A 75-day live racing season* Saturday, April 12, through Sunday, September 28*has been announced for 2014 at Emerald Downs.

The 2014 season will differ slightly from recent seasons with a Saturday Opening Day and the elimination of Friday racing in April. The two-day race weeks in April will assist Director of Racing Bret Anderson at the entry box at a time of the year when the horse population is not yet in full swing. The three days will be added at the end of September, concluding on Sunday, September 28.

Friday racing begins May 2 and continues through the rest of the season.

Post time remains 6:45 p.m. Fridays and 2 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Exceptions are a 1 p.m. start on Saturday, May 3, and a4:30 p.m. first post on Thursday, July 3.

The 2014 stakes schedule including the 79th running of the Longacres Mile (G3) will be released in February.

Emerald Downs opens for training Saturday, February 1, allowing horses over 10 weeks to prepare for the season.

The 2014 meet marks the 19th season of live racing at Emerald Downs. Established in 1996, Emerald Downs is considered the gem of Thoroughbred racing in the Pacific Northwest. The facility sees over 400,000 visitors a year and employs 240 people during non-racing season and 460 during live racing months. Thoroughbred racing in the State of Washington boasts an economic impact of over $250 million each year.

Photos by Reed Palmer/Emerald Downs:
MG5633: Off and running in the 2013 Longacres Mile. The 79th running of the Grade 3 event will be a highlight of the 2014 meeting that beginsSaturday, April 12.
I6G3874: Northwest Farms’ undefeated filly Stopshoppingdebbie is among several stars expected to return this year at Emerald Downs.