Foundation, 3220 Ron Crockett Dr NW, Auburn, WA 98001.

Born in Seattle, the first of two sons born to Ralph A. and Rose Vacca grew up in the Rainier Valley and received some of his earliest equine experience at Stoner Creek Farm in Paris, Kentucky, giving him opportunity to learn the various phases of the horse business. In April 1959 Vacca returned to Washington, joining the then WHBA (later the WTBOA) staff as field secretary. Vacca returned to Kentucky in 1961 to take a position in the advertising department of the Thoroughbred Record and later joined the Daily Racing Form. He returned to the WHBA in 1964, as advertising manager for association’s magazine and subsequently was promoted to editor and in 1973, he was appointed “interim” WHBA general manager and by the following November he was awarded the position outright. Vacca retired from WTBOA in 2007, after 47 years with the association.

In May 2020, then Governor Gary Locke appointed Vacca to the Washington Horse Racing Commission.

Throughout the years, Vacca served on the Washington Thoroughbred Foundation and THRUST boards, the Equine Art committee, and was actively involved in the Backstretch Chapel, Emerald Backstretch Daycare Center and WTBOA Youth programs. He also was on the WSU Equine Advisory Board and King County Agricultural Commission. Among his awards were induction into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame (2013) and the S. J. Agnew Special Achievement Award (1990).

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