Beem and Downes to Split Calling at Golden State Racing

Bill Downes | Dan Ross

Announcing duties at the inaugural season of Golden State Racing (GSR) in Pleasanton, California will be split between veterans Jason Beem and Bill Downes, with Beem calling the first four weeks and Downes calling the balance of the meet. The Golden State Racing season runs Oct. 19 through Dec. 15.

“Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I've watched and enjoyed racing from California since I was a kid,” said Beem, who has been calling since 2006 and is the current announcer for both Tampa Bay Downs and Colonial Downs. “I think it's so exciting what Golden State Racing is setting out to do and I'm very happy to be able to call these first few weeks of races as they start this new journey in Northern California.”

In addition to announcing, Downes will also do the morning line for the meet.

“I am pleased to be taking the reins from such an enthusiastic caller like Jason,” said Downes, who called the final season at Golden Gate Fields. “Returning to Northern California to be part of this season will be exciting, I look forward to engaging in the special relationship NorCal fans have with racing and watching it grow.”

GSR General Manager Larry Swartzlander added, “We are pleased to welcome Jason and Bill to the Golden State Racing team. Jason brings a special flare to kick off of the first GSR meet, and Bill, as the former Golden Gate Fields announcer, brings the support of the Bay Area fan base.”

For more GSR information, visit goldenstateracing.com.

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