Page 13 - May 2022

Three other programs throughout the season will include a cluster of Quarter
Horse stakes. The first is set for July 23, featuring four stakes finals capped off with the $150,000 Gordon Mobley Futurity,
the $100,000 Jaguar Rocket Futurity, the $100,000 Heartland Futurity, and the $75,000 Horseshoe Indianapolis Classic. The day will begin at 10 a.m. as one of six all- Quarter Horse racing programs on the year.
Three Quarter Horse stakes are also slated for Sept. 3, highlighted by the $100,000 QHRAI Stallion Service Auction Futurity and $75,000 QHRAI Stallion Service Auction Derby. The Quarter
Horse stakes season will conclude Oct.
29 tagged as Indiana Champions Day
with three finals in the lineup led by the $150,000 Miss Roxie Little Futurity, the $100,000 QHRAI Derby and the $100,000 Governor’s Stakes.
All-Quarter Horse Saturdays will kick off June 4 followed by racing July 2, July 23, Aug. 13, Sept. 3, and Oct. 8. All-Quarter Horse Saturdays have a first post of 10 a.m. The 20th season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse
racing extends through Nov. 23. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/ horseshoe-indianapolis.
OREGON MEET CANCELED
Grants Pass Downs announced in February plans to hold a 2022 commercial race meet, but on April 12, the track let horsemen and the public know those plans had changed.
“As a result of the Oregon Racing Commission’s vote to deny an operating license to The Flying Lark, Grants Pass Downs has lost its economic engine,” said Travis Boersma, owner of Grants Pass Downs. “While we remained hopeful, we would be able to host a viable race meet, the uncertainty here and across the industry has resulted in a drastic reduction of race horses at Grants Pass Downs. At this point, it’s clear running the meet isn’t feasible.”
Grants Pass Downs became privately funded by Boersma in 2019. The track, race meet and purses were intended to be funded by profits from The Flying Lark entertainment venue. Despite going on
record outlining its disagreement with the motion, the Oregon Racing Commission denied a license for The Flying Lark at the urging of Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Oregon’s attorney general.
“This is the result of the state and its leadership’s lack of understanding of, and appreciation for, the equine industry and the needs of rural Oregon,” Boersma said. “I believe this is just the beginning of a ripple effect that will be felt in communities throughout the state due to the actions of leadership.”
The cancellation of the Grants Pass Downs meet will lead to the elimination of approximately 50 jobs during the racing season. Employees were notified on April 12, as were the horsemen and horsewomen on site. Those jobs are in addition to the more than 200 lost with the denial of The Flying Lark.
“Saving horse racing in Oregon has always been one of my top priorities,” Boersma said. “Moving forward, it’s my sincere hope the horsemen’s associations, private investors and the state can come together to find a path to continuing this sport.”
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