Emerald Downs: Sunday is Turn Back the Clock Day celebrating Horse Racing of the 1970’s!

8/3/2023

(Auburn, WA) Sunday Emerald Downs is turning back the clock to the 1970’s celebrating Longacres and one of horse racing’s golden ages. It of course was a time when horse racing was center stage with Secretariat, Seattle Slew and the famous Affirmed-Alydar battle. It was an event, many would dress up, the turf club was buzzing and the sport held a different level of grace and dignity. This is not a referendum on what is happening today, it is a time comparison and it’s not just racing times have changed for everything.

Racing in the 70’s was far different beginning with the wagers that were available. At Longacres for many years there was win, place show that you could bet only in $2, $5, $10 or $50 tickets. There may have been $20 and/or $100 options as well. There was also the $6 combo ticket which was a $2 win-place-show bet or the $15 combo. Plus a $2 daily double on the 1st two races and a $5 minimum exacta bet on the 10th race. And that was it. These tickets were colorful and kind of fun to have.

When the computers took over we began getting the receipt looking tickets we still get to day. This of course opened up wagering of all kinds from virtually any amount of money such as a $7 win to a 20-cent superfecta.

Emerald Downs will be going back in time on Sunday with many things but all bettors will be faced with a reduced wagering option where the only bets you can make on Sunday will be win, place, show, exacta and trifecta on each race. There will a daily double on the 1st and 2nd races and the 9th and 10th races.

Along with the nostalgic wagering will be $3 admission with a program included, food and beverage specials plus other 70’s style things you’ll notice such as the old running numbers on the screen to all 70’s music being played throughout the day. Fans are encouraged to wear their best 70’s outfits with gold chains, puka shell necklaces and your best sweater vest, bell bottom jeans and knee high boots.

The Emerald Downs video department will have several features on the big screen, former jockey Champions Gary and Vicky Baze will be on hand with other 70’s surprises as well. There will be 2 Stakes races as well the Lads will run as the 7th race and the Lassies will go as the 9th. 1st race post time is 2pm.

ESN talked with several folks that were here and working in the business in the 70’s and below you can hear what each had to say as they reflected back to those glory days of yesteryear.

Hall of Fame Trainer Howard Belvoir