UP AND RUNNING

Published 3:58 pm Monday, April 21, 2008

Under cloudy skies and periodic showers, Emerald Downs opened the chutes to its 13th season of thoroughbred racing last weekend.

The Auburn oval officially opened Friday night, with fans braving temperatures in the upper 30s, gusty winds and even snow flurries.

Saturday’s race card attracted diehard fans who braved the elements

to put down bets.

Left, Alvaro Rojas, rode to victory atop Auburn Lady in the fourth race.

The weekend was highlighted by veteran rider Juan Gutierrez, who captured his 500th career victory at the track on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, Gary Baze came out of retirement in style. Baze, the state’s winningest jockey, won his first race at Emerald Downs in nearly three years when he guided Brainstorm to an upset victory in the ninth race.

The 91-day meet ends Sept. 28.

First post is 6 p.m. weekdays, 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.