Auburn, WA (6-29-14) — Who knew the same tribe that owns the two Emerald Queen Casinos and one hotel in Fife, also owned the horse race track called Emerald Downs in Auburn? But in hindsight, it stands to reason that the track built in what was traditionally Muckleshoot Indian territory reflects an eagerness on the part of NW tribes to cooperate with one another. Muckleshoot (the landlord/owner of the property itself) business interests are advertised everywhere at the track.
General gate admission is $7/adult (children under 17/free) for a colorful fun day at the races. Parking will be another $7 unless you want to hike six blocks or more to the distant free lots or wait for the tram the track graciously provides at no charge for those who would rather walk (or ride the tram) than pay high parking fees. The sign at the gate advises no glass, drinks, thermos containers or other comestibles likely to compete with the concessions inside are allowed. Smuggling a couple of sandwiches inside and a cold plastic bottle of water is recommended.
The track takes about a 17% cut of the para-mutual betting and distributes the rest to those who bet on the ponies. The concession snacks (chili fries, cheese-burgers, etc.) are pretty mediocre. The food at the buffet inside the Emerald Queen in Fife is considerably better.
Someone spent a lot of money designing and building the track. The money acquired from selling the old track not too far from the Sea-Tac mall may have helped a lot given how valuable the land had become. And while the design of the facilities is good, the maintenance has been neglected. The galvanizing on the rail around the track is beginning to rust through. The grass on the infield appears to be poorly kept and dry in many spots.
Security was abundant, but people employed to pick up after the slobs strewing their trash from snacks/drinks everywhere were not. What should have been an idea photo op with beautiful animals, brightly colored silks worn by jockeys, decent landscaping, an excellent public address system, and people of every age from newborns to geezers was spoiled by the refuse dropped on the grandstands instead of in a trash can. Some areas were so slovenly abused they resembled the bottom of a trash dumpster or indoor movie theater.
The weather was mildly overcast with temperatures just cool enough to be inviting to spectators and race horses alike. The track is categorized as ‘fast’ using a sand base along with large grooming equipment to keep the surface uniformly smooth and level. Water is sprayed on it periodically to give it the right texture. Stable/Facility tours are offered Saturdays. An Irish band played from about 11:00 am to past post time beginning at around 2:00 pm.
A primer coat which would discourage oxidation and an epoxy/acrylic enamel should be applied to the track rail barrier to keep it from looking down at the heals. The rubbish heaped on the grounds by the inconsiderate slobs catered to combined with the rust visible where the rails are exposed to the elements is poor management for an operation which ought to be making a ton of money.
Irish wolfhounds were displaying between posting times. The Sweet Adelines sang the national anthem beautifully. A trumpeter bugled post times and occasionally took requests, dressed traditionally as though he were about to appear in the Queen’s court. Some young girls danced traditional Irish clog routines in fancy costumes between races.
The races consisted of sprints, 6.6 furlongs (about 3/4ths of a mile) and full mile contests. The oval track appears to be about a mile in circumference. A portable starting gate towed by a truck was used.
Slight correction to your story. Emerald Downs is not owned by Muckleshoot Casino. They purchased the land the racetrack sits on a number of years ago and serve as the landlord. Emerald Downs is independently owned and operated by Northwest Racing Associates, which does not include financial support from the prior sale of Longacres in Renton. General admission is $7 for adults, children 17 and under are admitted free along with military. Rewards members received admission for $5.