Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association

The Grants Pass Downs story began in 1934, when we held our first race meet during the annual county fair. In the 1950’s, visionary Don Jackson formed the Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association. 

In 1969, Jackson acquired a colt named Flying Lark, who would become his prized horse and the inspiration for improvements to the half-mile track and its surrounding land. In the 1980s, the talented Flying Lark piqued the curiosity of the horse racing world, leading the nation in wins for two years and putting Grants Pass Downs on the map. 

After his racing days were over, Jackson brought Flying Lark to his ranch in Grants Pass. The horse ultimately would become one of Oregon’s most famous stallions. Jackson’s undying commitment to cultivating a racing legacy in Southern Oregon created the foundation for Grants Pass Downs’ present and future success.