Live racing at Emerald Downs will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays, the track has announced.

Opening week features racing on Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25, with first post 2:15 p.m. Wednesday and 5 p.m. Thursday. Racing will be conducted without fans, with all wagering via Advanced Deposit Wagering companies.

Emerald Downs previously announced a Monday-Tuesday racing schedule, but with a glut of tracks operating on those days decided on a Wednesday-Thursday format.

Last month the Washington Horse Racing Commission approved a 44-day season running through Oct. 4. The $100,000 Longacres Mile (G3) is set for Sunday, Sept. 13.

Horse racing without public participation is included in Governor Jay Inslee’s “Safe Start Washington” plan. Upon entering Phase 4, racing will open to the public and Emerald Downs will return to a traditional weekend race schedule.

The Wednesday, June 24 program marks the official return of live professional sports to the state of Washington.

Emerald Downs announced in May that the popular 2020 2uly 3rd Fireworks Spectacular was cancelled.

The above is a press release from Emerald Downs. Beyond our own reporting of the July 3rd event, the Auburn Examiner has not independently verified its contents.