State Awards Racing License To New Auburn Horse Track

Developers of a proposed thoroughbred racetrack planned for Auburn won two major court victories last week.

On Monday, it was another victory for Northwest Racing Associates; the state Horse Racing Commission issued a license for operation of the proposed track.

The order granting the license stated, “It is in the best interest of legitimate horse racing and the future of the thoroughbred industry in the state of Washington to grant a license to Northwest Racing Associates to conduct parimutuel wagering and hold a race meet at the site in Auburn, Wash.”

In a letter to Northwest Racing president Ronald Crockett, commission chairwoman Barbara Shinpoch said the commission looks forward to the opening of Emerald Downs next spring.

“It has been a long, arduous struggle and we are pleased to award this license to you and your organization,” Shinpoch wrote.

Last Friday, U.S. District Judge Thomas Zilly refused a bid by a citizens group to halt construction of the track.

The day before, the state Supreme Court turned aside the group’s argument that the Auburn City Council relied on a faulty environmental impact statement when it issued permits for construction of the track.

Construction on the new track began April 18. Racing is to begin next spring.

Football

Eastern Washington players selected two members of the offense and two from the defense as co-captains for the 1995 season, coach Mike Kramer announced.

Representing the offense are lineman Tom Ackerman and tight end Jesse Hardt, both seniors. Defensive cocaptains are sophomore lineman Chris Scott and senior linebacker Dion Alexander.