Emerald Downs planning to open June 20

Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash., anticipates opening for spectator-free racing on June 20 and has requested approval for 44 racing dates this year, according to a letter that the track’s top official sent to Washington racing constituents.

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Phil Ziegler, Emerald’s president, said in the letter that the state anticipates allowing professional sports to begin on June 15, without spectators, as part of its Phase 3 response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Since the state has specifically mentioned racing in that plan, Emerald will seek to reopen on June 20, Ziegler said.

“We are finally seeing some clarity with our plans for the 2020 race season,” Ziegler wrote.

Emerald Downs was scheduled to open this year on April 18, but the track’s plans were scuttled by the COVID-19 outbreak, and the opening was pushed back indefinitely on March 16 as the state began putting in place strict shutdown orders. Horses at the track have remained on the grounds for training.

Ziegler said in his letter that the track anticipates racing on a Monday and Tuesday schedule when it reopens, at least for the first four weeks. The track would go to its usual Friday-Sunday schedule if the state then begins allowing spectators, Ziegler said.

The track anticipates running through Oct. 4, Ziegler wrote.

Ziegler also thanked horsemen at the track for cooperating with health protocols.

“Please always be aware of your surroundings and do not take any chances with your health and the health of others,” Ziegler said. “That will always be our top priority. And needless to say, if we have health issues in the stable area our race meet would be in jeopardy.”