The sound of thundering hooves returned to Emerald Downs on Feb. 1 with the official start of winter training at the Auburn track.
Although opening day is less than two months away – April 13 – the mood at the track is already optimistic for the season, both in the stables and front office.
The bright outlook can be traced to Emerald Downs’ 82-day meet last year. Attendance numbers soared and wagering held strong, bucking national trends at other tracks.
“I think part of it was we were really efficient in our marketing,” said Adrian Buchan, the track’s director of marketing. “Our ad campaigns were very successful, as well as our partnerships with media outlets.”
One example of that success was Emerald’s participation in a Groupon deal-of-the-day campaign.
Through Groupon, subscribers received an email message, Facebook notification or reminder from Twitter, offering discounts at the track. Subscribers were able to share them with friends through social media or email, then print or present the offer electronically at Emerald Downs for a deal.
According to Buchan, more than 10,000 people took advantage of the Groupon offer last season.
“We offered admission, a program and $10 in dining for just $10,” Buchan said. “It’s the second year that we’ve done that, and it’s something we’ll do again because it was very successful for us.”
Considering signs of an improving economy, Buchan foresees another successful year for the track.
“Generally, horse racing nationwide has been experiencing a little bit of an uptick,” Buchan said. “The stabilization and improvement of the economy bode well for us.”
This season’s slate runs 81 racing days and features the 77th running of the $200,000 Longacres Mile (Grade III) on Aug. 19.
Also back this season will be last year’s Horse of the Meet, Noosa Beach.
Noosa Beach not only became the first to repeat as Horse of the Meet at Emerald Downs, but also became the all-time leader in stakes wins with 11, capturing three of the four stakes in 2011.
Noosa Beach, a 6-year-old Washington-bred gelding, has 14 career wins, with earnings of $520,722.
According to trainer Doris Harwood, Noosa Beach has fully recovered from a bruised foot sustained last September.
“He’s excited and happy to be back to work,” she said.
The 17th season runs until Sept. 23. Racing will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with Thursday racing added for six consecutive weeks beginning July 19. Holiday racing will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, and Labor Day, Monday Sept. 3. The annual Fireworks Spectacular will follow the races on Tuesday, July 3.
Post times will remain 6 p.m. on weeknights and 2 p.m. weekends and holidays.
