Sports Radio’s number one personality Jim Rome hosted a VIP party yesterday in the Portland Meadows Turf Club that featured a sold out crowd, a great performance by Rome, and picking some winners at the races. The event was kicked off with Jim Rome delivering a stand up performance talking about horse racing, Oregon Ducks football, and many other Portland area sports. Fans gave a standing ovation at the end of his performance and then it was time to get down to wagering. The audience helped Rome make a wager on the day’s sixth race, The Jim Rome VIP party purse, and with a horse named Smart as Jim in the race, who to wager on seemed like a no brainer. The audience decided to do a $100 across the board wager, $100 to win, place and show on Smart as Jim who was the 4/5 favorite. Smart as Jim took the lead in mid-stretch and never looked back winning the race by a length and a half. For their $300 total wager, Rome and his listeners got back $415 which went to the Bald Faced Truth Foundation, which helps growth in academics, arts and athletics for local youth.
After the party, Rome ventured down to the Portland Meadows Winner’s Circle to present the blanket to the winning connections of Smart as Jim, owner Jeri Johnson, trainer Jim Fergason, and jockey Mark Anderson. After taking the win picture, Rome addressed the Portland Meadows crowd.
“I’ve been to the entire Southern California circuit, Santa Anita, Del Mar, Hollywood Park, and am happy to have now been to Portland Meadows,” said Rome. “You guys have a beautiful track here and I’m so happy we were able to come out. I’ve never seen anything like that before at a racetrack,” said Rome as he pointed to the majestic view of Mt. Hood.
95.5 FM The Game broadcast all of their local shows from Portland Meadows yesterday and fans were able to watch the shows up close. The day started with the Morning Sports Page with Gavin Dawson, followed by the Jim Rome show which was done from the studios of 95.5 The Game. From noon to 3pm it was Wheels at Work hosted by Brian Wheeler the voice of the Trail Blazers, and finally the Bald Faced Truth with Oregonian Sports columnist John Canzano.
Portland Meadows live racing schedule features live Thoroughbred racing every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with first post at 12:45pm