Emerald Downs cancels Friday card with forecasted rain

Emerald Downs has canceled Friday night's entire seven-race card, citing a forecast that calls for up to an inch of rain beginning late Thursday.

“We are expecting very heavy rain Friday, and safety comes first,” track president Phil Ziegler said in a release. “Fortunately, Saturday and Sunday look great with temperature in the 70s.”

Sunday's card includes six stakes, highlighted by the $125,000 Longacres Mile, while Saturday's proceedings will feature two Quarter Horse stakes and a ceremony honoring new inductees to the Washington Racing Hall of Fame. When asked by Daily Racing Form whether the importance of keeping the track in tip-top shape for the weekend influenced Friday's cancellation, an Emerald Downs spokesperson said that wasn't a factor, saying the decision was dictated by "just too much rain in the forecast" and adding that such a rainout was "not unprecedented."

In spite of the anticipated downpour, Emerald Downs will still be open for simulcast wagering on Friday, while extra races are planned for Aug. 22-23 to make up for the cancellations.

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