Portland Meadows Racetrack Horse Racing

About Portland Meadows Racetrack

Portland Meadows is located on more than 100 acres in the Delta Park area of Portland, Oregon, and is a quick five-minute drive from the city's downtown. More than 10,000 attended the racetrack's opening on Sept. 14, 1946. The track made history when it became the first thoroughbred track in the nation to offer night racing. In its success, Portland Meadows also suffered a number of disasters. In 1948, the Vanport Flood, which deluged the town of Vanport, resulted in over $250,000 in damage to the track. In 1971, the track suffered a second disaster when a fire burned the grandstand to the ground.

In 1987, the Coors Portland Meadows Mile became the first $100,000 stakes race in Oregon. Present Value captured the race and went on to retire with $1,153,853 in career earnings. Present Value still holds the distinction as the richest horse to compete at Portland Meadows. In 2001, Magna Entertainment acquired the racing license for Portland Meadows. Prior to the 2001-02 meet, the racing surface was completely renovated. The clubhouse level and Turf Club Restaurant were also refurbished and a new simulcast center was opened on the mainline level.

In 2003, Portland Meadows underwent a series of improvements, including the construction of a children's play area, upgrades in the paddock, gallons upon gallons of new paint throughout the building, new fencing and the inclusion of a grass apron. Since dropping Sunday racing and adding Monday matinees, there's been an increase of more than 100 new simulcast outlets accepting the Portland Meadows signal. Portland Meadows has a seating capacity of 4,450, with a paddock capable of holding 12 horses, and offers the Portland Meadows Club.