Emerald Downs to Increase Purses Again in 2022

Emerald Downs announced Sept. 23 a 10% purse increase to its overnight races for the 2022 season. This is the second consecutive year that purses have been increased 10%. Additionally, next year's Longacres Mile Handicap (G3) will have a purse of $150,000, a $50,000 increase from the past two years. This year's 86th Longacres Mile was won by Background, who edged Windribbon. The race is the lone graded stakes at Emerald Downs. The 2021 season marked the return of fans after spectatorless racing in 2020 with the onset of COVID-19. "Our race fans came out to enjoy the beautiful weather, great racing, and popular promotions," said Emerald Downs president Phil Ziegler. "Revenue from admissions, food and beverages, and wagering were all better than projected. That enables us to put more money towards purses in 2022." The purse increase announcement comes after the track met with representatives from both the horsemen and breeders' group. Incentive programs including the popular shipping bonus will return. This year, the track offered $10,000 to any new trainer who brought at least 10 horses to the track from outside Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. Each season the track receives a purse supplement from the Muckleshoot Tribe, which owns and operates Emerald Downs. Emerald Downs' stable area is scheduled to open at the beginning of March.