Make plans for Opening Day, Kentucky Derby day, at Emerald Downs! May 2 is just over a week away for the start of the 2026 season. Gates open at 11:00 am with the first race of the meeting at 1:50 pm. The 5th Floor will open for simulcasting at 7:30 am and Derby day action from Churchill Downs begins at 8:00. Get on your Derby day attire and headwear for some great prizes.

Mark Glatt will be the first Emerald Downs (former) trainer to start a horse in the Kentucky Derby when he saddles So Happy on May 2. Glatt grew up in Auburn and trained locally until relocating to southern California in the early 2000s. He was inducted into the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame just last summer. He joins Joe and Vince on this week’s podcast, as does Anthony Stabile. “The Big A” always provides astute information on big races and has made countless winning selections for northwest fans for over 20 years.