Podcast appearances and mentions of Emerald Downs

Jeremy Plonk and Scott Shapiro handicap Ohio Derby Day as well as stakes from Churchill Downs, Gulfstream, Laurel and Emerald Downs.

Saturday, June 20 is Emerald Downs 30th birthday. Get your free Bucket Hat with paid admission while supplies last. Also “Dollar Dogs” available on Saturday, a throwback to 1996. Be at the track Saturday for a 1:30 ceremony recognizing track investors, 30-year horsemen and 30-year employees. There's also another Fab Friday this weekend, first race at 7 pm. Emerald Downs stakes races begin this Sunday! Races, plural, it's a stakes quadruple-header with the top horses on the grounds in action. Aloha Breeze, defending Horse of the Meeting and Slew's Tiz Whiz, two-time Horse of the Meeting, go in the Hastings Stakes and Budweiser Stakes respectively. Also carded is the Auburn Stakes for three-year-old colts and geldings and the Seattle Stakes for three-year-old fillies. 10 races in all beginning at 1:50 pm.

Indian Relay Racing and the Muckleshoot Gold Cup highlight this weekend at Emerald Downs! It's the 10th edition of the MGC at EmD, known as “The Big Show” to relay teams across the U.S. northern tier and western Canada provinces. Omak Express of the Colville Nation in eastern Washington became the first two-time MGC winner in 2025, rider Tyler Peasley up. Gayle Skunkcap Jr., broadcaster and publicist for Indian Relay Racing, joins Joe and Vince this week with great information on growth of the event and what to expect this weekend. Thoroughbreds and Indian Relay Racing Friday night at 7:00 pm and again on Saturday and Sunday at 1:50 pm. Sport shorts, selections and trivia again this week on Horseracing NW.

Be at Emerald Downs Friday night for horse racing, music, food, fun and the deal of the Summer … well, Spring anyway. With your paid admission Friday night, you'll receive your EmD Hawaiian shirt! Wear it back on any and all Fridays the rest of the season for free admission. The Jimmy Vegas band performs Friday night and the $1,000 Horseshoe Toss is back too. First race 7 pm, gates open at 5 pm. The “Big A” Anthony Stabile and Emerald Downs trainer Alexis Silva-Martinez are this week's guests. Stabile has an incredible record picking Belmont Stakes winners beginning with Rags to Riches in 2007. He scored last year with Sovereignty, sticking with his 7-1 Kentucky Derby winner from 2025. Stabile goes through Saturday's Saratoga stakes races. Alexis Silva-Martinez is off to a great EmD start for 2026, winning at over 20%. Now in his fourth local season, he speaks to the challenges a young trainer faces.

Simon Double and co-host Phil Boyle return for another monthly episode of Inside the Rails, catching up on Simon's visits to France to see Victoire Magique. They review the debut of BG Racing's, Twist Of Fatecatch, and share Solario Racing updates on Sirian, Emerald Downs and Victoire Magique, including a strong second at Lyon Parilly. The hosts discuss the Guineas results and preview the Derby, Oaks and Royal Ascot.  They move on to chat about the RSA/ROA shared ownership days and concerns around affordability checks. Trainer Laura Horsfall joins the discussion and runs through her career to date, her current role and facilities and the experience she offers to owners.   00:00 Welcome and Catch Up 01:51 Guest Preview 03:04 Twist Of Fatecatch Debut 04:38 Solario Horses May Update 08:37 Flat Season and Classics Chat 11:50 Shared Ownership Days 13:33 Affordability Checks Debate 16:20 Meet Trainer Laura Horsfall 17:11 Laura's Journey Into Racing 20:53 Glebe Barn Setup 25:14 Targets and Big Day at Ascot 26:46 Three Changes for Racing 29:50 Wrap Up   Useful links mentioned in this episode: www.solarioracing.com  www.bgracingsyndicates.co.uk  www.laurahorsfallracing.com    Contact the hosts: Phil Boyle: phil@bgracingsyndicates.co.uk  Simon Double: info@solarioracing.com   Follow us on Twitter/X - @InsideTheRails Follow Solario Racing on Twitter/X - @officialsolario Follow BG Racing on Twitter/X - @bgrsyndicates Follow Laura Horsfall on Twitter/X - @LHorsfallRacing Follow Laura Horsfall on Instagram - laurahorsfallracing Follow Laura Horsfall on Facebook -LHorsfallRacing The Racing Yard Diaries Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other platforms

The last weekend in May brings Teacher's Appreciation Day and Grandparents Day to Emerald Downs! All teachers and school district employees receive free admission and more this Saturday, May 30. There's also a Teacher's Race mid-card on Saturday. The Grandparents Race, now in its fourth running, comes on Sunday afternoon. After receiving free admission, both men and women grandparents get their chance to run down the EmD stretch. Great-Grandparents, too, get their feet on the oval in a "race" of their own. Racing was exciting this past Memorial Day weekend with top runners such as Aloha Breeze, Si That Tiger, Too Sassy and Baladi all scoring victories. This upcoming weekend sees more horses entered and field size growing. Trainer Howard Gibson joins Joe and Vince this week. Gibson is currently number two in the standings behind Tim McCanna. His barn has scored with top runners Chuckanut Bay and Subtle Shimmer and also has a good number of two-year-olds getting ready. Sport shorts, selections and trivia too on Horseracing NW.

Three days of racing this Memorial Day weekend at Emerald Downs! Bring the family out May 23-24-25, each day is a Family Fun Day and add a Kids Race on Sunday. We're just a couple weeks away from Friday night racing (June 5) and the Hawaiian Shirt giveaway. Guests this week on the pod include returning horse owner Todd Pedersen and also Paul Beattie of elisportsnetwork.com. Check out Paul's great Emerald Downs coverage. Many of the track's top horses are in action this weekend. Slew's Tiz Whiz on Sunday and Aloha Breeze on Monday go postward for the first time this year. Slew's Tiz Whiz continues to climb many significant Emerald Downs and Washington-bred lists while 2025 Horse of the Meeting Aloha Breeze is the one and only EmD Divisional Champion at ages two, three, four and five. Both the aforementioned runners are tied for most stakes wins among active horses at seven apiece.

Racing is back, the fans are back and the fun is back at Emerald Downs for 2026! Our first Saturday and Sunday weekend was memorable to many Moms in particular with the very popular Mother's Day buffet and prize drawings for Moms each day. This Saturday is a “Dollar Day,” so enjoy that price on many concession specials while enjoying live racing and the Preakness on the big screen. Bulldogs get on the track Sunday for top family fun. John Lindley and trainer Tim McCanna join Joe and Vince on this week's show. Lindley always offers thoughtful insight into handicapping and racing at Emerald Downs. The author of “Parker's” successful tip sheet, Lindley joins Joe on the set above the Paddock, introducing every race on Saturday and Sunday. Tim McCanna comes off a spectacular start to the season, winning with four of five starters, including scoring his 1,000th Emerald Downs victory on Sunday with Janey. McCanna is #2 all-time in Emerald Downs wins, trailing only Frank Lucarelli. He's won seven training titles at this track.

Coming off a highly enjoyable Opening Day for all in attendance, Emerald Downs moves on to Mother's Day weekend! Bring Mom either Saturday or Sunday or both for Thoroughbred excitement and family fun beginning at 1:50 pm each day. Make sure Mom fills out an entry blank to be eligible for prize drawings on Saturday and Sunday. Go to emeralddowns.com for more info on promotions and offers. Renowned handicapper and new author Chris Larmey and first year EmD trainer Mark Cloutier join Joe and Vince this week. Larmey, a Washington native, is a member of the National Handicappers Hall of Fame and will be at the track on Saturday to sign copies of his new book “Betting on Horses.” Cloutier has deep roots in Thoroughbred racing and spent the last 40 years involved at Hastings in Vancouver B.C. He's brought expertise and great career record to Emerald Downs for 2026.

Opening Day is Saturday! Emerald Downs 30th anniversary season begins on May 2, first race 2 pm. Opening Day, Kentucky Derby day and a great day of weather to enjoy the afternoon. It's the first of 51 days of live racing for 2026. Check out emeralddowns.com for info on all the particulars. See you at the track! Track President Phil Ziegler joins Joe and Vince and speaks to events leading up to and including Opening Day activities. Attendance for live racing has been outstanding and Ziegler emphasizes “something going on every day” at Emerald Downs. Jon White gives info, insight and a top selection on the Kentucky Derby while top local handicapper T.J. O'Brien also adds his Derby analysis.

Ian is live at Seahawks rookie minicamp, how do the rookies look in person? Will Russell Wilson end up retiring and moving to TV? Legendary Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs joins the show to talk about Randy Johnson before his number retirement on Saturday. Joe Withee from Emerald Downs joins the show ahead of opening day on Saturday. Weekly Wrap-up! Danny O'Neil from the Dang Apostrophe joins the show to talk about a very important anniversary, Randy Johnson, and more. Ricky White III joins the show from Rookie minicamp to talk about the new season. Ian and Anders react to the Ricky White interview and talk about the role of rookie minicamp. Rob Rang, FOX Sports Draft Analyst joins to put a wrap on the Seahawks 2026 draft class. Gregg Bell joins the show to let us know what he has seen on day 1 of rookie minicamp. Checking the Tacoma Dodge textline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Make plans for Opening Day, Kentucky Derby day, at Emerald Downs! May 2 is just over a week away for the start of the 2026 season. Gates open at 11:00 am with the first race of the meeting at 1:50 pm. The 5th Floor will open for simulcasting at 7:30 am and Derby day action from Churchill Downs begins at 8:00. Get on your Derby day attire and headwear for some great prizes. Mark Glatt will be the first Emerald Downs (former) trainer to start a horse in the Kentucky Derby when he saddles So Happy on May 2. Glatt grew up in Auburn and trained locally until relocating to southern California in the early 2000s. He was inducted into the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame just last summer. He joins Joe and Vince on this week's podcast, as does Anthony Stabile. “The Big A” always provides astute information on big races and has made countless winning selections for northwest fans for over 20 years.

It's just over two weeks until Opening Day for the 2026 Emerald Downs meeting! It'll be a festive May 2, as that is also Kentucky Derby Saturday. First race 1:50 pm. “Training Day,” available to view late Thursday afternoons, is once again a weekly feature at the Emerald Downs YouTube channel. More info at emeralddowns.com. Joining Joe and Vince is trainer Robert Gilker, stabled here for 2026 due to Hastings not opening in Vancouver B.C. Gilker won the Longacres Mile with Herbie D in 2013 and has traveled and won from his Hastings base for several decades now. Also, Grant Holcomb, who began working in the Thoroughbred industry in 1970 and served as Director of Racing at Longacres, Yakima Meadows and Emerald Downs. He speaks to the passing of fellow employee and friend Bob Coble.

It's just four short weeks to Opening Day for Emerald Downs 30th anniversary season! Saturday, May 2, is also Kentucky Derby day so join us for all the festivities surrounding those two milestones. The very popular Mother's Day Buffet is not far off, too – both Saturday and Sunday, May 9-10. Check out emeralddowns.com for seating, offers, promotions and more for the 2026 race meeting. Frank Lucarelli, Emerald Downs all-time leading trainer, and Spokane native Jon White are guests on this pod edition. Both Lucarelli and White are inductees to the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame. Lucarelli's stable is on a great run at Turf Paradise this winter-spring. His 2025 Washington State Champions Saleen G T and Cantcatchthiscat are both in action next week in Phoenix. White takes us through the major three-year-old stakes on Saturday, April 4 and comments on the recent local Hall of Fame class.

Welcome back horses and horsemen to Emerald Downs! Horses on the track Monday morning, March 2, as training begins leading up to another year of great northwest racing and fun promotions. We're getting closer to our 30th anniversary season's Opening Day on Saturday, May 2. That is also Kentucky Derby day, so make plans to be here for all the excitement. First race on weekends is 1:50 pm. Joe and Vince's guests include Kevin Sengara, who experienced the ultimate thrills of northwest Thoroughbred racing as a youth when his father, Jeffrey Sengara, won the 1999 Longacres Mile with Budroyale. Kevin Sengara has put together an owner's syndicate that is getting off to a fast start. Bob Cappelletti, Stable Manager for Washington Hall of Fame owner George Todaro, speaks to the return of 2025 Horse of the Meeting Aloha Breeze and many more promising youngsters for 2026.

New for 2026 - all kids 12 and under receive free admission every race day! Go to emeralddowns.com and get a great deal on a live racing Season Pass. It's just $55 for 51 days of live racing, plus an additional 20 more daily passes are included. Joining Joe and Vince on the first pod of '26 are Katie Merwick of Second Chance Ranch and also top breeder Debbie Pabst, who speaks to her new stallion this year at Blue Ribbon Farm in Buckley. 2026 milestones on the horizon at Emerald Downs! Horses begin arriving in the stable area on February 27 and the first day of track training is less than four weeks away, March 2. The annual WTBOA banquet, open to the public, is Saturday evening Feb. 28. Opening Day for live racing is Saturday, May 2, which is also Kentucky Derby day.

Happy Holidays from Emerald Downs! It's simulcasting season and the 5th floor is open seven days a week for all the great race meetings currently in action. Santa Anita's opening day is Sunday, 12-28, and they'll race seven of the first eight days out of the blocks. Other top tracks to follow are Aqueduct, Gulfstream, Fair Grounds, Tampa, Oaklawn and, of course, Turf Paradise in Phoenix, where so many EmD horses and horsemen dot the race cards. Frank Mirahmadi and Dan Jukich join Joe and Vince on this edition of Horseracing NW. Mirahmadi calls the action at Santa Anita (also Saratoga) and gives tips on how to improve an announcer's trade. Also, great stories from his 30 years of race calling. Jukich has been calling several years more than Frank, he at Hastings in Vancouver B.C. Bad news on the future of that track announced recently, he'll fill us in on that and more. Go to emeralddowns.com for a great deal on season tickets for 2026!

Emerald Downs is open seven days a week for full card simulcasting. Follow many of the top horses and trainers from our 2025 meeting at Turf Paradise, whose schedule includes Monday and Tuesday racing. Many other tracks in operation include Del Mar, Aqueduct and Churchill Downs with Tampa and Fair Grounds opening this week. 2026 Emerald Downs racing dates are official – May 2 to September 7. Vince goes over the all the details . This week's guests include Delta Downs Track Announcer and Handicapper Don Stevens, who speaks to Delta's upcoming, all-wager 10% takeout days. Those wagers are effective next Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 25-26, first race 10:55 am EmD time. There's also Joe Nevills, Bloodstock Editor for the Paulick Report. Nevills is a Thoroughbred fan from his young days in Michigan and he enthusiastically goes over some under-the-radar sires and previews his “All Value Sire Team,” reports coming on December 1.

It's Breeders' Cup weekend! Catch the action on Emerald Downs 5th floor, with various seating options, tv screens and wagering windows. Seating is first-come, first-served both Friday and Saturday. Gates open 8:30 am on Friday, 8:00 on Saturday. Free parking and free admission for simulcasting and also for the Holiday Gift Fest, Saturday and Sunday, November 8-9. 10-4 each day. Get your Christmas shopping done early! Bring a non-perishable item to support the Auburn Food Bank. Jon White and Anthony Stabile are Joe and Vince's traditional Breeders' Cup handicapping guests and they're back on this week's podcast. Get some great info from two of the top ‘cappers available (and maybe a story or two, too!).

Emerald Downs just closed a very successful 2025 season! Track President Phil Ziegler joins Joe and Vince to go over the highlights. With the arrival of many northern California-based trainers this spring, field size was up nearly one horse per race, leading toward a large increase in handle. Ziegler's stakes schedule and promotional ideas also led to an outstanding season with attendance. A look to the future, too. Top northwest handicapper Jon Lindley also joins the show, giving his keen insight on 2025 events on the track. Emerald Downs remains open for full card simulcasting Wednesday through Sunday and goes to seven days a week in October. Joe doesn't forget the popular Triva Question this time around!

Closing weekend for 2025 is upcoming at Emerald Downs! Four stakes on Sunday included in the first 12-race card in state history. Who's this year's Horse of the Meeting? Si That Tiger is the only two-time stakes winner to date but there are many chasers. Speaking of the chase … there are carryovers Friday night in the Pick-5, Jackpot Pick-6 and Pentafecta. Oktoberfest is here Friday, Saturday and Sunday for fans! Wear Oktoberfest gear of any type for free admission. Sign up to try and win among the Stein Hold, Barrell Roll and Hammerschlagen. Prizes in those events all weekend. Former Seattle Supersonic James Donaldson is here for a book signing on Saturday and see top honors awarded in horse and human categories throughout Sunday's card.

Hard to believe? The 2025 Emerald Downs season is winding down. But before it does, much more activity at and on the track to look forward to. This Saturday is another “Dollar Day,” with plenty of specials at concession stands while Sunday is Italian Day with bocce ball, Italian dancers, music, food, beverage and – the pizza eating contest. Closing day Sept. 7 and its four stakes races will offer plenty of end-of-the-meeting excitement. This week's guests on Horseracing NW include former Seattle Sonic and longtime NBA player James Donaldson, who'll be signing his book “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” at Emerald Downs on Saturday, Sept. 6. Also Scott Hanson, Seattle Times horse racing writer, who's features and Longacres Mile coverage have added interest to a sport he's been passionate for since a young age. On the track Friday, there's both Pick-5 and Jackpot Pick-6 carryovers.

Congratulations to Arrowthegreat, winner of last week's Longacres Mile! The betting favorite came up the inside in the last quarter-mile to win going away over Clovisconnection, who was runner-up for the second consecutive year. This Sunday sees the return of the Owners' Handicap with its conditions of five furlongs and “catch weights.” Past winners include Chinook Pass, Trooper Seven and Snipledo at Longacres and L.J. Express, Makors Mark and Starbird Road at EmD. It's Wiener Dog Sunday at Emerald Downs and also “Dollar Days” each of the next two Saturdays. Guests this week on HRNW include: WTBOA President Dana Halvorson as he previews the August 26 yearling sale at the WTBOA Pavilion, just up the street from Emerald Downs; and The “Big A” Anthony Stabile with his look at Saratoga's Travers card this Saturday.

Louie & Sean are back for another edition of BloodHorse Monday.Sean visits Emerald Downs, Louie talks Velocity in the Del Mar Oaks, and a look ahead to the Travers.

Why is there such a large discrepancy in predictions for the upcoming Seahawks season. Jedd Fisch refuses to back down on maximizing the spotlight his players are in during college football, how much of it is really different from other coaches? Joe Whithee from Emerald Downs joins the show to talk about the Longacres Mile coming up this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Presented by TwinSpires Woodbine CEO Michael Copland kicks off our King's Plate edition of today's show live from Woodbine, father/son jockey combo David and Pietro Moran talk about making history together in the King's Plate, and former NFL wide receiver Mike Renfro talks about his Plate contender Tom's Magic. Plus, Joe Withee joins us to talk about Sunday's Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs, Ashley Anderson previews three races to watch in this week's 'TwinSpires Triple Play', Kurt Becker takes you on a Stroll Through Racing History presented by Keeneland, and Dale Romans & Tim Wilkin tackle the sports hottest topics on 'I Ask, They Answer' presented by the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program in the College of Business. 

Jeremy Plonk & Scott Shapiro handicap stakes races from Saratoga, Del Mar, Monmouth, King's Plate Day at Woodbine and Longacres Mile Day at Emerald Downs.

It's Mile Week at Emerald Downs! The race of the year is Sunday when 10 older runners go to post in the 90th running of the Longacres Mile. Great story lines abound as usual and right at the top is the only Washington-bred in the race, Slew's Tiz Whiz, running in his fourth consecutive Mile. Morning-line favorite at 9/5, he has a 2022 victory in the big race as well as third-place finishes the past two years. Trainer Tom Wenzel and owner Brian Malarkey join Joe and Vince on the pod. The final “Breakfast At the Wire,” is this Saturday, 8-10 am, rain or shine. Always great information at the show and free breakfast and coffee, too. This year's class of the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame has their ceremony Saturday at 1 pm. Each inductee – Paskey Dedomenico, Wasserman, El Dorado Farms and Mark Glatt - has a video presentation. Don't forget the “Railbird Rally” Mile day morning, 11-12:30 in the Park area, north of the Paddock. Dean Mazzuca is your affable host!

“Breakfast at the Wire” is back for the next three Saturdays! Joe and Vince host the popular morning workout show, 8-10 am by the Paddock Grille. Guests include Track President Phil Ziegler and jockey Jennifer Whitaker. Along with prizes and trivia, there's a complimentary breakfast, with a suggested donation of any size to the Prodigious Fund. Guest on this week's show is Ken Alhadeff, owner of 2023-24 Longacres Mile champion Five Star General. When local race fans recount the most dramatic Longacres Mile finish or top horse to compete in the race, several thoughts, especially in the Emerald Downs era, would go directly to Five Star General. Alhadeff joyfully recaps last year's victory and gives an update on Five Star General's new career as a stallion.

Coming off a five-stakes Sunday, Emerald Downs is ready for more Thoroughbred action and on-track entertainment this final weekend in July. The Irish Day Stakes is set for Sunday with multiple stakes winner Si That Tiger playing the role of favorite vs. eight others. Other outstanding races this weekend include a match-up between Surprsinglyperfect, winner of four straight, and What a Dude in Saturday's feature. Fiesta de Premio Esmeralda this weekend at Emerald Downs! Fantastic horse shows on the track are part of the weekend of family fun as well as four Quarter Horse qualifying races. The first Quarter Horse race goes at 1:00 pm Sunday. “Breakfast At the Wire” returns for the first three Saturdays in August. The 8-10 am workout show features guests, prizes and breakfast. See you at Emerald Downs!

We're back! After taking a mid-summer break, Emerald Downs returns to action July 11-13 to begin the second half of the 2025 season. Some great racing is on tap Friday night as well as many half-price food & beverage specials plus the $1,000 horseshoe toss. It's also Corgi weekend, with the popular breed on the track both Saturday and Sunday. Sunday brings the Corgi championship events with a half-hour espn2 special coming later in the summer. Guests include horse owner Craig Fredrickson, who remembers trainer Bonnie Jenne after her passing two weeks ago. Fredrickson became good friends with both Bonnie and Wally Jenne and achieved success with runners such as Couldabenthewhisky, Itsallabouttheride and Dynamic Secret. Jon White adds personal accounts on the career of D W Lukas.

Jason welcomes in Emerald Downs track president Phil Ziegler to the show to talk about racing in the Northwest, their creative promotions, the track's future, and much more! 

Every summer weekend is full of action at Emerald Downs! Three days of Thoroughbred racing this Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. Family fun galore, too. The Bulldogs take to the track on Saturday and Sunday it's the World Famous T-Rex races at Emerald Downs. Look up at one point for a special T-Rex event and watch espn2 later this summer for a special “T-Rex Races at Emerald Downs” show. Coming off our first stakes weekend of the season, owner Roy Schaefer joins Joe and Vince. Schaefer and wife Ellie own Saleen G T, who pushed her 2025 record to four-for-four with a victory in the Seattle Stakes. The daughter of Barkley is another successful WTBOA purchase by the Schaefer's R.E.V. Racing. Sport shorts, selections and trivia, too on Horseracing NW.

Four stakes races on Sunday! Many horse racing eyes across the nation will be on Emerald Downs this Sunday with a stakes quadruple-header full of quality runners. The track's top two active stakes winners, Slew's Tiz Whiz and Aloha Breeze, headline the Budweiser and Hastings Stakes respectively. Those two have five Emerald Downs stakes victories to their credit and are both trained by Tom Wenzel. Wenzel is number two all-time among trainer stakes wins, trailing Doris Harwood 67-61. Fridays are “Half-Price” Fridays at Emerald Downs this year. Take advantage of great pricing at concession and beverage stands. Promotions this weekend include the Diaper Derby on Saturday and a Kids Race on Sunday. Next week, June 29, it's the world famous T-Rex race at Emerald Downs with another viral video expected.

Great Thoroughbred action AND Indian Relay Racing this weekend at Emerald Downs! Join us Friday night, Saturday and Sunday for all the exciting races and special events. Indian relay teams in the northern U.S. tier and western Canada refer to the Muckleshoot Gold Cup as the “Big Show” among annual relay events. There have been eight runnings with eight different champions and all former winners are entered this weekend. Gayle Skunkcap Jr., broadcaster and publicist for Indian relay racing, joins Joe and Vince to speak to this weekend's action as well as history behind the event. Skunkcap, based out of Montana, has been part of all Muckleshoot Gold Cups at EmD and his family has long roots in relay racing. Sport Shorts, selections and trivia on Horseracing NW.

Get your Fab Friday T-Shirt this Friday at Emerald Downs! Racing June 6 at 7 pm and with your paid admission (half-price $5.00!) receive the valuable T-Shirt which gets you free admission on all subsequent Fridays in 2025. It's Vince and Track President Phil Ziegler this week with Joe a little under the weather. Ziegler speaks to great start at 2025 meeting, while guests include top Belmont Stakes handicapper Anthony Stabile and Secretariat author Patricia McQueen.

The season's off to a great start with more racing this Saturday and Sunday at Emerald Downs! This is the final two-day racing week for 2025 with the first “Half-Price Friday” set for June 6. That's T-Shirt day, too. Also, it's Grandparents Weekend with prize drawings both Saturday and Sunday. Will the video go viral again? Nina Hagen joins Joe and Vince this week. With husband Ron, they have operated El Dorado Farms in Enumclaw since the early 1980s. The operation in on a high after fillies sired by Barkley ran one-two in the Monday feature race at Emerald Downs. Saleen G T, bred by El Dorado, won, and Beauty Bark was second. Barkley and Coast Guard are top stallions at El Dorado and Hagen is excited for racing and sale opportunities for 2025.

Racing continues to get better every week at Emerald Downs! Entries for the upcoming three-day weekend exceed an average of eight horses per race each day. Saturday is at 9.2 starters per race, a figure not achieved here in many years. Precise Timing, trained by Kay Cooper, is the top horse entered this weekend. Last year's undefeated Horse of the Meeting goes Monday, Memorial Day, in race 8. Owner/breeder Ron Schmid and trainer Mike Morris join Joe and Vince. Schmid has been an active owner since Emerald Downs opened and has his homebred, Dynamic Dee Dee, in a maiden race this Saturday. Morris is from an extended family of horsemen from Oregon, including father Gary, and is excited for his small stable's possibilities at Emerald Downs in 2025.

More horses, more horsemen, better racing at Emerald Downs in 2025! This weekend is no exception with two-time Washington Horse of the Year Slew's Tiz Whiz set to make his seasonal debut in the Saturday feature race at six furlongs. Slew's Tiz Whiz has five EmD stakes victories, tied at the top with Aloha Breeze among active runners. Papa's Golden Boy has four stakes wins here and he'll meet Slew's Tiz Whiz for the ninth time. Crowds and wagering handle are up at Emerald Downs through the first three weekends. This Saturday and Sunday, it's Teacher Appreciation Weekend, with all teachers and school district employees receiving free admission. John Lindley of Parker's tip sheet and Emerald Downs television and novelist Judge Chip Small join Joe and Vince as guests. Judge Chip will sign copies of his latest novel, “Stark Justice,” on Track Level Saturday.

It's Mother's Day weekend at Emerald Downs! Great racing and prizes for the gals both Saturday and Sunday. All women are eligible for prize drawings – seven winners on each day. First race goes at 1:50 pm. An added Mother's Day tradition at the track – a mare with her young foal to parade in front of the crowd. Racing is definitely on the upgrade at Emerald Downs this year. With eight races on Saturday and 10 on Sunday, plenty of excitement is expected. Field-size will be up this year, leading to better business all around. Paul Beattie of elisportsnetwork.com joins Joe and Vince to speak to his comprehensive coverage of the track. Sports shorts, selections and trivia, too, on Horseracing NW.

We are live from the Virginia Mason Athletic Center! Rookie minicamp is underway and the Mariners start their series in Texas tonightDanny O'Neil, The Dang Apostrophe! joins the show to discuss Seahawks' rookie camp, remembering Russell Wilson's first rookie camp, and Jalen Milroe. Should Marshawn Lynch have his own 30 for 30? The Mariners are on fire.... How wrong were we about this team up to this point? Jorge Polanco is the story of the Mariners thus far.The Daily Power Play! Damien Martinez, Seahawks RB joins the show from the Virginia Mason Athletic Center following rookie minicamp. He speaks on his draft experience and his first NFL practice. He breaks down what he is bringing to the team and his play style.Bryce Cabeldue, Seahawks OL joins the show to discuss his story ahead of Seahawks' rookie camp, playing multiple sports growing up, his draft experience, and his transition from tackle to guard.Joe Withee, Emerald Downs joins the show ahead of opening weekend to discuss the kick off of the horse racing season, a big weekend at Emerald Downs, and the future of horse racing in Washington.-Checking in on the Tullamore Dew Text Line! 2:45 - Crosstalk with Softy!

Day #2 of live racing at Emerald Downs is Kentucky Derby Saturday! Gates open on the 5th Floor for simulcasting at 7:30 am while gates open for live racing at the earlier time of 11 am. First live race goes at 1:50 while all can watch the 151st Derby on the infield big screen just before 4 pm. Wear a decorative hat, women and men, to be eligible for prizes in the annual Derby Day Hat Contest. Jon White and Anthony Stabile. Both are knowledgeable, big race handicappers. They'll both join Joe and Vince with their look at the Derby. Dan Jukich speaks to the Saturday opening of Hastings in Vancouver BC. Sports shorts, selections and trivia complete this edition of Horseracing NW.

See you at Emerald Downs for Opening Day, this Sunday, April 27! First race goes at 1:50 pm. We'll have the traditional jockey introductions in the Paddock prior to the first race. Horse players take note of the low 12% takeout on Pick-3 wagers plus another year of penny breakage – both of those lead to higher payouts on winning bets. Tickets for all racing days are available at emeralddowns.com. Jockey Frank Alvarado and DRF writer Mike Seeley join Joe and Vince on this edition of the pod. Alvarado, with over 4,000 career victories, has been a Bay Area stalwart for over 20 years. He's sad to see racing leave that local but is excited to ride for many familiar trainers at Emerald Downs in 2025. Seeley is an accomplished writer with an impressive resume, including a previous stint with the DRF in the St Louis area. Look for his EmD copy in the print edition and on-line at drf.com.

Getting ever closer to Emerald Downs Opening Day, Sunday, April 27! First race goes at 1:50 pm. Horse players take note of the low 12% takeout on Pick-3 wagers plus another year of penny breakage – both direct higher payouts on winning bets. The Snoqualmie Casino sports book adds horse racing action to its menu beginning this Saturday, April 19. wns.com. Joining Joe and Vince this week is veteran jockey Francisco Duran. Hear his interesting career journey of not growing up in a horse or racing family. With many good seasons behind him, including success at Emerald Downs, he's ready for the new meeting to begin. Sports shorts and trivia on Horseracing NW.

Emerald Downs Opening Day is just around the corner, Sunday, April 27! First race goes at 1:50 pm to begin our 30th season of Thoroughbred racing. We're looking forward to a great meeting with a significant increase in the horse population and, coming with that, new and more trainers and jockeys. Purchase tickets for any and all days at emeralddowns.com. Joining Joe and Vince as guests on this podcast are Anthony “Big A” Stabile and Johnny Taboada. Stabile takes a detailed look at this weekend's top three-year-old stakes and you won't want to miss his detailed analysis. Taboada has become one of the west coast's most prominent Thoroughbred owners and already has shipped several to Emerald Downs in the barn of Isidro Tamayo. Sports shorts, selections and trivia too on Horseracing NW.

Democrats in Washington seem to be taxing everything they can get their hands on this legislative session. Seattle is making big cuts to Park and Rec programs. Guest: Maxford Nelsen with the Freedom Foundation is sounding the alarm on a new bill that could double the pension for state employees and put an even bigger strain on taxpayers. // Big Local: Jason found a judge we can get behind. Tacoma’s ICE detention center is almost at capacity. Emerald Downs is in danger of closing up shop. Clallam County jail has a new program that involves ‘micro-dosing’ to sober up inmates. // You Pick the Topic: VA Secretary Doug Collins roasted CNN’s Kaitlan Collins when she pestered him about the Signal chat leak.

Jason opens the show discussing a recent article about Emerald Downs. Kellie Reilly joins us for the International Radar segment and Jason discusses some racing from Gulfstream Park. 

Just six weeks away to Emerald Downs 30th Opening Day! Make plans to come out on Sunday, April 27 for the 2025 lid-lifter. Track President Phil Ziegler and trainer Howard Gibson join Joe and Vince on this edition of Horseracing NW. Ziegler looks to build on last year's successful mark of a more than 10% increase in attendance with a revamped stakes schedule and several tried and true promotions Gibson, who's been a top assistant to Tim McCanna, Frank Lucarelli and Vince Gibson in recent years, is in the top 10 at Turf Paradise and his EmD stable totals 20 head. Next week, go to emeralddowns.com to purchase tickets for all your favorite days. For parties, business meetings, anniversaries, memorials, etc, book your event through Emerald Downs Group Sales at 253-288-7700.

Please show your support to Olympia for HB 1703 and SB 5610 for financing critical to racing's future in Washington. Those bills can offset significant upcoming costs of HISA regulations. Jon White joins Joe and Vince to speak to the national three-year-old picture, less than three months out before this year's Kentucky Derby. Pool Four of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager is in effect this weekend, closing Sunday at 3 pm. Emerald Downs now has Las Margs Café in the stable area with first day of operations on Monday, Feb. 24. After the first week, regular hours will be 7 am to 2 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. EmD's Fifth Floor remains open seven days a week for simulcasting, including many top tracks in action this Monday, Feb. 17 for President's Day.

With the calendar turned to 2025, Emerald Downs is gearing up for its 30th season of Thoroughbred racing, Opening Day on Sunday, April 27. Horses begin training on the track on Monday, February 24. Another date to note is Saturday, February 22. That evening, horse and human achievements of 2024 are recognized at the WTBOA Awards Banquet, open to the public. Washington Hall of Fame trainer Tim McCanna and Turfway Park Track Announcer Tony Calo join Joe and Vince on this edition of Horseracing NW. McCanna, 10-time training titlist at EmD, figures to have a stronger local presence this season. Calo calls the races Wednesday-Saturday at Turfway, first race at 2:55 pm. Turfway averages over 10 starters per race and their $0.50 P-5 payoff averages over $40,000!