Welcome Horsemen!
2026 SUMMER LIVE RACING
June 20, 21, 27, 28
July 3, 4, 5
Post Time 1:00 PM
July 3 Post Time 5:00 PM
Move In: May 1
Move Out: July 12
$40,000 ORC JOCKEY INCENTIVE PROGRAM 2026
The purpose of the Oregon Racing Commission’s Jockey Incentive Program is to ensure that all the non-commercial Oregon summer race meets (Union, Grants Pass, Prineville, and Tillamook) have enough jockeys riding at said meets to cover all entered horses. The all-meets portion is intended to encourage jockeys to ride throughout each summer race meet. The funds will be distributed per the following guidelines.
CASH INCENTIVES
Each fair will be allocated $1000 for each day they race, for a total of $18,000 through the summer. This money will be divided by the total number of starters for each weekend to determine the value of each share and paid out in full (depending on the number of “shares” earned by the jockey), after each week. The remaining balance ($22,000) will fund the “All Meets Bonus”. Any jockey not named on a mount but remains available to participate throughout the day shall earn one credit (or share) that will apply toward both the weekend pay and the all-meets bonus. The Director of Racing (or representative) will be responsible for distributing the funds and shall have the authority to determine what constitutes full participation. Injury, family emergencies, fatigue, illness or other factors preventing a jockey from being available the entire day may be deemed an excused absence by the Director of Racing or stewards, entitling the jockey to the share.
ALL-MEETS JOCKEY BONUS
Jockeys will earn a share for each mount they ride over the summer. Every jockey that earns one or more shares at each and ALL the four summer race meets shall be eligible for a portion of the All-Meets Bonus. The bonus pool will be divided by the total number of shares earned by the eligible jockeys to determine the value of each share. That figure will then be multiplied by each individual’s total number of shares to determine each jockey’s bonus.
(Bonus pool ÷ Total eligible shares) x (Individual shares)
This portion of the bonus will be paid by the Oregon Racing Commission at the end of the summer.
ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES
Each fair meet has shown an interest in obtaining additional funding for incentives. Please contact the director of racing of each association to learn more.
The stewards employed by the Oregon Racing Commission shall have final authority regarding any matter that may arise concerning the Jockey Incentive Program.
Oregon Racing Commission Changes to Rules and Reminders
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Test: Evidence of a negative EIA test must be done within six months during the racing season. This is for all horses participating including pony and outriders.
Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID): May not be given within 48 hours of a race.
Nasogastric tubes: May only be used by Veterinarians, and only more than 48 hours before a race without the permission of a Commission Veterinarian. No tubes longer than 16 inches will be allowed to be in the possession of anyone other than an ORC licensed veterinarian.
Increase in maximum fines: The maximum fine will move from $500.00 to $5,000.00.
Change in licensing period: No changes to the licensing fees or length of time will occur during the 2026 racing season.
Restrictions on the number of races per horse: Horses are not allowed to race two times within a two-day period.
Jockeys must have a physical within the last 12 months.
Jockeys must be registered through Headcheck. ORC may assist with scheduling. Please contact us for assistance.
TCO2 Testing begins in 2025.
Terry Hayes - Chaplain
Please join us in "officially" welcoming our permanent chaplain, Terry Hayes to the Grants Pass Downs family! Many of our horsemen and women had the privilege of getting to know Terry during our Fall 2023 race meet and now thanks to the generosity of the OHBPA, Terry will be a fixture at the Downs for years to come!
