Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington, delivered one of its most exciting finishes on Sunday, Aug. 6, when 32‑1 underdog Adios Jojo was declared the winner of the 91st Longacres Mile. The decision came after race officials disqualified the heavy favorite, Touchy, for interfering with Adios Jojo in the final stretch.
Race recap
Trained by Auburn’s veteran trainer Howard Gibson, Adios Jojo broke cleanly from the gate and quickly took a position on the lead pack alongside Touchy and Si That Tiger. Jockey Kevin Orozco guided the horse into an early lead and maintained a steady rhythm through the backstretch, never showing signs of fading.
As the horses entered the home stretch, Touchy drifted inward, impeding Adios Jojo’s path. The interference prompted an immediate inquiry by race stewards, who reviewed the replay footage. After consulting with the Auburn track’s race administrators, officials ruled that Touchy had violated racing rules, resulting in its disqualification.
Trainer and jockey reactions
Gibson expressed gratitude for his team’s effort, saying, “I have a great team, I have great gallop boys. Santos Gonzales and Jose Rivera, all of them have done a great job. A lot of my job is talking to people, it’s not so much about the horses anymore—it’s finding the races and talking to people.” He added, “I am just glad Kevin did what he did. Kevin got out to an early lead and the horse ran great. This is something I have really dreamed of; it’s an amazing moment for me right now.”
Orozco, who rode Adios Jojo, praised the horse’s performance, noting the smooth trip out of the gate and the control the horse maintained throughout the race.
Other highlights from the card
The day’s card featured several notable performances. Aloha Breeze captured the Emerald Distaff with a wire‑to‑wire victory, while Miss Dynamic repeated that feat in race one. Light the Beam surged in the third race to beat Bert’s Prospect, and Bruce’s Moose posted a fast 1:17.19 for six and a half furlongs under trainer Dan Markel.
In the Washington Thoroughbred Trainers and Owners Association (W.T.B.O.A.) Lassies Stakes, Mattie Goingcoastal, the 4‑5 favorite, won the six‑furlong contest in 1:11.01. Later, Coal Front Kid edged Diamond Dasher in a close finish, and Tipitap rallied from last place to win the Washington Oaks, giving trainer Blaine D. Wright and jockey Blake Nunnally a memorable victory.
Robin Racer, guided by Frank Alvarado, delivered a calm, strong run to win the final stakes race of the evening, while Guard Your Spot, ridden by Allyssa Morales, secured the last race of the day for the Muckleshoot Casino Resort purse.
Looking ahead
Emerald Downs will return to the track on Aug. 23, with gates opening at 12:20 p.m. and racing beginning at 1:50 p.m. Fans can anticipate more thrilling contests as the summer meet continues.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
