Portland Meadows will open for its 60th year of racing on Oct. 8 with a new race day schedule and an increase in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse stakes and overnight purses.Switching to a Sunday, Monday and Tuesday racing schedule with a first post at 12:35 p.m. PDT, Portland Meadows presents itself as a bridge for many racetracks and off-track betting facilities seeking to augment the gap of an early week, midday wagering opportunity.Horsemen will see an increase in purses in stakes and overnight events. Both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse races will enjoy an overall bump of 20.6%.
"This season is presenting itself as a marvelous opportunity for growth and success," said general manager Dwayne Yuzik."As we enter of 60th year in racing, we are confident that the increase in purses will draw more horses and the addition of Tuesday racing will help us to accomplish our primary goal – larger wagering pools."Portland Meadows is scheduled to run 78 live dates with the meet culminating on May 5, Kentucky Derby Day. Portland Meadows will host its annual City of Roses Derby Party for the third consecutive year on that Saturday afternoon, complemented by the running of the Oregon Derby. It is the only date in the season in which Portland Meadows will run a live race card on a Saturday.