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Bill Downes Profile
Bill Downes

@billdownes1

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Golden Gate Fields track announcer Packers season ticket holder. Graduate of Marquette University. Pacers/Chelsea supporter.

Joined October 2011
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
11 days
Lammas winning the San Francisco Mile at Golden Gate Fields on April 27, 2024.
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
5 years
My Dad passed away peacefully late Sunday night. I was the luckiest son in the world. He loved me, family, friends, the Green Bay Packers, and horse racing in that order. He was an incredible people person. People weren't strangers for long around him. Loved that quality. RIP Dad
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Bill Downes
3 years
Found this gem from 2017 when Monomoy Girl broke her maiden at Indiana Grand.
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Bill Downes
6 months
I'm leaving Emerald Downs after two seasons and taking the Golden Gate Fields announcing job for their final year. I really enjoyed ED and Seattle and want to thank Phil Ziegler for hiring me. I will miss working with Vince Bruun and Joe Withee in particular.
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Bill Downes
4 years
Bad personal news. My Mom passed away on Monday morning on her birthday at the age of 76. Still best of friends with my late Dad even after a divorce, I hope that he and my late sister welcome her to heaven.
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Bill Downes
2 years
Horse racing is not just a paycheck to me, it is my genuine passion. I look forward to exciting announcing opportunities in the future. As they say: “Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life”, this has been my good fortune. See you soon everyone. 5. end
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Bill Downes
2 years
I have some personal & professional news that I would like to share with everyone. I will not be returning to Indiana Grand in 2022. As most people that follow me know, I have had quite a few significant changes in my personal life throughout the past couple of yrs. (continued)
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Bill Downes
4 years
A new record of $5.979 million bet at Indiana Grand on Indiana Derby day!! That shatters the old record of about $4.1 million. @IGRaceCourse @RacingRachelM @ericahalstrom #ThankYouBettors
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Bill Downes
5 years
I just got word from Arlington that they will name the 4th race on Sunday May 26 after my late Father!! Come one, come all!! Thank you to @HowardSudberry for making this happen!
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Bill Downes
4 years
A year ago, I lost my Dad to cancer. I am awful with remembering anniversaries especially bad ones. Wish I could talk to him now about fun things like the Packers draft or hitting a pick 4 or when the turf course would open up at Undiana Grand. He packed a ton of life in 85 yrs.
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Bill Downes
6 months
My stepDad, Larry, passed away last Friday. My parents got divorced when I was very young though it was not an angry divorce. I essentially had three parents growing up. Larry was as important as my Mom and Dad in a terrific childhood. All three of them are gone but not forgotten
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Bill Downes
5 months
Happy opening day @GGFracing !! 9 race card. Quite a view from the booth.
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Bill Downes
5 years
We had my Dad's Celebration of Life yesterday at Players Pub and Grill. I think my Dad would have been proud. Plenty of Miller Lite (his fav beer) was consumed. Thank you to everyone that took the time to be there. Meant a ton to me, Megan, and his brothers and sisters.
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Bill Downes
4 years
What a day handle wise at Indiana Grand!! $3.027 million dollars bet on the 10 race card. It is the biggest non-Indiana Derby handle day ever for this track!! Thank you bettors!!! @ericahalstrom @RacingRachelM @IGRaceCourse @IGTammy
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Bill Downes
5 years
Since it is @KentuckyDerby week, my late Dad had quite a collection of tickets dating back to 1974. He never missed til 2018 even though I dont have all of the tickets. Lots of post Derby parties. lol.
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Bill Downes
3 years
good luck to me. picture of Ind Grand.
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
7 months
If u don't get why Mahomes slid in bounds at the 2 yd line after getting a first down then u literally don't understand football.
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Bill Downes
11 months
Warming for the 2nd race at Emerald Downs with Mt. Rainier looking on.
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Bill Downes
5 years
$4,104,656 bet on the ten race Indiana Derby card at Indiana Grand. It is a new record handle at Indiana Grand!!!!!!!!! #ThankYouBettors @RacingRachelM @NancyUryHolthus @Peterlurievo @IGRaceCourse @IGTammy @DRFHersh
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Bill Downes
3 years
$2.7 million in handle on the ten race Wed card at Indiana Grand. I don't remember a number like that in April before so thank u bettors!! Sure the pick 5 carryover helped but that's a huge number 4 us especially w/out the turf course in use yet. @IGRaceCourse @ericahalstrom
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Bill Downes
5 years
I am back in the announcer's booth at Indiana Grand today after my "sabbatical". @TVG
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Bill Downes
5 years
We had a QUADRUPLE DQ in the 10th race at Indiana Grand. Not sure how else to describe it. 2 and 4 DQ'd for interference on 3. The 1 DQ'd for interference on the 2. The 4 DQ'd for interference on the 7. @RacingRachelM Never had I seen anything like this.
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Bill Downes
5 years
I am taking a mini sabbatical from announcing the races at Indiana Grand starting on Friday. Personal issues have come up. I will make an announcement on the reason in the near future.
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
3 years
All vaccinated! 2nd shot of moderna three hours ago. Feel great so far.
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Bill Downes
4 years
New racing schedule at Indiana Grand. Opening day will be Monday June 15. A Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday schedule is on tap with a first post at 2:20 pm eastern time. 90 racing dates total.
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Bill Downes
2 years
Made it to Seattle area. Opening day @EmeraldDowns is this Sunday. Entries taken tomorrow for opening day.
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
2 years
$2.122 million bet on the ten race card at Emerald Downs. Thank u bettors!!
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Bill Downes
5 years
well, that was a ton of fun! Thank u to @JohnGDooley , @HowardSudberry , and everyone at @ArlingtonRacing for making this day happen. I will never forget it.
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
4 years
Fauci won by about six feet. #socialdistance
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
4 years
It is looking like a June 14 opening day at Indiana Grand.
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Bill Downes
4 years
Just stings. Earlier this month, Jon and a few of my other Ind Grand colleagues were planning for the 2020 racing season. And now, he is gone. Hard to process. I feel so sad for his wife, Janie, and his family.
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Bill Downes
4 years
Okay, here's the update on jocks and horses. Jocks first, Ramos walked back into jock's room. Gomez and Jimenez were transported to hospital with non life threatening injuries. 1/2
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Bill Downes
4 years
For the 8th time in my life, the Green Bay Packers will play in the NFC Championship. First time without my Dad. He had Packers season tickets since 1957. Had a running conversation with him during the game. #GoPackGo #Packers
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Bill Downes
2 years
$2.268 million bet on the ten-race card at Emerald Downs on a Sunday. Fun day of racing. Thank you bettors!!
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Bill Downes
5 years
Today is a happy day since I know Arlington will be around for decades to come. Illinois came to their senses and approved slots for the tracks, sports gambling, and weed. I like the first two.
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Bill Downes
2 years
She is from there, and after 14 years of following me in the name of my career and caring for myself and my family during these times, it feels time to let her have a home base where she is supported. 4
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Bill Downes
5 years
Year number 7 for me at Indiana Grand in the books. One more race to go on the closing day card at Indiana Grand. It was a record handle year at IG!!! Next year's schedule will be similar with a few tweeks. I think u guys will like it. It will come out in a few weeks.
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Bill Downes
2 years
Longacres Mile Day is in the books. Handle on the ten-race card was $3.205 million which was the second highest handle day in Emerald Downs history!! #ThankYouBettors
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Bill Downes
3 years
Always happy when trainer Lon Wiggins wins a race at Indiana Grand. He used to share beers with my late Dad at Arlington back in the day.,
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Bill Downes
4 years
Huge week for handle at Indiana Grand!! Over 2.4 million on all four days opening week. We are off til Monday.
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
5 months
on my way out to the west coast for the start of Golden Gate Fields, only a 2,600 mile road trip from eastern time zone that only gets beat by @BeemieAwards but this is my second 2.5k mile roadie in three months and third in eight months. Thank God for Sirius/XM.
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Bill Downes
5 years
Congratulatons to @davidgutfreund for winning the NHC Tour and $100k. Simply an incredible seven weeks to come out of no where to win it.
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
4 years
$100,000 guaranteed pick 5 on Indiana Derby Day this Wednesday! Starts on 8th race. No jackpot rules. Indiana Oaks is 10th race and Indiana Derby is 11th race. #ComeGetSome
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Bill Downes
2 years
@OGPoppa3 @IGRaceCourse That could be the biggest compliment I ever received. Wow.
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Bill Downes
10 months
Nine race card at Emerald Downs with some good betting races starts in 45 mins. Weather is glorious. Track is fast. Huge on-track crowd. Mt. Rainier is out.
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Bill Downes
4 years
Are u kidding me???!! $383,745 in the pick 5 at Indiana Grand. #HolyCow
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Bill Downes
5 years
Just love the Arlington Million. My late dad and I were there live for the inaugural Million. Grew up in Chicago. We were both huge John Henry fans. He struggled over the wet turf but found a way. Wish we had camera phones back then to have a momento of the day.
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
5 years
I am now over at Harrahs on the Strip and they have the Fortune Cup horse racing game.
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
5 years
Thank you John! Thank you Arlington!
@JohnGDooley
John G. Dooley
5 years
Haven’t missed calling many races @Arlington_Park in 20 seasons but this one glad to sit back and watch @billdownes1 honor his father by calling it on Sunday.
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Bill Downes
2 years
Day 1 in the books @EmeraldDowns . Next racing day is Saturday! Had lots of fun.
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Bill Downes
8 months
Second season announcing at Emerald Downs is in the rear view mirror. On my way back east. Had a blast. Seattle area is a special place weather wise in the summer.
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Bill Downes
2 years
That's a wrap on the 2022 racing season @EmeraldDowns .
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Bill Downes
5 years
Guess I better clean off the binoculars and see what crayons I have. Opening day at Indiana Grand is tomorrow.
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Bill Downes
5 years
Oh it's true!! It's damn true!! Your semi friendly track announcer qualified for the NHC @ClubHawthorne . Had a great day in a live bankroll contest! @Quigleys_Corner @megabucks75 @davidgutfreund @RacingRachelM
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Bill Downes
2 years
The pandemic has put restrictions on everyone’s world, but I have taken the time to re-evaluate how I would like to live. For several months, my significant other & I have been looking for places in Western Pennsylvania. 3
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Bill Downes
3 years
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Bill Downes
5 years
Where did Ohio Derby winner, Owendale, break his maiden????? At little old Indiana Grand.. that's where!
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Bill Downes
4 years
Pick 5 carryover at Indiana Grand going into Thursday of $53,136!!! @TVG @IGRaceCourse
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Bill Downes
2 years
The death of my only sister and both parents has left me without a support system here in Indiana. During these yrs, there have also been professional opportunities that I have not been able to consider due to my family’s needs. 2
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Bill Downes
3 years
The final in my series of videos of cool horses that ran at Indiana Grand is Owendale for @bradcoxracing . Winner of over $1.5 million and still in training. He broke the maiden at Indiana Grand in September of 2018.
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Bill Downes
5 years
Not that I was making this up. It's real now. :)
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Bill Downes
5 years
My dog, Lambert, watching his Dad on @TVG calling the races on opening day at Indiana Grand.
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Bill Downes
3 years
I have never played a round of golf in my life but I love The Masters. I put in for tickets every year. I am watching it over the NFL and I am all about the NFL.
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Bill Downes
5 years
Street Band is legit. What a fabulous ride for jockey Sophie Doyle! First woman jockey to win the Indiana Oaks!! Went off at 3/1 too!
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Bill Downes
1 year
Decided to drive to Monmouth Park for their handicapping contest. Top 2 go to Vegas for NHC.
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Bill Downes
3 years
Saw plenty of Arlington lists from media members but I have a list of patrons/individuals that made that place great over the yrs. Green Bay Bob Gary, Don Bara, Kevin the bartender, John Frank, Scott McMannis, John Dooley, and my late Dad make the list. I will miss that place.
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Bill Downes
5 years
@bkravitz thought replay showed his head didnt hit the floor.
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Bill Downes
2 years
Opening day @EmeraldDowns ! Win, place, and show takeout is an industry low 14.7%. Nine race card on tap. First post around 2:15 pm pacific time.
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Bill Downes
4 years
zulu alpha wins the million dollar pegasus world cup turf! I seem to remember him winning a couple of races at little old Indiana Grand. @RacingRachelM
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Bill Downes
2 years
Not going to lie, I have been lacking on my horse racing tweets. Life got in the way with moving to PA. Well, @EmeraldDowns starts a week from Sunday. Expect a bit more tweets and general horse racing thoughts.
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Bill Downes
5 years
boom. thats for u dad. I will be at Lambeau in 10 days. What I would do to call him right now. This pic was at his wedding reception! Note the Packer gear. @megabucks75
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Bill Downes
2 years
Finally, Mt. Rainier is out on a race day/night!!!! Seven races tonight with first post at 7 pm pacific. Track is fast. @EmeraldDowns
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Bill Downes
3 years
Another cool horse that broke the maiden at Indiana Grand was Mr. Misunderstood. This gelding broke the mdn in 2016. Went on 2 win the Super Derby, Jefferson Cup, Commonwealth, Woodchopper, Wise Dan, and River City Hcap (twice). Won close to $1 million! @bradcoxracing
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Bill Downes
4 years
I find it funny that one of the nicknames that the Washington Redskins are considering are the change to the Washington Warriors. I went to Marquette. We went from the Warriors to the Golden Eagles due to the offensive nature of the nickname and this was almost 30 yrs ago.
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Bill Downes
3 months
I have lived in quite a few diff states. Always had my childhood home in suburban Chicago to come back to. Lost my sister in 2016, Dad in 2019, Mom in 2020, and step-Dad in late 2023. House that was in my family for 50+ yrs was put up for sale and closed today. Happy but sad.
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Bill Downes
4 years
My Mom passed away last week. Been going through docs and other stuff but I came across this gem of me at age of 7 writing my Mom and Dad a three sentence letter that seems rather appropriate. Excuse the poor grammar. @megabucks75 @RacingRachelM
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Bill Downes
4 years
can we please get rid of daylight savings time?
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Bill Downes
3 years
@barshoelife @RacingRachelM u black out the singles but not the serial number? lol
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
3 months
El Camino Real Derby up next @GGFracing !
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Bill Downes
5 years
Isnt that the 2nd year in a row where the Kentucky Oaks winner won her debut at Indiana Grand? @RacingRachelM
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Bill Downes
3 months
@davemeltzerWON Rocky didn't think he would get booed out of the building.
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Bill Downes
5 months
Friendly reminder of the $59,767 pick 5 carryover @GGFracing on Friday. Starts on 4th race.
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Bill Downes
4 years
U have to be kidding! Bill's Best Bet #1 Risky Behavior wins the 4th race at Indiana Grand and pays $9 to win. I put her in my stable mail immediately after her debut.
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Bill Downes
5 years
Prepping for the NHC. Much more relaxing getting out here to vegas a few days ahead of time. Have 85% of my handicapping done for friday.
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
4 years
2,000 career wins for jockey Fernando De La Cruz!!! @IGRaceCourse
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
4 years
Congrats on the win @KirkHerbstreit with Soul Streit in 3rd race at Indiana Grand!!
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Bill Downes
4 years
What a ride by jockey Ricardo Mejias on Dean Martini to take the Ohio Derby!! Daring middle move up the rail and holds on for the win for trainer @TomAmossRacing What a claim by Amoss.
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Bill Downes
5 years
Been under the weather for last few days after a week in Vegas. It's not like I go nuts out there. Ultra dry climate, being around smoke, putting in 100% effort in the NHC, and travel is enough to knock me on my proverbial ass.
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Bill Downes
4 years
Congrats to jockey Rocco Bowen as he picks up career win #1 ,000 aboard Dox Folly in the 9th race at Indiana Grand!
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Bill Downes
2 years
Over $2 million in handle today @EmeraldDowns on the Sunday ten race card!! Off to a tremendous start to the meet. Next race date is Saturday.
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Bill Downes
5 years
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@HSIndyTammy
Tammy Knox
5 years
Congratulations to @IGRaceCourse Track Announcer Bill Downes who qualified for the NHC at @ClubHawthorne this past weekend - he's headed to Vegas in February! Good Luck @billdownes1
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
2 years
Time to kick things off on Longacres Mile Day @EmeraldDowns !!
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
2 years
I want to thank @HorseTourneys for allowing me to host the two-day webcast of their Flo- Cal Faceoff handicapping contest. You can catch the replays on YouTube. @derby1592 was a blast to work with as well.
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Bill Downes
5 years
I know one great Bears fan is watching this game in heaven in Chet Coppock and one great Packers fan is watching in my late Dad. So glad football is back.
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Bill Downes
2 years
Congrats to trainer Frank Lucarelli for his 2000th win as a trainer!!! River Kat took the 4th race on Sunday at @lonestarpark to give Frank the milestone win!
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Bill Downes
2 years
I told u I was moving to Pittsburgh. Not here yet for good but OBLIGATORY pic of nhl hockey ))kraken at penguins.
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
5 years
This is sort of a big deal for me. The first year the Packers season tixs have been sent to me since my Dad passed away. @megabucks75 @davidgutfreund
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Bill Downes
2 years
Longacres Mile on Sunday at Emerald Downs is an extremely bettable race. ML fav and defending champ, Background, is no lock. Top Executive, Slews Tiz Whiz, and Papas Golden Boy are all very live. Fun race. Whole card will hopefully entice bettors.
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@billdownes1
Bill Downes
4 years
I think the most interesting addition to the jock colony at Indiana Grand is Rocco Bowen. He was leading jockey at Emerald Downs in 2018 and just started riding again in the last week with a win at Belterra for trainer Genaro Garcia. Rocco is aboard quite a few for GG on Monday.
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Bill Downes
3 years
@mmamania u r losing credibility real quick.
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Bill Downes
5 years
The wynn race and sportsbook is really slick and well designed.
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