Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:03:02 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/ en-us http://oregonracing.com/news/images/logo.gif http://oregonracing.com/news/ jolene@oregonracing.com http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1255.html Starting on March 8th, 2010, all jockeys at Portland Meadows will be required to use equine friendly riding crops that conform to a new house rule at the North Portland race track. Portland Meadows along with the help from horse people Ron Sutton of Sutton Tire and Chain in Portland and Debbie Funk of the Vince Funk All State Agency in Olympia, Washington, have purchased sixteen of the new softer equine friendly riding crops from four different companies. Riders will use these crops in all races conducted at Portland Meadows beginning on March 8th. “I’m thrilled with how Portland Meadows management has worked with the riders on deciding to use the equine friendly riding crops,” said Darrell Haire, west coast regional manager of the Jockey Guild. “These riding crops are safer for the horses and it is a win-win situation for everyone involved.” Equine friendly riding crops are generally lighter, shorter and feature a softer and smoother flap, which is the part that comes into contact with the horse. The equine friendly riding crops have been used at Del Mar in California as well as at Arlington Park in Chicago and Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. They have consistently received favorable reviews from both riders and horsemen. The equine friendly riding crops are made of a much softer leather and makes a louder popping noise when used, thus the horses respond more to the sound than the physical reaction. “I’ve used the new crops up at Emerald Downs both in the morning and in races,” said local jockey Robert Burney. “I think that they seem to be very fair and I certainly feel comfortable riding with them.” Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:03:02 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1254.html Shame on Rosie had to overcome a torrid pace battle throughout the early stages of the $10,000 Oregon Ms. Stakes, but was able to find her stride and held off challengers to win by one and a quarter lengths. Sent off as the 2/5 favorite in a field of six Oregon bred three year old fillies, Shame on Rosie went right out for the lead. Nita Juanita was sent after her early, and floated the favorite out to the five path as the two sped into the clubhouse turn. Shame on Rosie was able to shake clear of that rival as the field turned onto the backstretch, but had to go through punishing opening fractions of 23.33 for the quarter and 46.87 for the opening half mile. Shame on Rosie built up a big lead as she turned for home, and though she was visibly leg weary in the final furlong, she held off her stable mate Amanda’s Turn, who rallied on for second. 41 to 1 long shot Yamasham finished up in third. Shame on Rosie races for owners Gate 2 Wire Racing and trainer Ben Root. Marijo Terleski was aboard for the winning ride, and has been aboard the 3 year old daughter of Seattle Shamus for all three of her career wins. Shame On Rosie has now won three of seven career starts for earnings of over $30,000. Final time for the one mile Oregon Ms. Stakes was 1:42.44. News and Notes *Juan Gutierrez had four wins on the Wednesday card *Leonel Camacho Flores had a riding double *Jim Fergason and Ben Root both had training doubles on the Wednesday program *Trainer Howard Belvoir’s entry in the day’s third race finished first and second, the second time that’s happened this year for a Belvoir entry. Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:51:08 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1253.html Portland Meadows has announced that the purse for their signature race, the Portland Mile has been increased from $40,000 to $50,000 for the 2010 edition of the race, to be held on Wednesday April 28th. This year’s Portland Mile will be the 45th running of the annual event for older horses and is contested over a one mile distance. “Working in collaboration with the Oregon HBPA, we’re very excited to announce an increased total purse for the Portland Mile from $40,000 to $50,000,” said Director of Racing Jerry Kohls. “Hopefully by doing this, our signature race will now be a black type stakes event and should draw more interest from horses up and down the West Coast.” In the 2009 Portland Mile, Crafty Power broke the track record for the distance, covering the eight furlongs in 1:35.94. Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:12:04 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1252.html Seven Torrents went right to the front and never looked back as he scored wire to wire to win the $49,600 OTOBA Derby at Portland Meadows. The three year old son of Cascadian broke perfectly and was able to navigate moderate fractions of 48.49 for the opening half and three quarters in 1:13.21. As the field approached the quarter pole, Seven Torrents began to slowly pull clear of second choice Smoken Sham, who chased for most of the way. Promiscuous Lad was able to come up the rail to rally into the second spot, well clear of Cascade Carson who finished third. Sevent Torrents was ridden again by Juan Gutierrez who was aboard for his local debut, which was a powerful win in the OTOBA Stallion Stakes. Seven Torrents races for trainer Jim Penney and owners Remmah Racing Inc. He has now won four of seven career starts, and his career earnings are up over $55,000. The final time for the one mile race was 1:39.33. News and Notes…….Portland Meadows set an all sources handle record of $1,557,830 on Wednesday. The previous record was $1,434,445….Juan Gutierrez had a riding triple on the card, sweeping the last three races of the day….Jockey Robert Burney was unseated from his mount Sarah Mac in the day’s second race after clipping heels with entry mate Call Me Emily. Burney was taken to the local hospital and was released after being treated for a broken nose and some facial cuts. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:51:33 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1251.html From the Daily Racing Form: Trainer Ben Root thought he had a nice prospect after Smoken Sham overcame trouble to win his debut at Portland Meadows on Oct. 5. Victories in the Dennis Dodge Memorial there in his second start and Bill Wineberg in his third start only reinforced Root's opinion that he might have something special. Then came the OTBA Stallion Stakes at Portland Meadows on Jan. 18. Full story here Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:45:36 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1250.html The February 18th Oregon Racing Commission meeting has been cancelled. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:20:45 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1249.html The connections of 3 year old Oregon-bred Seven Torrents are taking an $8,000 gamble to run their 3 year old in the OTOBA Derby on Wednesday, February 10. Seven Torrents was not nominated for the race as a youngster, so his connections have paid the $8,000 supplemental nomination fee. Seven Torrents is coming off a powerful win in the OTOBA Stallion Stakes January 18, where he beat a number of the rivals he’ll face on Wednesday. Seven Torrents will again be ridden by Juan Gutierrez for trainer Jim Penney and owners Remmah Racing Inc. Seven Torrents is the morning line favorite in the race at 4/5. Smoken Sham has been given the second choice role in the morning line at 3/1. Smoken Sham is coming off a disappointing effort in the Stallion Stakes where he ran fourth and was even paced for much of the race. Joe Crispin will once again be on board for trainer Ben Root, who will also saddle Promiscuous Lad. Promiscuous Lad comes off a 3rd place finish in the Stallion Stakes and will once again be ridden by jockey Troy Stillwell. Smart As Jim will make his return to stakes action in the Breeders’ Derby after a disappointing fourth place finish against allowance foes on January 25. In a race that doesn’t feature a lot of early speed, Smart As Jim could find himself up on the early lead, along with possibly Cascade Carson who may send from the outside post position. Longshots Rockhill Gold and Tristan round out the field of seven for the Derby, slated to be the 8th race on Wednesday, post time at approximately 4:15 p.m. Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:38:49 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1248.html Monarchos Cassie went right to the front and stayed there as she cruised to an impressive three and three quarter length win in the $18,000 City of Roses Handicap. Jockey Troy Stillwell was able to rate the daughter of Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos on the front end and slowed the pace down, with a slow opening half mile of :49.36 seconds. Turning for home there was little doubt that Monarchos Cassie still had something left in the tank as she exploded away from the two wagering favorites, Gameshy and Eloisa, who were left behind in second and third respectively. Monarchos Cassie races for owner Mylon Buck and is trained by Jonathan Nance. Monarchos Cassie completed the one mile and seventy yard journey with a final time of 1:44.34. It was her fourth win in just six career starts and she has now banked over $20,000 in her young career. Gameshy finished second as the even money favorite two lengths ahead of Eloisa who finished up third. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- News and Notes…..Troy Stillwell and Joe Crispin both collected riding doubles on the day…..Trainer Jonathan Nance is getting closer to catching current leading trainer Jerry Hollendorfer in the trainers standings. Nance picked up two more victories on Wednesday and only trails 40-33 in the standings with 28 days remaining…..All sources handle on Portland Meadows racing for Wednesday February 3rd was $1,353, 933, the second highest single day handle of the meeting…..The Pick 4 pool on Wednesday was the largest since the bet began three weeks ago, with $21,492.46 bet. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:05:59 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1247.html Chuck Dybal of The Daily Racing Form previews Wednesday's City Of Roses Handicap: Monarchos Cassie has been perfect in her brief career - except when running in stakes. She will try for a breakthrough when she takes on six rivals Wednesday in the $18,000 City of Roses Handicap at Portland Meadows. Article here. Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:50:25 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1246.html Portland Meadows will be $1 central on Presidents’ Day Monday February 15, 2010. Along with great Thoroughbred racing action starting at 12:40pm, we are having a Big Value Day at the track. There will be a $1 hot dog bar on the main concourse level that will feature a bevy of free toppings and goodies. Fans will also find $1 prices on fountain sodas, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, popcorn, giant soft pretzels, and bags of potato chips. The day's racing program will be $1, and admission and parking are always free. Along with all the great $1 specials, Portland Meadows will also be offering a great Big Value all you can eat buffet in the 3rd floor Turf Club. The buffet will feature baby back ribs, grilled chicken quarters, cowboy baked beans and many other delights for $9.95 per person. The buffet will be in the Portland Meadows Turf Club located on the 3rd floor from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday February 15 will also be Trail Blazer Fun Day at Portland Meadows. Portland Meadows is proud to welcome members of the Blazer Dance Team for a meet and greet autograph session from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. There will also be Trail Blazer personalities on hand as well as some great Trail Blazer Merchandise and tickets to be given away. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:07:33 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1245.html Stealth Attack returned to his winning ways as he made a big move on the far turn to win the $9,000 Invitational Handicap at Portland Meadows. The win was the thirteenth for Stealth Attack, who has now earned over $128,000 in his solid career for owner Jim Gilmour and trainer Sue Gilmour. Stealth Attack sat back in the second flight as Thunder Thorn and Paris Island dueled with one another for much of the way. Paris Island put away Thunder Thorn at the quarter pole, but was immediately tackled by Stealth Attack. Stealth Attack clinched the lead, and held off a late closing Gameshy who rallied to snatch the place. Paris Island stayed on for third. One Quick Brew was sent off as the 6/5 favorite, yet only managed a fifth place finish. Stealth Attack was ridden by leading jockey Joe Crispin, and completed the one and one sixteenth mile in 1:47.73. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:17:52 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1244.html Seven Torrents (Cascadian - Seven Affairs, by Super Seven) shipped up to Portland Meadows from Golden Gate Fields and easily won the $16,500 OTOBA Stallion Stakes. Juan Gutierrez kept the big favorite just off the pace from Shame on Rosie, who set the early fractions. Turning into the lane, Seven Torrents took command and gradually edged away to a decisive 2 and ¾ length win. Shame on Rosie stayed on bravely for second with Promiscuous Lad finishing up third. Previously undefeated Smoken Sham could not muster a rally and finished 4th. Seven Torrents races for owners Remmah Racing and trainer Jim Penney. News and Notes...Luis Torres and Juan Gutierrez both recorded riding doubles on the card...The Pick 4 pool had a total handle of $9,261 dollars for the first day of the new wager at Portland Meadows. Even though the sequence featured one favorite and three low priced second choice winners, the return was a huge overlay at $120.40 for a $1 wager...All sources handle for the holiday Monday card was $655,449, over 111% higher than last year’s handle on the same Holiday Monday. Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:54:39 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1243.html ORC website The Oregon Racing Commission will meet Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 1:30 pm in Room 1A of the Portland State Office Building located at 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland, OR. COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA APPROVALS: 1. Meeting Agenda 2. December 17, 2009 Meeting Minutes 3. Race Date Requests for 2010 Summer Meets a. Eastern Oregon Livestock Show b. Josephine County Fair c. Crooked River Roundup d. Tillamook County Fair e. Harney County Fair OLD BUSINESS: 4. Subcommittee Update Reports a. Advanced Deposit Wagering and Multi-Jurisdictional Hubs b. Best Practices c. Budget and Hub Funds d. Medication & Horse Welfare 5. Portland Meadows Report NEW BUSINESS: CONTESTED CASES: 6. Action on Final Order by Default for Kenneth D. Skaggs INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS AND APPROVALS: 7. Confirmation of Next Commission Meeting – February 18, 2009 RULES: OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION: PUBLIC COMMENT: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:30:37 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1242.html Jonathan Nance was looking for new racing prospects today at the Keeneland January Sale as his current string of horses were shattering records at Portland Meadows. Nance is the trainer of six winners on the nine race program. The six wins marks a new record for training wins in a day. "I expected to have a good day," said Nance. "To be honest, I’m kind of bummed Ice Cube didn’t win in the fifth," referring to his runner who was flying late and finished second. Nance swept the early daily double with a pair of big favorites, Justice For Al in the first and Polo Bender winning the second. Polo Bender’s win was the 16th of his fantastic career. In the third race Nance had Incredible, who got a very heady ride by Troy Stillwell and stayed just in behind a speedy duel up front. Incredible took the lead turning for home and won at 2 to 1. Oddly enough, the day’s fourth race was won by Felice the Cat, who had been in Nance’s barn until very recently when he sold the mare to Shawna Whiteside. In the sixth race, Luis Torres kept Delaware Doe off the pace and made a wide sweeping move to take the race in impressive fashion. Torres and Nance then once again teamed up in the seventh race to win with Summer Beauty, who had shipped up from Golden Gate Fields. Nance’s final entrant came in the form of Coronas At Delmar, who Nance claimed in his last start for $2,500 and jumped up to $6,250 today. With Torres aboard for his third straight winner, Coronas At Delmar took command at the eighth pole and never looked back, winning impressively and giving Nance his sixth winner of the day. Coronas at Delmar is owned by Shelly Nance, Jonathan’s wife, who was at the track representing the Nance family in Jonathan’s absence. "I thought we'd have a good day," said Shelly Nance. "But I didn’t think he’d win six, it was very exciting!" All told, Nance used four different riders and won for four different sets of ownership groups. Nance will return from the Keeneland sale on Sunday. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:38:45 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1241.html From the Daily Racing Form: MI Developments, the parent company and largest creditor of the bankrupt racetrack company Magna Entertainment Corp., will take possession of Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, Golden Gate Fields, and Magna's account-wagering company, XpressBet, after an agreement was reached with Magna's creditors' committee, several officials involved in the bankruptcy said on Monday. Complete story here UPDATE: The Wall Street Journal adds MI Developments would also have the right to receive the assets or proceeds from the sale of Portland Meadows. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:23:36 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1240.html Starting on Monday January 18, 2010, Portland Meadows will be offering a Pick 4 wager each and every live racing day on the last four races of each race card. The Pick 4 will be a $1 base bet and there will be no carryover, 100% of the net pool will be paid out each day. The new Pick 4 will replace the Pick 5 which will have its last day on Wednesday January 13, 2010 and will feature a mandatory payout on that day. Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:03:21 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1239.html Fans at Portland Meadows will have the chance to win cash each and every live racing day by playing a new game called "Beat the Announcer". Starting on Monday January 18th, fans can sign up each live racing day for the opportunity to out pick PM Track Announcer Jason Beem in that day's 5th race. If their selected horse finishes ahead of the announcer's pick in that race, the fan will win $50 cash and a 'I Beat the Announcer' t-shirt. In addition, if the fan wins, there will be $1 specials for all racing fans at Portland Meadows. Entry blanks for "Beat The Announcer" will be found in that day's official live racing program and must be submitted into the entry box located at Guest Services Headquarters, by the start of the 3rd race. Portland Meadows will then draw a name and the player will have 30 minutes to check in with Guest Services to become that day's official player. The player will then be escorted up to the announcer's booth on the roof, where he or she will meet up with the track announcer. The player will get first choice of a horse and the announcer the second pick. In order to win, the player's horse simply needs to finish ahead of the announcer's horse in the official running order. "Beat The Announcer" will start on Monday January 18, 2010 and will be played each day of the live racing season. Portland Meadows offers live racing every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday through the end of February. Starting on March 1, live racing then goes to a two day a week schedule racing on Monday and Wednesday. First post 12:40 pm. Special post of 11:05am on Kentucky Derby Day, May 1st. Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:49:35 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1238.html Portland Meadows live racing program for Wednesday December 30, 2009 has been cancelled due to track conditions. Live racing will resume as scheduled on Monday January 4th, with the traditional first post time of 12:40pm PST. Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:08:38 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1237.html Heavy snow fall and high winds caused the cancellation of the final two races on the Portland Meadows card, races 8 and 9. Racing will resume on Wednesday as higher temperatures are expected in the area, first post time is 12:40pm. Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:23:27 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1236.html From The Columbian WILLIAM J. KOSTERMAN Sept. 2, 1924 ~ Dec. 21, 2009 William J. Kosterman, 85, died of natural causes on December 21, 2009, in Vancouver, WA. Bill was born September 2, 1924, in Vancouver, WA to Lawrence and Mary Kosterman. In 1954 Bill moved to Boise, Idaho to start his own acoustical contracting business. In 1997 he sold the business and his farm in Nampa, Idaho and bought acreage in Ridgefield, WA and again made Washington his permanent residence. Bills passion in life was horses. As a teenager, he bought and sold horses for spending money. As a young man, he enjoyed riding and breaking horses. Later, he raised Thoroughbred race horses and raced them at tracks across the United States. But Bill was always happiest racing at Portland Meadows where he could attend the races regularly. Bill is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joy; a daughter, Laurie Allen (Phil); and son, Bill Kosterman (Ashli) both of Meridian, Idaho; and sons, Paul Kosterman (Mary Anne) and Greg James (Crystal) both of Boise, Idaho; two grandchildren; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. His brother, Jim; and sisters, Cecelia and Delores, preceded him in death. At Bill's request there will be no services. Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:25:40 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1234.html Merry Christmas from our barn to yours. Fri, 25 Dec 2009 13:46:16 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1233.html The ballots have been counted and Jim Fergason re-elected as President. Full results over at Oregonhbpa.com Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:43:01 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1232.html Wal-Mart plans to build near Portland Meadows. Click here for the story. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:35:23 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1231.html Champion Colt/Gelding of the 2009 Oregon Fairs: Easter Sonny Boy Champion Filly/Mare of the 2009 Oregon Fairs: Selina's Mask Congrats to Christa and Bruce Williams, and most especially Bern Kent! Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:31:03 -0500 http://oregonracing.com/news/Article1230.html From the Oregonian: To the rest of the world, she is Joy Carlson, retired Lake Oswego travel agent. But when she pulls open the front doors of Portland Meadows, as she did Monday, she is transformed. She is an Owner, with a stake in the outcome of Oregon Championship Day. The full article here Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:00:00 -0500