For the Reporter

Emerald Downs announced its live Thoroughbred racing schedule for 2016 – its 20th anniversary season – at the one-mile Auburn racetrack.

The 70-day racing slate opens Friday, April 9 and ends Sunday, Sept. 11.

The Washington Horse Racing Commission approved the racing dates Friday at its monthly meeting at Auburn City Hall. The schedule includes a 20th anniversary celebration in June and the introduction of Saturday night racing for four weekends in July.

Racing goes to the post on Saturdays and Sundays for the first two weekends with Friday night racing added to the schedule beginning April 22. Four-day racing weeks are on set for Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, and also for the track’s 20th anniversary celebration the week of June 17-20.

The 20-year anniversary is officially saluted Monday, June 20, with a special 6:30 p.m. card, marking exactly two decades since the track’s opening in 1996.

In a first, Emerald Downs offers Saturday night racing on July 9, 16, 23 and 30. First post is 6:30 p.m.

“Saturday night racing might bring out a different demographic, and we also have late daylight and prime weather in July,” said Emerald Downs President Phil Ziegler. “We also feel with the stronger horse population we saw last year that we’ll be able to support a handful of four-day race weeks in 2016.”

Post time remains 2 p.m. for all other Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, except Kentucky Derby Day, Saturday, May 7, when first post is 1 p.m. Post time Fridays is 6:30 p.m., and the annual Fireworks Spectacular is Sunday, July 3, with first post 4:30 p.m.

The 2016 stakes schedule, including the 81st running of the Longacres Mile (Grade 3), will be announced in January.

To learn more, visit www.emeralddowns.com.