Emerald Downs has joined a new partnership with Merlino Bauer Media, an award-winning media buying agency.

The partnership, which begins immediately, is designed to gain additional media presence and exposure for Emerald Downs throughout Seattle-Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest.

“Emerald Downs is pleased to be working with one of the top media buyers in the Seattle market,” said Sophia Mangalee, Emerald Downs director of marketing. “The racetrack continues to deliver a high- value, low-cost entertainment option to the Seattle sports market and with Merlino Bauer’s strategic approach to buying and planning we are on course for a big year in 2013.”

Located in Seattle, Merlino Bauer Media has a diverse list of clients that includes Crystal Mountain, Darigold, MultiCare Health System and Coinstar. In business 25 years, Merlino Bauer has won Mediaweek’s Media Plan of the Year three times in the last 10 years.

“We are very pleased to partner with a Seattle icon like Emerald Downs in the great sport of Thoroughbred racing,” said Janice Merlino of Merlino Bauer. “Emerald Downs is a beautiful facility in a picturesque location, and its live racing season is held during our best weather months. It has a lot to offer.”

Emerald Downs’ live racing season begins in mid-April and runs through September, with racing Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays.