Important Notices/News
Notice to All Participants – Crooked County Roundup
As part of our ongoing commitment to equine health and safety, the Oregon Racing Commission—working with the Department of Agriculture—will offer EIA (Coggins) testing at no cost during the Crooked County Roundup on July 17, 2026. The Department of Agriculture will administer the tests on-site. This event falls on a weekday, allowing sufficient time for the Department to allocate the appropriate staff and resources.
If your horse has already received an EIA test on or after June 6, 2026, participation in the July 17 testing will be optional. Please note the ORC cannot reimburse any testing performed outside the official onsite test.
EIA antibodies typically take 2–3 weeks to develop, though operators recommend allowing up to 45 days or even 60 days in rare cases, before a horse will consistently test positive following exposure.
Test results are expected to be available the following week, and the Department of Agriculture will coordinate all notifications directly.
While this testing is enabled out of an abundance of caution, it’s worth noting that EIA is not highly contagious, and in our region it is not known to be spread by vectors. We simply want to ensure all bases are covered.
As always, please continue to practice good hygiene and sound biosecurity measures.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Please take a moment to complete the ORC Survey. This will assist the Commission in providing better services. Your opinion matters!___________________________________________
Effective November 21, 2025, the ORC Individual licensing fees have changed. These changes are outlined on the license application.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
For Immediate Release
Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association Launches “Racing Toward a Brighter Future" Campaign to Benefit the Josephine County Fairgrounds and Race Track Complex
Grants Pass, OR. May 5, 2026 - The Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association (SOHRA) is pleased to announce the kick-off of its initiative to revitalize the facilities at Grants Pass Downs, making it a vibrant hub for activities and events in Josephine County, Oregon. This multi-phase project will commence in the summer of 2026.
SOHRA is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the tradition of horse racing in Southern Oregon. The “Racing Toward a Brighter Future" project represents years of planning and dedication. Through thoughtful design and strategic development, the venue will become the jewel of the Josephine County Fairgrounds facility, hosting live events and entertainment for the community to enjoy.
Partnering with the Josephine County Fairgrounds, SOHRA is steadfast in its aim to transform the facility for the benefit of all fairgrounds visitors. “Horse racing is at the heart of the history of Josephine County Fairgrounds," says Tamra Martin, Fairgrounds Director. “We are thrilled to support SOHRA as they build their vision for the future."
Rod Lowe, SOHRA's President and CEO of the Horseman's Racing Association emphasized the importance of public investment in the upcoming project. “Racing Toward a Brighter Future is a way to bring our community together. All of us can play a part in renovating the grandstand, parking lot, new access to the soccer fields, a new space for YMCA events and a new and safer environment for horse racing. Let's create these new spaces our community can be proud of for generations to come."
How To Give:
Members of the community can learn details and support “Racing Toward a Brighter Future" by visiting https://donate.racingontherogue.org/. Donations are tax-deductible.
About:
Hosting pari-mutuel racing since 1968, Grants Pass Downs ("The Don Jackson Racing Facility") is located at the Josephine County Fairgrounds. Inspired by the passion and generosity of local horse racing legend, Don Jackson, the Grants Pass Downs family is dedicated to the growth of horse racing in our region and the community spirit it inspires.