Continuing an enhanced relationship between neighboring tracks, eligibility requirements have been revamped for both the Washington Cup at Emerald Downs and British Columbia Cup at Hastings Racecourse.

Beginning this year, all Xpressbet.com Washington Cup races will be open to WA bred or WA sired horses. Four of the six Washington Cup races will expand eligibility to BC bred or BC sired. Those races include both stakes events for 3-year-olds and both stakes races for older horses, including the $50,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Classic.

In turn, Washington-bred or Washington-sired runners are eligible to compete in four of the BC Cup races at Hastings Racecourse, including a pair of August 1 stakes events for 3-year-olds and two October 16 stakes races for older horses.

The agreement continues a strong relationship between Emerald Downs and Hastings Racecourse. Last month the tracks announced a new $25,000 bonus (CDN) for any 3-year-old colt or gelding that sweeps the Emerald Downs Derby and BC Derby or 3-year-old filly that sweeps the Washington Oaks and BC Oaks.

"We have been working with Hastings and their horsemen on a variety of ways to increase participation at both tracks,” said Emerald Downs President Phil Ziegler. “This latest agreement will help both of our breeding programs and our racing fans will be rewarded with bigger fields and more exciting races."

Grant Watson, Executive Director of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, said regionally bred horses need chances to earn big purses.

“The CTHS is very excited to be working with WTBOA, Emerald Downs and Hastings to improve the quality of home bred races while protecting the integrity of the local breeding industries in both British Columbia and Washington State,” Watson said. “Increasing racing opportunities for owners of these home-bred or sired horses benefits everyone.”

The following stakes are affected:
$50,000 BC Cup Stellar’s Jay, 3YO, 1 1/16 M, Aug 1, Hastings
$50,000 BC Cup Dogwood, 3YOF, 1 1/16 M, Aug 1, Hastings
$50,000 WA Cup 3-Year-Old Stakes, 1M, Aug 28, Emerald Downs
$50,000 WA Cup 3-Year-Old Filly Stakes, 1M, Aug 28, Emerald Downs
$50,000 WA Cup Filly & Mare Stakes, 1 1/16 M, Aug 28, Emerald Downs
$50,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Classic, 1 1/16 M, Aug 28, Emerald Downs
$50,000 BC Cup Distaff, 1 1/8 M, Oct 16, Hastings
$50,000 BC Cup Classic, 1 1/8 M, Oct 16, Hastings