Emerald Downs approved for 70-day meet in 2017

Emerald Downs will race 70 days in 2017, from April 8-Sept. 17, the track announced.

The race dates were approved Thursday at a Washington Horse Racing Commission meeting.

Emerald will race Saturdays and Sundays only during the first and last two weeks of the season, with Friday racing beginning April 21. There will be two Mondays of racing, July 3 and May 29.

Post times remain 2 p.m. most weekends and holidays and 6:30 p.m. Fridays. Saturday cards in July also will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The 2017 stakes schedule features the 82^nd running of the Grade 3 Longacres Mile. The stable area is scheduled to open Feb. 1.