Oregon’s premier horse racing track hires former Oregon Racing Commission executive director ahead of its spring 2020 race meet
Grants Pass, Ore. – March 5, 2020 –Grants Pass Downs, Oregon’s premier horse racing track, has named racing industry veteran Randy Evers as its new President. Evers will be responsible for overseeing racing operations and executing on the organization’s vision to establish Grants Pass Downs as a top tier racing destination on the west coast of the U.S.
Evers has deep experience working within Oregon’s racing industry, having served as executive director of the Oregon Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association (OHBPA) from 2013-2019 and as executive director of the Oregon Racing Commission (ORC) from 2007-2013. Prior to that, he spent more than 30 years with Oregon’s Department of Revenue where he oversaw the state’s property tax division, personal income tax division and business tax division. In addition to his exceptional background and track record in managing large, complex organizations, Evers has a lifelong passion for racing and has been an owner of thoroughbred horses for more than four decades.
“Randy will be an invaluable addition to our team, and we are excited to add his leadership and thorough knowledge of Oregon’s racing industry,” said Kendra Lellis, Vice President of Grants Pass Downs. “Randy understands the opportunity for Grants Pass Downs to be a driver of economic growth, as well as how a healthy racing industry benefits our communities. His experience working with Oregon’s horsemen and women will help to ensure our vision is holistic and mutually beneficial for all.”
Evers, who grew up going to the races with his family throughout Oregon and across the West, is eager to apply the insights and industry knowledge he has acquired over his career to build a successful and sustainable future for the sport in Grants Pass.
“Grants Pass Downs is poised for growth as we fill the gap left behind by the closure of Portland Meadows, and I’m looking forward to working with Kendra, Rod and the team to establish Grants Pass as a racing destination on the west coast,” said Evers.
“There is great enthusiasm for the future of racing here in the local community, among the horsemen and across the industry. Grants Pass Downs is well positioned for long term success and we believe our vision will establish a sustainable growth model for racing’s future.”
Grants Pass Downs continues to make improvements to its facilities in advance of its spring 2020 meet, which begins Sunday, May 10. For more information, please visit gphorseracing.com.
ABOUT GRANTS PASS DOWNS
Located at the Josephine County Fairgrounds, Grants Pass Downs has hosted live pari-mutuel horse racing since 1968 and is now home to the largest race meet in the state of Oregon. Grants Pass Downs is the only venue approved by the Oregon Racing Commission to host live commercial horse races in the state. The track concluded its first commercial race meet on November 4, 2019.
