A $500 Starting Bonus will be paid to the owner of each Oregon-bred Thoroughbred that has a start during the Grants Pass meet this summer. This is a one-time payment for the first start at Grants Pass. Any remaining funds from the sponsorship will be distributed equally to the Oregon-breds that started at the meet.
This Bonus is in addition to the existing OTOBA 2022 Starting Bonus! Oregon-breds that have a start at another Oregon fair meet in 2022 will receive $500.
Examples:
1. If an Oregon-bred starts at Union the owner will receive $500. If the same Oregon-bred starts at Grants Pass, the owner will receive an additional $500. The bonus is not continued for remaining summer meets.
2. If an Oregon-bred starts at Grants Pass, the owner will receive $500. If the same Oregon-bred starts at Prineville or Tillamook, the owner will receive an additional $500 for one start.
3. If an Oregon-bred does not start at Grants Pass but starts at Union, Prineville or Tillamook, the owner will receive $500 for the first start.
Horse racing has long been a tradition in Tribal and Oregon history. These two tribes in particular have publicly stated their support for the industry and interest in finding ways to help horse racing without reliance on HHR machines.
"Our Tribes and rural communities across Oregon have a deep connection to horse racing, and we also know that the strength of this industry and this tradition starts with the breeders. We hope that this sponsorship will help in the immediate future for Oregon breeders who care deeply about their horses and this sport - and long-term, we can help the industry, in partnership with the state, find a more stable funding source to support racing that is consistent with Oregon values and respects tribal sovereignty," in a joint statement from the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
Sponsorships from the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde will enable the OTOBA to offer immediate assistance to Oregon-bred Thoroughbred owners and breeders while we work on long-term solutions. The OTOBA will issue funds based on Oregon-bred Thoroughbred starts at the Grants Pass fair meet. With new foals on the ground and mares bred, the Thoroughbred community welcomes this much needed help.
The OTOBA is sincerely grateful for the generosity of the Tribes and their commitment to the Thoroughbred breeding industry in Oregon. We look forward to continuing our relationship and working together to strengthen Oregon's agriculture and rural communities.
