TOUCHY INVADES $125,000 LONGACRES MILE
AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 12, 2026) – In four decades as a jockey and trainer, Wesley Ward has won just about everything in racing except the Longacres Mile.
That could change, however, when Ward sends out highly regarded Touchy in Sunday’s $125,000 Mile at Emerald Downs. The 91st renewal of the Northwest’s most historic race anchors a 12-race card featuring six stakes events. First post is 1:50 p.m.
Touchy is the 7/5 morning line favorite, followed by top local threats Si That Tiger (2/1) and Slew’s Tiz Whiz (4/1). Rounding out the field are Executive Chef (12/1), He’s Not Talking (12/1), Adios Jojo (15/1), J. B. Books (20/1) and Catch a Breeze (50/1).
With over 2,500 wins and $108 million in earnings, Ward has enjoyed spectacular training success, including 10 leading trainer titles at Keeneland, six Breeders’ Cup victories, and an unprecedented 11 victories at Royal Ascot in England. Before switching to training, Ward was an outstanding rider and winner of the 1984 Eclipse Award as the nation’s outstanding Apprentice Jockey…