Emerald Downs Concludes 2026 Racing Season with Increased Purses and Attendance Growth
Emerald Downs recently concluded its 2026 live racing season, experiencing remarkable weather throughout its 47-day schedule. The track maintained a "fast" rating for an impressive 96% of its 395 races, accompanied by comfortable average temperatures of 70.4 degrees Fahrenheit. These pleasant conditions contributed to a more than 2% increase in on-track attendance compared to 2025, with a peak crowd of 10,025 fans attending a special event on July 3 that combined racing with a fireworks display.
While total wagering handle for 2026 saw a 7% decrease from the previous year, reaching $57,931,016, it still represented a significant improvement over 2024's daily average. On-track wagering followed a similar trend, showing a modest decline from 2025 but a substantial 13% increase from 2024 figures. Although the average field size decreased from 7.35 to 6.37 starters per race, leading to a higher percentage of races with six or fewer horses, horsemen benefited from an increase in purse money per start, rising from $2,088 in 2025 to $2,498 in 2026. The total number of unique horses participating in at least one race saw a decline, yet an influx of participants from British Columbia provided a welcome boost to the competition.
Despite a slight decrease in total purses paid, the average purses per race day increased by 2% to $133,708. Emerald Downs is now preparing to submit its application for the 2027 racing dates to the Washington Horse Racing Commission at its upcoming October meeting, aiming to build on the successes of the recently concluded season.
The successful completion of Emerald Downs' 2026 season highlights the enduring appeal of live horse racing and the dedication of its community. The positive trends in attendance and increased payouts for participants underscore a vibrant future for the sport, encouraging continued growth and engagement within the horse racing industry.