The New and Improved Grants Pass Downs
by Brandon Enyeart, NWHS
You might remember the article on Grants Pass Downs in Oregon posted here earlier this summer. It was written shortly after their yearly meet, which had one of their best turnouts to date. Since then, even more has been happening at Grants Pass Downs to help establish its place as one of the more progressive racetracks on the West Coast.
The Downs' Director of Communications, Tag Wotherspoon, recently broke the news of an estimated $180,000-$200,000 remodeling project that took place over the last few months. As is typical of Wotherspoon, there was no shortage of enthusiasm on the new additions to the track, including a new drainage system and a brand new race-friendly track surface.
The new drainage system is a welcome addition to Grants Pass Downs, given that they had to cancel a portion of their meet earlier this year due to poor weather. The new system will not only prevent races from being cancelled, but will also provide a much safer environment for both horse and rider, which is just the kind of thing Grants Pass Downs is pushing for these days.
The project, headed by Copeland Sand and Gravel, corrected past mistakes in the facility's creation, improved the present track, and ensured that future generations will find maintaining Grants Pass Downs simple. Track experts from around the nation were consulted to establish a proper side slope and ensure the track was graded to perfection. Using laser technology, markers were placed along the fence to be used as reference in the future.
Don Jackson, for whom the track is named, says he is really pleased to be providing a more wallet-friendly facility for people who want to get involved with the sport. Expensive racetracks such as Del Mar, Santa Anita, and Emerald Downs are common on the West Coast, but Jackson hopes that aspiring owners, trainers and even young jockeys on a budget will find a home at Grants Pass Downs as they make their start.
The remodel project will mean a lot to local horsemen, who will now be able to train year-round. While it may not be as well known as Santa Anita or Emerald Downs, Grants Pass Downs' ongoing commitment to safety and sustainability makes it a leader in the future of the sport.
You might remember the article on Grants Pass Downs in Oregon posted here earlier this summer. It was written shortly after their yearly meet, which had one of their best turnouts to date. Since then, even more has been happening at Grants Pass Downs to help establish its place as one of the more progressive racetracks on the West Coast.
The Downs' Director of Communications, Tag Wotherspoon, recently broke the news of an estimated $180,000-$200,000 remodeling project that took place over the last few months. As is typical of Wotherspoon, there was no shortage of enthusiasm on the new additions to the track, including a new drainage system and a brand new race-friendly track surface.
The new drainage system is a welcome addition to Grants Pass Downs, given that they had to cancel a portion of their meet earlier this year due to poor weather. The new system will not only prevent races from being cancelled, but will also provide a much safer environment for both horse and rider, which is just the kind of thing Grants Pass Downs is pushing for these days.
The project, headed by Copeland Sand and Gravel, corrected past mistakes in the facility's creation, improved the present track, and ensured that future generations will find maintaining Grants Pass Downs simple. Track experts from around the nation were consulted to establish a proper side slope and ensure the track was graded to perfection. Using laser technology, markers were placed along the fence to be used as reference in the future.
Don Jackson, for whom the track is named, says he is really pleased to be providing a more wallet-friendly facility for people who want to get involved with the sport. Expensive racetracks such as Del Mar, Santa Anita, and Emerald Downs are common on the West Coast, but Jackson hopes that aspiring owners, trainers and even young jockeys on a budget will find a home at Grants Pass Downs as they make their start.
The remodel project will mean a lot to local horsemen, who will now be able to train year-round. While it may not be as well known as Santa Anita or Emerald Downs, Grants Pass Downs' ongoing commitment to safety and sustainability makes it a leader in the future of the sport.
Labels: oregon, regional news
posted by NWHS at
10:00 AM
2 Comments:
It's Grants Pass Downs
NOT Grant's Pass.. It's located in Grants Pass, Oregon, there is no apostrophe and we locals get pretty grouchy when it's spelled incorrectly through out a full article.
Thank you for pointing that out. The error has been corrected.
~NWHS editorial staff
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