Horse Racing NW emeralddowns.com

Come to Emerald Downs on Saturday and root for Lonesome Boy in the $750-k Wood Memorial at Aqueduct! Lonesome Boy is the first Washington-bred to race in the Wood since Smokin Mel finished third in 1997. John Parker, top owner at EmD in six of the past nine seasons, campaigns Lonesome Boy, a son of Nationhood. Parker and family will make the trip for the big event. The race goes at 1:05 pm, EmD time.



Parker joins Joe and Vince on this special edition of Horseracing NW. Lonesome Boy has won at Aqueduct in January and followed that with a stakes victory at Parx last month. Also a guest is John Lindley, top northwest handicapper. He’ll look at the Wood and also the Blue Grass and Santa Anita Derby, all Saturday events. Opening Day at Emerald Downs is just four weeks away, Saturday May 4. It’s also Kentucky Derby day.

Jockey Carlos Montalvo had an outstanding 2023, first season at Emerald Downs. He tied for leading stakes jockey with Jose Zunino, each with four added-money triumphs. Montalvo joins Joe and Vince and speaks to the challenges of coming to a new venue, first season successes, his travels as a race rider, family and more. There’s also news, Sports Shorts, trivia on Horseracing NW.

Tom Harris is back as Track Announcer at Emerald Downs! Harris, the always popular race caller, had the EmD job from 2018-21 and speaks to his long announcing history and return to Auburn. Jon White is also a guest, now as a new member in the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame. White has worked in racing since 1974, the past 40+ in California, but has never forgotten his northwest roots. He’s been an ever-present contributor in the Emerald Downs era in radio, tv, internet and print.



With morning training underway at Emerald Downs, the Quarter Chute Café is open Wednesday through Sunday until 2 pm. The 2024 season begins on Saturday, May 4. Emerald Downs 5th Floor is open seven days a week for full card simulcasting with the popular Quick Pix food and beverage stand open longer on Saturday and Sunday, until 6 pm.

Winter and full card simulcasting at Emerald Downs go to together! The Fifth Floor is open seven days a week and tracks such as Aqueduct, Gulfstream, Laurel, Tampa Bay, Fair Grounds, Oaklawn, Santa Anita, Golden Gate, Turf Paradise and Turfway Park offer top action and big weekend stakes. The popular Quick Pix café is open 9 am to 6 pm on weekends.



In the Thoroughbred world, breeding and foaling season have begun and Nina Hagen of El Dorado Farms in Enumclaw joins the show. Hagen, despite some serious health issues, sounds like her ever-energetic and enthusiastic self. With husband Ron, they stand Washington’s top living sire, Coast Guard, and Barkley has his first crop of two-year-olds this year. Roy Brewer guests as well. He is working on the Feb. 24 WTBOA Awards Banquet and also speaks to two-time defending Emerald Downs Horse of the Meeting Slew’s Tiz Whiz.

Track President Phil Ziegler speaks to the upcoming Emerald Downs racing season, Opening Day scheduled for Saturday, May 4 (Kentucky Derby day). Ziegler, in his current position since the 2015 season, has overseen growth in many areas with innovative marketing ideas. Emerald Downs four-time leading trainer Jeff Metz is also a guest, he with a new position at Santa Anita. Sports Shorts and Trivia, too.



Go to emeralddowns.com for a great deal! Get a Season Admission Pass for just $55. The Fifth Floor is open seven days a week with the popular Quick Pix Café open Wednesday through Sunday. Quick Pix weekend hours are 9 am to 6 pm.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays from Horseracing NW! On Saturday night December 23, the Fifth Floor will be filled with music by a tribute group to “the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll band,” the Rolling Stones. Get your tickets early at emeralddowns.com. Full card simulcasting continues, seven days a week at Emerald Downs. Many top tracks in action this winter plus Santa Anita and Golden Gate begin on Monday, Dec. 26.



There’s a new sire at Pabst Blue Ribbon Farm in Buckley. His name is Alternation and he has racing and siring success from an outstanding resume. Washington Hall of Fame breeder Debbie Pabst joins the show and speaks to the new addition. Howard Hammer passed away in November at age 103. One of the most noteworthy members of the Washington logging industry for over 50 years and a Thoroughbred owner for as long, brother Jerry speaks to his life and accomplishments.