The Last Gem in Washington State!
On June 20, 1996,
Hastings Park invader Strawberry Morn, signaled the return of racing to
when she won the first race on the card, the U.S. Bank Stakes. Built
under the shadow of Mt. Rainier the modern six story structure replaced
the beloved Longacres Race Track, which went into the history books in
1992. Emerald oval is lighted for night racing.
Emerald Downs has a purse value index of 20 which is a top rating for a stand alone track. Emerald Downs continues the tradition of running the Longacres Mile(G III), the Northwest's premier race. Emerald Downs became the last commercial track in Washington State, after the closures of Yakima Meadows in 1998 and Playfair in 2000.
When the horses take to the track in 2014, it will be the eighteenth year of horse racing at the Auburn oval.