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Grants Pass Downs Featured in New Your Time Article
Oregon racetrack featured in New York Times report.

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Grants Pass Downs Featured in New Your Time Article

GRANTS PASS, OR—JULY 22, 2021—The spring/summer season wrapped two weeks ago, but Grants Pass Downs has become a national story in racing.

In a lengthy New York Times article written by two-time Eclipse Award winner Joe Drape, Grants Pass Downs is lauded for its commitment to safety and community. The story—No Need for Speed—was published and appeared online Monday, featuring 10 photos by Times photographer Joe Kline.

CLICK HERE to read the article.

Drape traveled to Grants Pass last month, spending several days interviewing jockeys, trainers, owners, fans and track officials. The recurring theme is that the horses always come first.

"Our sincere thanks and appreciation to Joe Drape and the entire team at the New York Times," said track president Randy Evers. "Grants Pass Downs is deeply honored and humbled to be recognized for our efforts by a world class newspaper. The two days our team members, owners, trainers and jockeys spent with Joe at our racetrack were very special.

"Joe was extremely insightful when he focused on our first and highest priority of safety for human and equine athletes. He also learned of our community focused commitment and a culture of inclusivity where women jockeys, trainers and owners are valued and thrive."

Drape also cited a thriving community of women jockeys, trainers and owners at Grants Pass Downs, interviewing jockeys Joree Scriver, Mckenzie King and Taylor Smith and trainers Jaqueline Smith and Mary Boyle.

The article also highlights the track’s upward trajectory under CEO Travis Boersma, with handle increasing from $60,000 daily to over $400,000, and a long-term commitment to keep horse racing alive and well in Oregon.

"It’s a great sport that we have," Boersma said in the article. "I think there’s a way to do it in a classy way, and I have a really simple plan — show some T.L.C. to the horses and the people who care for them. When people love on each other, good things happen."

Courtesy AQHA Racing.