Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash., has announced an additional 10% overnight purse increase for the upcoming 2022 meeting—boosting the total increase to 20% from last season. It's the track's third 10% increase since 2019.
The latest purse increase is the result of track management projecting more fans as many popular promotions and events will be returning in 2022. “The more people that get tickets, buy food and beverage, and wager on the live races allows us to offer higher purse supplements,” according to 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.”
Earlier this year, Emerald Downs announced a new incentive program. Beginning with opening day on May 15, all 3-year-olds and older that ran in any claiming race at least once at any track—including Emerald Downs—since January 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.
Other incentives include initial stall bedding all horses arriving prior to starting day, all hot walkers will be free throughout the season, and participation money on any race that has eight or more starters will be increased to $300 (horses finishing sixth through last).
Emerald Downs is owned and operated by the Muckleshoot Tribe. Approximately 20% of all purses for the season are the result of a purse supplement from the Tribe.
Opening day for Emerald Downs' 52-day meeting is Sunday, May 15.
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