Training Begins at Emerald for 2015 Season
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Nearly 200 horses were on the grounds at Emerald Downs Feb. 2 as Thoroughbreds began training for the 2015 season, which begins April 18 and runs through Sept. 27.
Under a light drizzle, 3-year-old filly Pippa Bou Peep was the first horse on the track shortly after 8:30 a.m. PST. Trained by Charles Essex and co-owned by Essex with David and Linda Olson, the Washington-bred daughter of Harbor the Gold captured the 2014 Barbara Shinpoch Stakes and was a finalist for honors as the track's top 2-year-old filly.
The official count of 188 horses is down six horses from a year ago, although director of racing Bret Anderson said football might be a factor.
"The Super Bowl probably made an impact, and some people probably decided to wait a couple days," Anderson said. "I think things will pick up throughout the week."
Don Munger, 91 years old, was on hand for his 20th straight stable opening at Emerald Downs, hauling in a load of horses from his farm in Enumclaw. Other trainers on hand Monday were Blaine Wright, Howard Belvoir, Doris Harwood, Tom Wenzel, Terry Gillihan, David Martinez, Craig Walters, Sharon Ross, Greg Moore, and Jose Navarro.
Jeff Metz, winner of the last two training titles, said he would campaign a 30-horse string at Emerald Downs in 2015, with the horses arriving here in mid-March. And Robert Sodergren, assistant to 10-time Emerald Downs training champion Tim McCanna, said the stable's first horses would arrive from the farm soon.
Training hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, and fans can eat breakfast and watch training in the Quarter Chute Cafe.