Grants Pass Downs | TD Thornton
Grants Pass Downs will not hold the meeting in 2022 due to a shortage of horses. The meeting was originally announced in February.
Grants owner Travis Boersma said: “As a result of the Oregon Racing Commission vote to deny The Flying Lark a license to operate, Grants Pass Downs has lost its economic incentive, “Travis Boersma, owner of Grants.
Cross the Downs. “While we remain hopeful of being able to host a viable race, uncertainty here and across the industry has resulted in a sharp reduction in the number of racehorses at Grants Pass Downs. At this point, it is clear that running the meeting is not feasible. ”
Grants Pass Downs is privately funded by Boersma starting in 2019. The track, race and wallet are expected to be funded by profits from entertainment venue The Flying Lark.
“This is the result of a lack of understanding and appreciation by the state and leadership of the equine industry and the needs of rural Oregon. I believe this is just the beginning of a ripple effect that will be felt in communities across the state as a result of the leadership’s actions,” said Boersma.
The meeting cancellation is expected to eliminate about 50 jobs over the course of the race season, in addition to more than 200 jobs lost due to The Flying Lark’s rejection.
Boersma added: “Rescuing horse racing in Oregon has always been one of my top priorities. “Going forward, I sincerely hope that horsemen’s associations, private investors and the state can jointly find a way to continue the sport.”
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This story was posted in Top News and tagged Governor Kate Brown, Grants Pass Downs, The meeting is canceled, Oregon, Lark, Travis Boersma.
