Emerald Downs, Hastings Team on Bonuses

Emerald Downs in Washington and Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, British Columbia, will offer a bonus for horses that sweep the tracks' signature events for 3-year-olds in 2016.

Horses that sweep the $75,000 Emerald Downs Derby July 31 and $150,000 BC Derby (Can-III) Sept. 10, and $75,000 Washington Oaks July 24 and $100,000 BC Oaks Sept. 10, will earn a $25,000 (Canadian) bonus. All four races are 1 1/8 miles.

In addition, horses nominated to either the Emerald Downs Derby or Washington Oaks are automatically nominated to the BC Derby and BC Oaks. Allowance or stakes horses will receive a $500 (Canadian) stipend when they from Emerald Downs to Hastings Racecourse, and $400 (Canadian) when they ship from Hastings to Emerald Downs.

"I am happy to see that our tracks' commitments to work together are growing further," Hastings general manager Darren MacDonald said. "Having the best horses in the Pacific Northwest running in our marquee races can only help the sport, and adding the bonus will help to promote this."

Emerald Downs director of racing Bret Anderson said the new arrangement could help field size. "I am confident that it will be very beneficial to both entities and to the horsemen as well," he said. "It's a natural with our close proximity and our similar stakes schedules."

Emerald Downs will hold a 70-day meet from April 9-Sept. 11, while the 53-day meet at Hastings is scheduled for April 17-Oct. 15.