Emerald Downs’ 2017 live racing season was officially extended two days during Friday’s monthly meeting of the Washington Horse Racing Commission at Auburn City Hall.

The additional days – Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23 and 24 – make for a grand total of 72 days. Also, the $65,000 Gottstein Futurity has been moved back a week to Sept. 24.

According to Emerald Downs President Phil Ziegler, the additional racing dates are due to a record spring rainfall that curtailed training and resulted in several shortened weekend cards consisting of seven and eight races.

“Horsemen endured an historically wet spring, so these extra days are an important addition to the schedule,” Ziegler said.

Post time is 5 p.m. on Sept. 23, and 2 p.m. on Sept. 24.