“Northwest Triple” Offers $100,000 Bonus For 3-Year-Olds

Riser finished first in the 2017 Emerald Downs Derby and third in the BC Derby

EMERALD DOWNS, HASTINGS RACECOURSE
ANNOUNCE NEW NORTHWEST TRIPLE

AUBURN, Wash. (February 15, 2018) – Northwest 3-year-olds will have their own triple crown in 2018.
Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, BC and Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash.—separated by just 165 miles/265 kilometers—will offer a $100,000 bonus for any horse that sweeps a new three-race series, the tracks have announced.

The “Northwest Triple” begins with the Muckleshoot Derby at Emerald Downs on Sunday, July 29, continues with the BC Derby at Hastings on Saturday, September 8, and concludes with the debut of the $100,000 Getaway Stakes at Emerald Downs on Sunday, September 23. Additionally any horse with a top three finish in all three races will receive a $10,000 bonus and any horse starting in all three races will receive a $1,000 bonus.

Hastings General Manager Darren MacDonald said the Northwest Triple is a natural given the tracks’ proximity and race dates.

“We have some great racing in the Northwest and these bonuses should create a lot of excitement for owners, trainers, and the fans,” MacDonald said.

Emerald Downs Vice President of Racing Jack Hodge believes the bonuses will help both tracks, “Our partnership with Hastings grows each year and the horsemen have a chance now to run for some nice bonuses.”

Emerald and Hastings are also teaming up on three additional bonuses*:

· $25,000 bonus for any horse sweeping the Longacres Mile on August 12 and BC Premiers on October 8.

· $25,000 bonus for sweeping the Washington Oaks on July 22 and British Columbia Oaks on September 8.

· $25,000 bonus for sweeping the Emerald Distaff on August 12 and Ballerina on October 8.
Hastings opens its 52-day season on Saturday, April 21 and Emerald Downs opens its 67-day meeting on Sunday April 22.

*Bonuses paid in Canadian dollars.
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