Horse Racing NW

Looking forward to a Super Stakes Sunday at Emerald Downs! This Sunday, July 19, come out for an 11-race card that includes six stakes. In the marquee race, four weeks before the Longacres Mile, Slew’s Tiz Whiz goes for an amazing fifth straight Governor’s Stakes title. He meets crack sprinters Tax Code and Si That Tiger among the seven entries. The track’s leading active stakes winner, Aloha Breeze, seeks her third consecutive Washington State Legislators Stakes score. She’s won eight local stakes, one more than Tom Wenzel-trained stablemate Slew’s Tiz Whiz. It’s Equine Art 2026 week and all art is on display on Track Level through racing on Sunday. All pieces, in many different art disciplines, are available for purchase. Anne Sweet of the Equine Art committee joins Joe and Vince on this week's pod as does Mike Seely of Daily Racing Form. Seely speaks to his upcoming columns and previews Sunday’s stakes action. Go to emeralddowns.com for more information.

It’s Corgi weekend at Emerald Downs! Watch the popular pups speed between races both Saturday and Sunday. Live Music Friday night at the races with The Fabulous Murphtones. Horse racing personality and top handicapper Anthony Stabile, known affectionately as “The Big A,” speaks about the closing of Aqueduct Race Track. The historic facility dates back to 1894 and its final three days are this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Joe and Vince recap last weekend’s stakes action, the highlight being another Emerald Downs stakes victory by Aloha Breeze. She became the top filly or mare earner in track history at $315,390, overtaking Fleet Pacific who raced here 1997-2001 ($307,058). With Aloha Breeze’s triumph, trainer Tom Wenzel took over the top spot among stakes winning trainers, earning his 68th, one more than Doris Harwood.

Saturday, June 20 is Emerald Downs 30th birthday. Get your free Bucket Hat with paid admission while supplies last. Also “Dollar Dogs” available on Saturday, a throwback to 1996. Be at the track Saturday for a 1:30 ceremony recognizing track investors, 30-year horsemen and 30-year employees. There’s also another Fab Friday this weekend, first race at 7 pm. Emerald Downs stakes races begin this Sunday! Races, plural, it’s a stakes quadruple-header with the top horses on the grounds in action. Aloha Breeze, defending Horse of the Meeting and Slew’s Tiz Whiz, two-time Horse of the Meeting, go in the Hastings Stakes and Budweiser Stakes respectively. Also carded is the Auburn Stakes for three-year-old colts and geldings and the Seattle Stakes for three-year-old fillies. 10 races in all beginning at 1:50 pm.

Indian Relay Racing and the Muckleshoot Gold Cup highlight this weekend at Emerald Downs! It’s the 10th edition of the MGC at EmD, known as “The Big Show” to relay teams across the U.S. northern tier and western Canada provinces. Omak Express of the Colville Nation in eastern Washington became the first two-time MGC winner in 2025, rider Tyler Peasley up. Gayle Skunkcap Jr., broadcaster and publicist for Indian Relay Racing, joins Joe and Vince this week with great information on growth of the event and what to expect this weekend. Thoroughbreds and Indian Relay Racing Friday night at 7:00 pm and again on Saturday and Sunday at 1:50 pm. Sport shorts, selections and trivia again this week on Horseracing NW.

Be at Emerald Downs Friday night for horse racing, music, food, fun and the deal of the Summer … well, Spring anyway. With your paid admission Friday night, you’ll receive your EmD Hawaiian shirt! Wear it back on any and all Fridays the rest of the season for free admission. The Jimmy Vegas band performs Friday night and the $1,000 Horseshoe Toss is back too. First race 7 pm, gates open at 5 pm. The “Big A” Anthony Stabile and Emerald Downs trainer Alexis Silva-Martinez are this week’s guests. Stabile has an incredible record picking Belmont Stakes winners beginning with Rags to Riches in 2007. He scored last year with Sovereignty, sticking with his 7-1 Kentucky Derby winner from 2025. Stabile goes through Saturday’s Saratoga stakes races. Alexis Silva-Martinez is off to a great EmD start for 2026, winning at over 20%. Now in his fourth local season, he speaks to the challenges a young trainer faces.

The last weekend in May brings Teacher's Appreciation Day and Grandparents Day to Emerald Downs! All teachers and school district employees receive free admission and more this Saturday, May 30. There's also a Teacher's Race mid-card on Saturday. The Grandparents Race, now in its fourth running, comes on Sunday afternoon. After receiving free admission, both men and women grandparents get their chance to run down the EmD stretch. Great-Grandparents, too, get their feet on the oval in a "race" of their own. Racing was exciting this past Memorial Day weekend with top runners such as Aloha Breeze, Si That Tiger, Too Sassy and Baladi all scoring victories. This upcoming weekend sees more horses entered and field size growing. Trainer Howard Gibson joins Joe and Vince this week. Gibson is currently number two in the standings behind Tim McCanna. His barn has scored with top runners Chuckanut Bay and Subtle Shimmer and also has a good number of two-year-olds getting ready. Sport shorts, selections and trivia too on Horseracing NW.

Three days of racing this Memorial Day weekend at Emerald Downs! Bring the family out May 23-24-25, each day is a Family Fun Day and add a Kids Race on Sunday. We’re just a couple weeks away from Friday night racing (June 5) and the Hawaiian Shirt giveaway. Guests this week on the pod include returning horse owner Todd Pedersen and also Paul Beattie of elisportsnetwork.com. Check out Paul’s great Emerald Downs coverage. Many of the track’s top horses are in action this weekend. Slew’s Tiz Whiz on Sunday and Aloha Breeze on Monday go postward for the first time this year. Slew’s Tiz Whiz continues to climb many significant Emerald Downs and Washington-bred lists while 2025 Horse of the Meeting Aloha Breeze is the one and only EmD Divisional Champion at ages two, three, four and five. Both the aforementioned runners are tied for most stakes wins among active horses at seven apiece.

Racing is back, the fans are back and the fun is back at Emerald Downs for 2026! Our first Saturday and Sunday weekend was memorable to many Moms in particular with the very popular Mother’s Day buffet and prize drawings for Moms each day. This Saturday is a “Dollar Day,” so enjoy that price on many concession specials while enjoying live racing and the Preakness on the big screen. Bulldogs get on the track Sunday for top family fun. John Lindley and trainer Tim McCanna join Joe and Vince on this week’s show. Lindley always offers thoughtful insight into handicapping and racing at Emerald Downs. The author of “Parker’s” successful tip sheet, Lindley joins Joe on the set above the Paddock, introducing every race on Saturday and Sunday. Tim McCanna comes off a spectacular start to the season, winning with four of five starters, including scoring his 1,000th Emerald Downs victory on Sunday with Janey. McCanna is #2 all-time in Emerald Downs wins, trailing only Frank Lucarelli. He's won seven training titles at this track.

Coming off a highly enjoyable Opening Day for all in attendance, Emerald Downs moves on to Mother’s Day weekend! Bring Mom either Saturday or Sunday or both for Thoroughbred excitement and family fun beginning at 1:50 pm each day. Make sure Mom fills out an entry blank to be eligible for prize drawings on Saturday and Sunday. Go to emeralddowns.com for more info on promotions and offers. Renowned handicapper and new author Chris Larmey and first year EmD trainer Mark Cloutier join Joe and Vince this week. Larmey, a Washington native, is a member of the National Handicappers Hall of Fame and will be at the track on Saturday to sign copies of his new book “Betting on Horses.” Cloutier has deep roots in Thoroughbred racing and spent the last 40 years involved at Hastings in Vancouver B.C. He’s brought expertise and great career record to Emerald Downs for 2026.

Opening Day is Saturday! Emerald Downs 30th anniversary season begins on May 2, first race 2 pm. Opening Day, Kentucky Derby day and a great day of weather to enjoy the afternoon. It’s the first of 51 days of live racing for 2026. Check out emeralddowns.com for info on all the particulars. See you at the track! Track President Phil Ziegler joins Joe and Vince and speaks to events leading up to and including Opening Day activities. Attendance for live racing has been outstanding and Ziegler emphasizes “something going on every day” at Emerald Downs. Jon White gives info, insight and a top selection on the Kentucky Derby while top local handicapper T.J. O’Brien also adds his Derby analysis.

Make plans for Opening Day, Kentucky Derby day, at Emerald Downs! May 2 is just over a week away for the start of the 2026 season. Gates open at 11:00 am with the first race of the meeting at 1:50 pm. The 5th Floor will open for simulcasting at 7:30 am and Derby day action from Churchill Downs begins at 8:00. Get on your Derby day attire and headwear for some great prizes. Mark Glatt will be the first Emerald Downs (former) trainer to start a horse in the Kentucky Derby when he saddles So Happy on May 2. Glatt grew up in Auburn and trained locally until relocating to southern California in the early 2000s. He was inducted into the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame just last summer. He joins Joe and Vince on this week’s podcast, as does Anthony Stabile. “The Big A” always provides astute information on big races and has made countless winning selections for northwest fans for over 20 years.

It’s just over two weeks until Opening Day for the 2026 Emerald Downs meeting! It’ll be a festive May 2, as that is also Kentucky Derby Saturday. First race 1:50 pm. “Training Day,” available to view late Thursday afternoons, is once again a weekly feature at the Emerald Downs YouTube channel. More info at emeralddowns.com. Joining Joe and Vince is trainer Robert Gilker, stabled here for 2026 due to Hastings not opening in Vancouver B.C. Gilker won the Longacres Mile with Herbie D in 2013 and has traveled and won from his Hastings base for several decades now. Also, Grant Holcomb, who began working in the Thoroughbred industry in 1970 and served as Director of Racing at Longacres, Yakima Meadows and Emerald Downs. He speaks to the passing of fellow employee and friend Bob Coble.

It’s just four short weeks to Opening Day for Emerald Downs 30th anniversary season! Saturday, May 2, is also Kentucky Derby day so join us for all the festivities surrounding those two milestones. The very popular Mother’s Day Buffet is not far off, too – both Saturday and Sunday, May 9-10. Check out emeralddowns.com for seating, offers, promotions and more for the 2026 race meeting. Frank Lucarelli, Emerald Downs all-time leading trainer, and Spokane native Jon White are guests on this pod edition. Both Lucarelli and White are inductees to the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame. Lucarelli's stable is on a great run at Turf Paradise this winter-spring. His 2025 Washington State Champions Saleen G T and Cantcatchthiscat are both in action next week in Phoenix. White takes us through the major three-year-old stakes on Saturday, April 4 and comments on the recent local Hall of Fame class.

Check out emeralddowns.com for seating, offers, promotions and more for the 2026 race meeting. Opening Day is Saturday, May 2, which is also Kentucky Derby day! The very popular Mother’s Day Buffet is not far off – both Saturday and Sunday, May 9-10. Remember Emerald Downs for your family party, business meeting or memorial service. Rooms of all sizes to accommodate your needs with food service, audio/visuals and free parking right next to building. Call Group Sales at 253-288-7700. Joining Joe and Vince on this edition are experienced trainers Mike Puhich and Jason Orman, who are teaming up with syndicate opportunities for new or returning horse owners. Puhich has won the Mile twice and the Muckleshoot or Longacres Derby three times. Orman trained Rock Hard Ten to a Santa Anita Derby victory and runner-up in the Preakness. Also hear from native Washingtonian Delaina Stenchever, who’s doing a great job of reporting and handicapping at the current Turf Paradise meeting.

Welcome back horses and horsemen to Emerald Downs! Horses on the track Monday morning, March 2, as training begins leading up to another year of great northwest racing and fun promotions. We’re getting closer to our 30th anniversary season’s Opening Day on Saturday, May 2. That is also Kentucky Derby day, so make plans to be here for all the excitement. First race on weekends is 1:50 pm. Joe and Vince’s guests include Kevin Sengara, who experienced the ultimate thrills of northwest Thoroughbred racing as a youth when his father, Jeffrey Sengara, won the 1999 Longacres Mile with Budroyale. Kevin Sengara has put together an owner’s syndicate that is getting off to a fast start. Bob Cappelletti, Stable Manager for Washington Hall of Fame owner George Todaro, speaks to the return of 2025 Horse of the Meeting Aloha Breeze and many more promising youngsters for 2026.

New for 2026 - all kids 12 and under receive free admission every race day! Go to emeralddowns.com and get a great deal on a live racing Season Pass. It’s just $55 for 51 days of live racing, plus an additional 20 more daily passes are included. Joining Joe and Vince on the first pod of '26 are Katie Merwick of Second Chance Ranch and also top breeder Debbie Pabst, who speaks to her new stallion this year at Blue Ribbon Farm in Buckley. 2026 milestones on the horizon at Emerald Downs! Horses begin arriving in the stable area on February 27 and the first day of track training is less than four weeks away, March 2. The annual WTBOA banquet, open to the public, is Saturday evening Feb. 28. Opening Day for live racing is Saturday, May 2, which is also Kentucky Derby day.

Happy Holidays from Emerald Downs! It’s simulcasting season and the 5th floor is open seven days a week for all the great race meetings currently in action. Santa Anita’s opening day is Sunday, 12-28, and they’ll race seven of the first eight days out of the blocks. Other top tracks to follow are Aqueduct, Gulfstream, Fair Grounds, Tampa, Oaklawn and, of course, Turf Paradise in Phoenix, where so many EmD horses and horsemen dot the race cards. Frank Mirahmadi and Dan Jukich join Joe and Vince on this edition of Horseracing NW. Mirahmadi calls the action at Santa Anita (also Saratoga) and gives tips on how to improve an announcer’s trade. Also, great stories from his 30 years of race calling. Jukich has been calling several years more than Frank, he at Hastings in Vancouver B.C. Bad news on the future of that track announced recently, he’ll fill us in on that and more. Go to emeralddowns.com for a great deal on season tickets for 2026!

Emerald Downs is open seven days a week for full card simulcasting. Follow many of the top horses and trainers from our 2025 meeting at Turf Paradise, whose schedule includes Monday and Tuesday racing. Many other tracks in operation include Del Mar, Aqueduct and Churchill Downs with Tampa and Fair Grounds opening this week. 2026 Emerald Downs racing dates are official – May 2 to September 7. Vince goes over the all the details . This week’s guests include Delta Downs Track Announcer and Handicapper Don Stevens, who speaks to Delta’s upcoming, all-wager 10% takeout days. Those wagers are effective next Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 25-26, first race 10:55 am EmD time. There’s also Joe Nevills, Bloodstock Editor for the Paulick Report. Nevills is a Thoroughbred fan from his young days in Michigan and he enthusiastically goes over some under-the-radar sires and previews his “All Value Sire Team,” reports coming on December 1.

It's Breeders’ Cup weekend! Catch the action on Emerald Downs 5th floor, with various seating options, tv screens and wagering windows. Seating is first-come, first-served both Friday and Saturday. Gates open 8:30 am on Friday, 8:00 on Saturday. Free parking and free admission for simulcasting and also for the Holiday Gift Fest, Saturday and Sunday, November 8-9. 10-4 each day. Get your Christmas shopping done early! Bring a non-perishable item to support the Auburn Food Bank. Jon White and Anthony Stabile are Joe and Vince’s traditional Breeders’ Cup handicapping guests and they’re back on this week’s podcast. Get some great info from two of the top ‘cappers available (and maybe a story or two, too!).

Tom Wenzel and Dan Jukich join Joe and Vince on the pod. Trainer Wenzel had a monumental closing day and 2025 season. He won three stakes on the card (for the second time at the meeting) Sept. 7, tying Doris Harwood for most stakes wins in track history at 67. Jukich, Track Announcer and Publicist, goes over Hastings events and their final two days of racing. Emerald Downs Fifth Floor is open seven days a week for full card simulcasting. Great racing this fall from California, New York, Kentucky and elsewhere. You’ll many local horses and horseman in action when Turf Paradise begins on Monday, November 10. Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner and so is Emerald Downs Holiday Gift Fest! Be at the track on Saturday and Sunday, November 8-9, 10 am to 4 pm. Outstanding gift ideas and holiday shopping is the fare. Free admission for all and a few spots for vendors remain. Also, if you’re planning a holiday party, EmD should be considered. Contact Group Sales at 253-288-7700.

Emerald Downs just closed a very successful 2025 season! Track President Phil Ziegler joins Joe and Vince to go over the highlights. With the arrival of many northern California-based trainers this spring, field size was up nearly one horse per race, leading toward a large increase in handle. Ziegler’s stakes schedule and promotional ideas also led to an outstanding season with attendance. A look to the future, too. Top northwest handicapper Jon Lindley also joins the show, giving his keen insight on 2025 events on the track. Emerald Downs remains open for full card simulcasting Wednesday through Sunday and goes to seven days a week in October. Joe doesn’t forget the popular Triva Question this time around!

Closing weekend for 2025 is upcoming at Emerald Downs! Four stakes on Sunday included in the first 12-race card in state history. Who’s this year’s Horse of the Meeting? Si That Tiger is the only two-time stakes winner to date but there are many chasers. Speaking of the chase … there are carryovers Friday night in the Pick-5, Jackpot Pick-6 and Pentafecta. Oktoberfest is here Friday, Saturday and Sunday for fans! Wear Oktoberfest gear of any type for free admission. Sign up to try and win among the Stein Hold, Barrell Roll and Hammerschlagen. Prizes in those events all weekend. Former Seattle Supersonic James Donaldson is here for a book signing on Saturday and see top honors awarded in horse and human categories throughout Sunday’s card.

Hard to believe? The 2025 Emerald Downs season is winding down. But before it does, much more activity at and on the track to look forward to. This Saturday is another “Dollar Day,” with plenty of specials at concession stands while Sunday is Italian Day with bocce ball, Italian dancers, music, food, beverage and – the pizza eating contest. Closing day Sept. 7 and its four stakes races will offer plenty of end-of-the-meeting excitement. This week’s guests on Horseracing NW include former Seattle Sonic and longtime NBA player James Donaldson, who’ll be signing his book “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” at Emerald Downs on Saturday, Sept. 6. Also Scott Hanson, Seattle Times horse racing writer, who’s features and Longacres Mile coverage have added interest to a sport he’s been passionate for since a young age. On the track Friday, there’s both Pick-5 and Jackpot Pick-6 carryovers.

Congratulations to Arrowthegreat, winner of last week’s Longacres Mile! The betting favorite came up the inside in the last quarter-mile to win going away over Clovisconnection, who was runner-up for the second consecutive year. This Sunday sees the return of the Owners’ Handicap with its conditions of five furlongs and “catch weights.” Past winners include Chinook Pass, Trooper Seven and Snipledo at Longacres and L.J. Express, Makors Mark and Starbird Road at EmD. It's Wiener Dog Sunday at Emerald Downs and also “Dollar Days” each of the next two Saturdays. Guests this week on HRNW include: WTBOA President Dana Halvorson as he previews the August 26 yearling sale at the WTBOA Pavilion, just up the street from Emerald Downs; and The “Big A” Anthony Stabile with his look at Saratoga’s Travers card this Saturday.

It’s Mile Week at Emerald Downs! The race of the year is Sunday when 10 older runners go to post in the 90th running of the Longacres Mile. Great story lines abound as usual and right at the top is the only Washington-bred in the race, Slew’s Tiz Whiz, running in his fourth consecutive Mile. Morning-line favorite at 9/5, he has a 2022 victory in the big race as well as third-place finishes the past two years. Trainer Tom Wenzel and owner Brian Malarkey join Joe and Vince on the pod. The final “Breakfast At the Wire,” is this Saturday, 8-10 am, rain or shine. Always great information at the show and free breakfast and coffee, too. This year’s class of the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame has their ceremony Saturday at 1 pm. Each inductee – Paskey Dedomenico, Wasserman, El Dorado Farms and Mark Glatt - has a video presentation. Don’t forget the “Railbird Rally” Mile day morning, 11-12:30 in the Park area, north of the Paddock. Dean Mazzuca is your affable host!

Mile talk on “Horse Racing Northwest!” Mile winning trainers Grant Forster and Blaine Wright join Joe and Vince this week. Forster won the past two runnings, each time with Five Star General. Wright won the Mile in 2020 with Anothertwistafate and has four runner-ups in the top event, too. Wright will saddle at least one Mile runner this year, his eighth consecutive season with a Mile starter. Join Joe and Vince for “Breakfast At the Wire,” at the track this Saturday from 8-10 am. There’s great guests on Track Level with the backdrop of morning training going on. Free breakfast and coffee with a suggested donation to the Prodigious Fund. Weather will be great, too. Sports Shorts, Selections and trivia, too on this week’s show.

“Breakfast at the Wire” is back for the next three Saturdays! Joe and Vince host the popular morning workout show, 8-10 am by the Paddock Grille. Guests include Track President Phil Ziegler and jockey Jennifer Whitaker. Along with prizes and trivia, there’s a complimentary breakfast, with a suggested donation of any size to the Prodigious Fund. Guest on this week’s show is Ken Alhadeff, owner of 2023-24 Longacres Mile champion Five Star General. When local race fans recount the most dramatic Longacres Mile finish or top horse to compete in the race, several thoughts, especially in the Emerald Downs era, would go directly to Five Star General. Alhadeff joyfully recaps last year’s victory and gives an update on Five Star General’s new career as a stallion.

Coming off a five-stakes Sunday, Emerald Downs is ready for more Thoroughbred action and on-track entertainment this final weekend in July. The Irish Day Stakes is set for Sunday with multiple stakes winner Si That Tiger playing the role of favorite vs. eight others. Other outstanding races this weekend include a match-up between Surprsinglyperfect, winner of four straight, and What a Dude in Saturday’s feature. Fiesta de Premio Esmeralda this weekend at Emerald Downs! Fantastic horse shows on the track are part of the weekend of family fun as well as four Quarter Horse qualifying races. The first Quarter Horse race goes at 1:00 pm Sunday. “Breakfast At the Wire” returns for the first three Saturdays in August. The 8-10 am workout show features guests, prizes and breakfast. See you at Emerald Downs!

We’re back! After taking a mid-summer break, Emerald Downs returns to action July 11-13 to begin the second half of the 2025 season. Some great racing is on tap Friday night as well as many half-price food & beverage specials plus the $1,000 horseshoe toss. It’s also Corgi weekend, with the popular breed on the track both Saturday and Sunday. Sunday brings the Corgi championship events with a half-hour espn2 special coming later in the summer. Guests include horse owner Craig Fredrickson, who remembers trainer Bonnie Jenne after her passing two weeks ago. Fredrickson became good friends with both Bonnie and Wally Jenne and achieved success with runners such as Couldabenthewhisky, Itsallabouttheride and Dynamic Secret. Jon White adds personal accounts on the career of D W Lukas.

Every summer weekend is full of action at Emerald Downs! Three days of Thoroughbred racing this Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. Family fun galore, too. The Bulldogs take to the track on Saturday and Sunday it’s the World Famous T-Rex races at Emerald Downs. Look up at one point for a special T-Rex event and watch espn2 later this summer for a special “T-Rex Races at Emerald Downs” show. Coming off our first stakes weekend of the season, owner Roy Schaefer joins Joe and Vince. Schaefer and wife Ellie own Saleen G T, who pushed her 2025 record to four-for-four with a victory in the Seattle Stakes. The daughter of Barkley is another successful WTBOA purchase by the Schaefer’s R.E.V. Racing. Sport shorts, selections and trivia, too on Horseracing NW.

Four stakes races on Sunday! Many horse racing eyes across the nation will be on Emerald Downs this Sunday with a stakes quadruple-header full of quality runners. The track's top two active stakes winners, Slew’s Tiz Whiz and Aloha Breeze, headline the Budweiser and Hastings Stakes respectively. Those two have five Emerald Downs stakes victories to their credit and are both trained by Tom Wenzel. Wenzel is number two all-time among trainer stakes wins, trailing Doris Harwood 67-61. Fridays are “Half-Price” Fridays at Emerald Downs this year. Take advantage of great pricing at concession and beverage stands. Promotions this weekend include the Diaper Derby on Saturday and a Kids Race on Sunday. Next week, June 29, it’s the world famous T-Rex race at Emerald Downs with another viral video expected.

Winter and full card simulcasting at Emerald Downs go to together! The Fifth Floor is open seven days a week and tracks such as Aqueduct, Gulfstream, Laurel, Tampa Bay, Fair Grounds, Oaklawn, Santa Anita, Golden Gate, Turf Paradise and Turfway Park offer top action and big weekend stakes. The popular Quick Pix café is open 9 am to 6 pm on weekends. In the Thoroughbred world, breeding and foaling season have begun and Nina Hagen of El Dorado Farms in Enumclaw joins the show. Hagen, despite some serious health issues, sounds like her ever-energetic and enthusiastic self. With husband Ron, they stand Washington’s top living sire, Coast Guard, and Barkley has his first crop of two-year-olds this year. Roy Brewer guests as well. He is working on the Feb. 24 WTBOA Awards Banquet and also speaks to two-time defending Emerald Downs Horse of the Meeting Slew’s Tiz Whiz.

Track President Phil Ziegler speaks to the upcoming Emerald Downs racing season, Opening Day scheduled for Saturday, May 4 (Kentucky Derby day). Ziegler, in his current position since the 2015 season, has overseen growth in many areas with innovative marketing ideas. Emerald Downs four-time leading trainer Jeff Metz is also a guest, he with a new position at Santa Anita. Sports Shorts and Trivia, too. Go to emeralddowns.com for a great deal! Get a Season Admission Pass for just $55. The Fifth Floor is open seven days a week with the popular Quick Pix Café open Wednesday through Sunday. Quick Pix weekend hours are 9 am to 6 pm.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays from Horseracing NW! On Saturday night December 23, the Fifth Floor will be filled with music by a tribute group to “the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll band,” the Rolling Stones. Get your tickets early at emeralddowns.com. Full card simulcasting continues, seven days a week at Emerald Downs. Many top tracks in action this winter plus Santa Anita and Golden Gate begin on Monday, Dec. 26. There’s a new sire at Pabst Blue Ribbon Farm in Buckley. His name is Alternation and he has racing and siring success from an outstanding resume. Washington Hall of Fame breeder Debbie Pabst joins the show and speaks to the new addition. Howard Hammer passed away in November at age 103. One of the most noteworthy members of the Washington logging industry for over 50 years and a Thoroughbred owner for as long, brother Jerry speaks to his life and accomplishments.

Happy Thanksgiving from Emerald Downs! The 5t Floor is open this Holiday and you can enjoy a full Turkey Day meal for just $17.50 at Quick Pix. A turkey dinner with all the fixins’ including dessert. Also, there's full card simulcasting from top tracks such as Laurel, Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Del Mar, Golden Gate and Woodbine. WHRC Commissioner Doug Moore joins Joe and Vince on Horseracing NW. Moore sorts out the regulatory bodies that govern racing and wagering in the U.S. HISA and HIWU came in during the 2022 year and their regulatory power affected the WHRC, ARCI, RMTC and Jockey Club’s previous positions of authority. Owner John Parker speaks to the passing of longtime trainer Bill Tollett.

Emerald Downs is ready for Breeders’ Cup simulcasting, this Friday and Saturday, November 3-4. Gates open on Friday at 8:30 am, Saturday at 8:00 am. The 5th floor is first come-first served as far as seating, so get here early. Watch and wager on the 40th running of the Breeders’ Cup, a truly world-wide competition consisting of 14 races over the two days. It’s free admission at Emerald Downs and there’s food specials both days at Quick Pix on floor 5 and on Saturday at Classics, floor 3. Joe and Vince are joined by “Horseracing NW” regular, EmD Track Announcer Bill Downes, and also Jon White and Anthony “Big A” Stabile. All offer angles, opinions and selections on the 14 races of full fields and live longshots. It’s all Breeders’ Cup talk on this edition.

The 40th Breeders’ Cup is just around the corner, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita. Seating on the Fifth Floor at Emerald Downs, each day, is first come-first served. Do the Cup in style this year. The 6th Floor Suites are available for a minimum $1,000, including amenities. Get your group together and call Emerald Downs Group Sales at 253-288-7700. Matt Dinerman’s first job as Track Announcer was at Emerald Downs, replacing Robert Geller in 2015. His aptitude was apparent from the beginning and in December, he’ll be leaving Golden Gate Fields to become the race caller at Oaklawn Park. He joins Joe and Vince on this week’s ‘cast as does Auburn native Mark Glatt. Glatt has become a highly prominent southern California-based trainer and has multiple horses headed toward the upcoming Breeders’ Cup.

Emerald Downs concluded the 2023 season on a high note last Sunday, September 17, and Joe and Vince recap the action that decided several season-ending honors including Slew’s Tiz Whiz earning his second consecutive Horse of the Meeting title. Thanks to all who made the year memorable – the fans and handicappers, the horsemen and their grooms, EmD staff and officials and, of course the horses! Trainer Tom Wenzel joins Joe and Vince and speaks to his great season that ended on a very high note. Closing day, Slew’s Tiz Whiz took the Muckleshoot Tribal Classic and Miner League won the Gottstein Futurity. Wenzel tied a record in earning his third consecutive Gottstein, all for owner George Todaro. Bill McMeans won three straight Gottsteins at Longacres, 1970-72. Wenzel had seven stakes wins to lead all trainers. EmD open seven days a week for full card simulcasting.

It’s Closing weekend at Emerald Downs this Saturday and Sunday, September 16-17. The season that began on May 6 concludes early Sunday evening after an 11-race card that will decide many honorees among horse and human participants. Categories in the balance are Horse of the Meeting, Older Filly/Mare, both Juvenile sex divisions and Top Washington-bred. The three stakes on Sunday – Washington Cup Filly and Mare, Muckleshoot Tribal Classic and Gottstein Futurity will decide many honors. Joining Joe, Vince and Bill are top handicapper John Lindley and jockey agent David “Marbles” Singer. Lindley, the handicapper of “Parker’s” tip sheet and the author of emeralddowns.com’s “Trip Notes,” has had another successful year. His knowledge, experience, recall and attention to detail has led him to success year-in, year-out from Longacres days forward. Singer made book for the leading rider again this year, Alex Cruz. It’s the ninth consecutive season he’s done that at EmD. He also agented for runner-up Luis Negron and fourth in the standings Kevin Radke.

Fan Appreciation Day this Sunday! Free admission for all on Sunday Sept. 10 at Emerald Downs. Add to that, numerous food and beverage specials at concession stands and bars. Racing Saturday, too, starting at 5 pm. That’s also the schedule for closing week, Sept. 16-17 – 5 pm Saturday and 2 pm Sunday. Trainer Blaine Wright and Turf Writer Paul Beattie join Joe, Vince and Bill this week on the podcast. Wright has several promising juveniles and, of course, top three-year-olds in Clovisconnection (two stakes wins) and Prince Abu Dhabi (Muckleshoot Derby winner). Wright has much to look forward to toward the end of this season and in 2024. One can follow Beattie’s comprehensive coverage of EmD at elisportsnetwork.com.

September has arrived and the EmD schedule is Saturday-Sunday for the final three weekends of live racing. This Sunday, Sept. 3, is “Italian Day” with the usual Italian music, dancing, food/beverage and the popular Sorelli Pizza Eating Contest. Sorelli’s owner/operator Kelly Dougan joins Joe, Vince and Bill – talking pizza and horse racing. Prominent breeder/owner Keith Swagerty joins the crew to speak about an exciting future home for Emerald Downs all-time top winning horse, the Swagerty-bred Mike Man’s Gold. The 26-time winner will head to Kentucky later this month and his permanent home. Jockey Alex Cruz is on track to become the first rider to win four consecutive titles at a major Washington track that includes Longacres, Playfair and Yakima Meadows. Plenty of other stats, too, and the usual sports shorts, selection and trivia.

More great racing and entertainment this weekend at Emerald Downs! It’s our final Fab Friday, August 25, with its food/beverage specials and horseshoe toss sponsored by the Seattle T-Birds and KJR radio. Sunday offers two Washington Cup stakes races – one for juvenile colts/geldings, the other for two-year-old fillies. And, Sunday is Wiener Dog Day at the races – the doggies that started it all! Joe, Vince and Bill’s guests are Longacres Mile winning trainer Grant Forster and three-time EmD jockey champ Rocco Bowen. Forster is back at his Midwest base and Bowen will be here Sunday, riding two top chances in the Washington Cup stakes. “Sport Shorts,” selections and an easier trivia question, too, on “Horseracing NW.”

A memorable “Mile Day” is followed this weekend with three days of racing, including the meet’s two Quarter Horse stakes races. Plus, Sunday is “T-Rex Day” at the track. EmD is on a historical mission to find the top T-Rex runner going back tens of thousands of years! There’s going to be several heats, a championship dash and a T-Rex kids race too. All T-Rex’s get in free on Sunday. WTBOA President Dana Halvorson joins Joe, Vince and Bill for this week’s ‘cast. Halvorson and WTBOA staff put on the annual Summer Yearling Sale, next Tuesday, August 22 at 1 pm. Many highlights in this year’s sale including the first yearlings sired by 2018 Longacres Mile champion Barkley, a half-brother to Slew’s Tiz Whiz and a full brother to last month’s Sanford Stakes winner at Saratoga.

The race of the year is Sunday at Emerald Downs, the $150,000 Longacres Mile! Defending champion Slew’s Tiz Whiz is the morning-line favorite at 9/5 over Five Star General at 2-1. Friday night racing at 7 pm while Saturday begins just after 5 pm with the 2023 Washington Hall of Fame ceremony preceding racing. “Groove Nation” performs on the fifth floor after racing on Saturday. The traditional “Railbird Rally” starts at 11:30 am on Mile day morning with racing at 2 pm. See you at Emerald Downs! Sunday is “Championship Sunday” at Emerald Downs, presented by the National Thoroughbred League. There’s an all-stakes Pick-4 wager, concluding with the 88th Longacres Mile. Mile historian and handicapper Jon White joins Joe, Vince and Bill as does Bill Rapaport to speak to the up-and-coming National Thoroughbred League.

August has arrived and Emerald Downs is just over a week away from the 88th Longacres Mile! It’s Championship Sunday on August 13 with $150,000 Mile and three other $50,000 stakes – Emerald Distaff, Muckleshoot Derby and Washington Oaks. This Sunday, the track’s top juveniles are in action in the $50,000 WTBOA Lads and Lassies, for colt and fillies respectively. This weekend, enjoy a trip back in time. Sunday is “Turn Back the Clock” day, with a theme of 1970s Longacres in effect. Admission is just $3.00 with 70s music, racing videos, pictures and interviews remembering that era. Longacres all-time top jockey Gary Baze will be present and he, as well as Dean Mazzuca, joined Joe, Vince and Bill on the podcast.

The Longacres Mile is just three weeks away and further positioning for local starters happens this Sunday in the Governor’s Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs. Defending champion Slew’s Tiz Whiz is back after a furious runner-up finish in his seasonal debut June 25. Bridleuptothebar won that Budweiser stakes last month and he’s back along with eight others. It’s a stakes doubleheader that includes the Washington State Legislators Stakes as race #4. The first of three “Breakfast At the Wire” shows is this Sunday at 8 am on track level. It goes from 8-10 am and a free breakfast burrito is available for all attendees. Horse owner Dean Mazzuca is the affable host. Saturday night, first race is 5 pm and it’s "Ladies Night" at the races. Free admission for all gals, a complimentary chocolate bar upon entry and prize drawings for the distaffers, too. Sunday, one of the biggest attendances of the year, it’s Corgi Day at EmD!

This week’s “Horseracing NW” reviews and previews events on the track at Emerald Downs. Grant Forster, trainer of Five Star General, is the guest. Five Star General, with three placings in the Mile, 2020-21-22, comes back from the Midwest where he’s had another very productive season. Forster won the Mile in 2005 with 60-1 No Giveaway. There’s another EmD stakes doubleheader on Sunday with previous three-year-old stakes winners returning - Aloha Breeze is back in the Kent Stakes while Clovis Connection heads the field in the Irish Day Stakes. It’s “Equine Art” week at Emerald Downs. Displayed on Track Level through Sunday afternoon, it’s art with the horse as the central theme, in many different mediums. Co-chairperson Anne Sweet adds more details including that all art is free to view and able to be purchased. Saturday is British Night with live music and Sunday is Irish Day, food and drink specials each day.

The Emerald Downs racing surface plays host to the fastest two-year-olds in the northwest Sunday with the running of the King County Express and Angie C. Stakes for colts and geldings and fillies, respectively. Both races are at 5 1/2 furlongs with a purse of $50,000. Post time Sunday is 2 pm. Post time for Friday night is 7 pm while Saturday is 5 pm. Top national handicapper Chris Larmey is the guest, the Washington native speaks to the two podcasts he's involved with. This weekend is a Family Fun Weekend at Emerald Downs and the younger fans get another chance on the track in Sunday’s Kids Dash. Free ice cream for all participants! Next week, Equine Art 2023 begins on Thursday evening and runs through Sunday, July 16. “Breakfast At the Wire,” begins Sunday, July 23 at 8 am near the Paddock Grille on Track Level.

This week’s show recaps the top performances of last weekend in the Hastings Stakes and Budweiser stakes. Breeder/owner Holly Rydman of Bridleuptothebar, Budweiser winner, joins Joe, Vince and Bill. Also a guest is Steve Butler from Everett, the first winner ever in a “Grandparents Race,” last Sunday at EmD. Sport shorts, selections and trivia on “Horseracing NW.” Emerald Downs live racing schedule for this holiday weekend is: Saturday, first race 5 pm; Sunday, first race 2 pm; Monday, July 3, first race 5 pm. Gates open Monday at 12:00 noon with the Fireworks Spectacular after racing. Some July 3 tickets available at emeralddowns.com. The track is open seven days a week for full card simulcasting.

It’s a three-day weekend of great action at Emerald Downs! Friday night racing begins at 7pm with the first “$1,000 Horseshoe Toss” of the season. It’s free to sign up, turn in your entry black before post time of the the 3rd race. It’s also the first “Grandparents Weekend” themed promotion at EmD, all grandparents get in free on Saturday and Sunday. There’s a grandparents race down the stretch on Sunday, too. Racing excitement on tap this Sunday with the Hastings Stakes for fillies and mares and the Budweiser Stakes for four-year-olds and up. Both races are six furlongs. The Bud drew 12 horses including the return of 2022 Washington Horse of the Year Slew’s Tiz Whiz. Roy Brewer, a member of Slew’s Crew Racing, owners of Slew’s Tiz Whiz, joins Joe, Vince and Bill on the podcast. Last week’s trivia too tough? Try this week on Horseracing NW.