Grants Pass Downs in Oregon Cancels Spring Meet

The Oregon Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association distributed the following statement on March 26 from Randy Evers, president of Grants Pass Downs:

"Grants Pass Downs has made the decision to cancel the upcoming spring race meet, which was scheduled to begin May 10, due to health and safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, the backside will not open for training in April.

"Grants Pass Downs management explored every possible avenue for continuing with our planned racing schedule. However, as none of the options aligned with our commitment to the health and safety of our staff, athletes, horsemen and women, racing fans and our community, it became apparent we had to make this difficult decision.

"These are unprecedented times for all of us, but amid the uncertainty and fear we are inspired by the unwavering love and support people are showing for one another—and the creative ways we are offering that support, despite shelter in place orders and social distancing measures. The ingenuity of the human spirit and hard work of regular people to help others reminds us that we are all in this together, and we will come through these difficult times stronger.

"As this crisis passes and we have better information about our racing future, we will share details with you. We will be exploring all opportunities to honor our summer and fall race meets. That will include dates to open the backside, setting final race dates and getting back to racing our wonderful equine athletes that we have all grown to love.

"We wish every one of you good health and encourage you to take the very best care of yourself, your families, friends, and neighbors."