6/10/2026
(Auburn, WA) Many fans were surprised to hear a bell ring after the 1st race las Friday night. Looking down at the winner’s circle they saw a new bell installed near the entry/exit.
Emerald Downs decided this year to add the new ringing of the bell tradition which started just a few years ago at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas. This gives owners and trainers and conenctions the chance to ring the bell after they get their picture taken. If they choose to ring the bell they also agree to make a donation to th0roughbred horse aftercare.
In Washington state that means the money will go to the WTBOA’s Prodigious fund which was created by track Vice President Jack Hodge and is named after one of his horses that he retired on his ranch until his passing at the age of 26.
We talked with Hodge about the Prodigious fund, what the goals are and some of the challenges there are in making sure when a horse ends their career there is a place for them to go.
ESN talks with Jack Hodge about the Prodigious Fund
When the connections ring the bell they are donating to the fund to help organizations place retired thoroughbreds. The donations begin at $10 and generally so far the average donations is $25.
Hodge said on opening night some fans came down and asked about the bell and wanted to donate as well. Hodge says this may lead to a way that fans can ring the bell and take a picture in the winner’s circle for a minimum donation.
Very early results were good but there is going to be an educational process of the bell program. Many of the winning connections on the 1st weekend didn’t really know what the program was all about.
The idea is to get to a point where connections can’t wait to ring the bell.
Link to WTBOA Prodigious Fund web page
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