Phil Ziegler, who grew up attending races at Belmont Park in Long Island, New York, now serves as the president of Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington. Known for his youthful spirit, Ziegler has created fun, quirky events like corgi races, T-Rex races, and even grandparent races that draw crowds and give the track a wider national appeal.
During the summer racing season running from late April through early September, Seattle-area tracks offer a variety of unique promotions, including kid races and Indian relay races tied to the heritage of the Muckleshoot Tribe, owners of Emerald Downs. These events have garnered attention from media outlets nationwide, with highlights such as the Corgi World Championship and T-Rex races airing on ESPN2’s annual “The Ocho” sports lineup.
Ziegler’s goal goes beyond generating track revenue—he aims to introduce horse racing to new generations and broaden the sport’s fan base. Since becoming president in 2015, Ziegler has brought extensive marketing experience, including work with casinos and racetracks, to help boost Emerald Downs’ profile.
The viral nature of these eccentric races brings significant recognition to Emerald Downs, attracting visitors from multiple states and even internationally, which in turn benefits local tourism and sponsorship sales. Though it’s difficult to measure first-time visitors precisely, these events encourage repeat attendance and spread by word-of-mouth amplified through social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok.
While the short-term financial gains come from admissions, parking, concessions, and betting, every dollar matters for a track like Emerald Downs, which does not have casino revenue to supplement its earnings. Ziegler emphasizes that on-site spending often rivals or exceeds betting revenue generated from out-of-state wagers due to the fees involved.
Though Washington has no casinos on the track itself, the close relationship with the Muckleshoot Tribe and their nearby casino creates a synergistic boost for the local economy and racing industry. However, Emerald Downs faces stiff competition from expanding casinos with broader gambling offerings, requiring the track to be creative and customer-focused.
With many nearby tracks closed or downsized, Emerald Downs has seen increased field sizes and horse populations, drawing participants from Northern California and other locations seeking racing opportunities. On betting policies, Emerald Downs has introduced a “Dynamic Morning Line” to provide bettors with real-time insights and trends, supporting transparency and informed wagering.
Ziegler also expressed concern about the costs associated with the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), which has imposed fees that currently challenge the financial model of tracks like Emerald Downs. While supportive of safety improvements, Ziegler calls for fairer funding solutions to ensure sustainability.
The ongoing backing from the Muckleshoot Tribe, which has invested over $1 million annually since 2004, remains a critical pillar for Emerald Downs. Ziegler views the biggest opportunities in the enthusiasm of attendees and finding innovative ways to utilize the property, but acknowledges challenges ahead as costs rise and competition from other states increases.
In summary, Ziegler’s leadership is marked by inventive promotions that attract new audiences, strong local partnerships, and a willingness to adapt in a competitive, evolving horse racing landscape.
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Fan Take: This news highlights innovative efforts to revitalize horse racing by attracting fresh, diverse audiences with entertaining, community-centered events. For horse racing fans, these creative approaches could be key to sustaining the sport’s future by engaging new generations and maintaining regional relevance amidst growing competition.
