Grants Pass Downs Names Evers President

Oregon's Grants Pass Downs has named racing industry veteran Randy Evers its new president. Evers will be responsible for overseeing racing operations and executing the organization's vision to establish Grants Pass Downs as a top tier racing destination on the West Coast.

Evers has deep experience working within Oregon's racing industry, having served as executive director of the Oregon Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (OHBPA) from 2013-2019 and as executive director of the Oregon Racing Commission (ORC) from 2007-2013. Prior to that, he spent more than 30 years with Oregon's Department of Revenue where he oversaw the state's property tax division, personal income tax division and business tax division. In addition to his exceptional background and track record in managing large, complex organizations, Evers has a lifelong passion for racing and has been an owner of Thoroughbred horses for more than four decades. 

"Randy will be an invaluable addition to our team, and we are excited to add his leadership and thorough knowledge of Oregon's racing industry," said Kendra Lellis, vice president of Grants Pass Downs. "Randy understands the opportunity for Grants Pass Downs to be a driver of economic growth, as well as how a healthy racing industry benefits our communities. His experience working with Oregon's horsemen and horsewomen will help to ensure our vision is holistic and mutually beneficial for all."

Evers, who grew up going to the races with his family throughout Oregon and across the West, is eager to apply the insights and industry knowledge he has acquired over his career to build a successful and sustainable future for the sport in Grants Pass, which picked up the state's commercial license after the 2019 closing of Portland Meadows.

"Grants Pass Downs is poised for growth as we fill the gap left behind by the closure of Portland Meadows, and I'm looking forward to working with Kendra, Rod and the team to establish Grants Pass as a racing destination on the west coast," said Evers. 

"There is great enthusiasm for the future of racing here in the local community, among the horsemen and across the industry. Grants Pass Downs is well positioned for long term success and we believe our vision will establish a sustainable growth model for racing's future."