Emerald offers bonus program for shippers

Emerald Downs is implementing a bonus program for shippers at its upcoming meet, which begins April 18 and runs through Sept. 27.

Under the Emerald Downs Ship and Run incentive program, horses whose most recent start was outside the state and have not previously raced at Emerald Downs will earn a $400 bonus for running at the Seattle-area track.

To be eligible for the bonus, a horse must have started for a claiming price of $3,000 or more in its three previous starts. First-time starters are not eligible.

Emerald Downs Ship and Run comes on top of several other incentives meant to attract runners, including an early-bird move-in bonus; lower fees on dorm rentals and mechanical hot-walkers; and the opportunity to recover stabling costs based on a stall efficiency factor and conservation of utilities.

Daily purse distribution will be about 20 percent higher than at last year's meet, Emerald Downs said.