Emerald Downs Concludes Safe Meet With Record Handle
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Photo: Emerald Downs
Racing at Emerald Downs
Emerald Downs concluded its 38-day 2020 racing season with record average daily handle. The track's 25th season was conducted with strict COVID-19 protocols and without spectators.
Daily wagering averaged $1,796,475, a 61% increase over last year's average. Most of the wagering came from internet and mobile site customers located throughout the United States and Canada.
Track president Phil Ziegler reported there were no positive COVID-19 cases.
"We want to thank all our stakeholders for working together safely," he said. "We had unprecedented challenges not only at the track but in all aspects of our lives. We were the first professional sport to return in the state of Washington and through everyone's efforts we were able to put on a healthy and successful meet."
Good health was not limited to human participants. Over the 391 races conducted there were zero catastrophic breakdowns from the 2,895 starters.
On-the-track accomplishments included trainer Blaine Wright winning his first Longacres Mile Stakes (G3) with Anothertwistafate, Frank Lucarelli winning his seventh training title with 42 wins, and Alex Cruz taking the jockey title with 72 wins in his first season at Emerald Downs.