Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington is a very appropriately named racetrack…it is indeed a gem of a place. With Mt. Ranier serving as a backdrop (at least on a clear, sunny day) the track is clean, super friendly, horsemen-oriented and hip.

Best of all, the management of Emerald Downs embraced KTTC with wide open arms on its biggest day of the year, Longacres Mile Day, August 20. Thanks to president Ron Crockett, Director of Marketing, Susie Sourwine and Director of Merchandising, Kerry Dalton, a group of 28 KTTC kids and parents were treated like special guests for a special day of racing.

At the heart of the story is KTTC alumnus, Sophia Mckee, herself a very special girl with a talent for leadership and a great love of thoroughbred horseracing. The 17 yr.old Washington native came up with the idea of a local KTTC trip to Emerald Downs and promised to be the point person with both the track and the local kids. KTTC Vice-President Anne Palmer needed no arm-twisting to agree to be the official KTTC rep for the trip and the rest, as they say, is history.

A trivia contest based on the history of the Longacres Mile was devised and posted on the KTTC web site, with answers posted on Emerald Downs’ web site. Sophia placed a notice of the trip in her 4-H newsletter and between the contest winners and the 4-H club members, 17 kids assembled Sunday morning on the apron of Emerald Down’s one mile oval.

With 10 parents in tow, the group was greeted by Geoff Cooper, a former jockey who had outgrown his chosen profession but now is enjoying a promising career in Public Relations for Emerald Downs. Geoff gave a detailed tour of the Jockey’s Room, explaining all the equipment, the role of the valets and the colors man and what many of the jockeys go through to keep their weight in check.

Next they loaded onto a tram and toured the stable area, stopping off at the Equine Veterinary Hospital for an in-depth look at this facility. The managing veterinarian spent a considerable amount of time explaining surgical procedures, what kinds of ailments and injuries are treated here and answered numerous questions.

At the end of the tram tour, Geoff reminded the group that his family’s training operation, headed by Jim Penney, had six runners that day including Edneator in the big race. Some of the parents took heed and later backed the only Washington-bred horse in the field at the tune of 41-to-1. Sure enough, Edneator came romping home to provide Geoff and his family with their biggest victory ever! Thanks Geoff for the informative tour and the "heads-up".

Once the gang was settled in their reserved seats, out came the goody bags from Emerald Downs. Each kid got a tee-shirt, a hat, a button and a cool pen. Now looking like walking billboards for Emerald Downs, they headed to the paddock for the first race, the "Kids to the Cup Purse". Director of Broadcasting, Joe Withee, interviewed Anne live, giving her the opportunity to publicly thank Emerald Downs and give a little background on KTTC and the kids involved. KTTC was in the spotlight again after the race in the Winner’s Circle where everyone got their picture taken with the winners and again with Mr. Crockett as he handed Anne a donation of $500 to KTTC!

Time for the delicious box lunches Emerald Downs had waiting and some handicapping lessons for the parents. Sophia organized small groups of kids to go visit track announcer, Robert Geller in his booth on the 6^th floor throughout the afternoon. Everyone got a chance to watch the personable Australian work, 'up close and personal'.

A group also got to meet Mike Pegram,Washington’s leading owner and one of the most recognizable owners in the entire country. (One of Mike’s star runners, Real Quiet narrowly missed winning the Triple Crown a few years ago.) Mike signed autographs, posed for pictures and gave the following advice to budding thoroughbred owners…"Don’t give up your day jobs!"

All-in-all, a great day was had by everyone present. Any KTTC member who gets the chance to visit the "jewel' of the Northwest is strongly encouraged to do so. Be sure to identify yourselves as KTTC members and stop by to visit our good friends, Susie, Kerry and Geoff. Kudos to Sophia for doing a great job and best of luck to her in her pursuit of a career in the Thoroughbred Industry. Sophia has her sights set on becoming the next Julie Krone!