Live racing begins April 12; meet brings changes | Emerald Downs

A 75-day live racing season – from Saturday, April 12, to Sunday, Sept. 28 – has been announced at Emerald Downs.

January 13, 2014 2:27 pm
Northwest Farms' undefeated filly Stopshoppingdebbie is among several stars expected to return this year at Emerald Downs.
Northwest Farms' undefeated filly Stopshoppingdebbie is among several stars expected to return this year at Emerald Downs.

For the Reporter

A 75-day live racing season – from Saturday, April 12, to Sunday, Sept. 28 – has been announced at Emerald Downs.

The meet 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, Sept. 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 a 4:30 p.m. first post on Thursday, July 3.

The stakes schedule, including the 79th running of the Longacres Mile (Grade III), will be released in February.

Emerald Downs opens for training Saturday, Feb. 1, allowing horses more than 10 weeks to prepare for the season.

The 2014 meet marks the 19th season of live racing at Emerald Downs.