Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash., will begin its 2020 meet without the public admitted because of the coronavirus pandemic
Live racing at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash., will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays, the track announced on Friday.
Opening week features racing on Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 25, with first post 2:15 p.m. PT Wednesday and 5 p.m. Thursday. Racing will be conducted without fans, with all wagering via Advance Deposit Wagering companies.
Emerald Downs previously announced a Monday-Tuesday racing schedule, but with a glut of tracks operating on those days decided on a Wednesday-Thursday format.
Last month the Washington Horse Racing Commission approved a 44-day season running through Oct. 4. The $100,000 Longacres Mile (G3) is set for Sunday, Sept. 13.
Horse racing without public participation is included in Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Safe Start Washington” plan. Upon entering Phase 4, racing will open to the public and Emerald Downs will return to a traditional weekend race schedule.
The Wednesday, June 24 program marks the official return of live professional sports to the state of Washington.
New to the Paulick Report? Click here to sign up for our daily email newsletter to keep up on this and other stories happening in the Thoroughbred industry.
Copyright © 2020 Paulick Report.
