Grants Pass Downs to open June 16 for racing

Grants Pass Downs in southern Oregon has resurrected plans to hold live races this year and will run nine dates spectator-free beginning June 16, the track said Monday.

Grants Pass had earlier canceled its live race meet for this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but the track said that it will now hold live racing on a Tuesday and Wednesday schedule through July 8, with a post time of 4 p.m. The track had been scheduled to start its 2020 meet on May 10.

The track’s stable area opened for training Monday. The track said it has implemented protocols to limit contact between officials who are necessary to conduct training and racing operations, in consultation with state health officials.

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“We have worked tirelessly to ensure that we can safely run races while complying with Oregon’s COVID-19 public health regulations,” said Randy Evers, general manager of the track. “Although we are disappointed that we cannot allow spectators at the summer meet, we are committed to doing our part to help keep our community safe and healthy.”

Grants Pass is the second track in the Northwest to announce a return to racing after postponing a 2020 meet. Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash., plans to return to racing spectator-free as of June 22, running on a Monday and Tuesday schedule.