Fun tradition hits the track: The Crooked River Roundup Horse Races are underway

(Update: Adding video)

PRNEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — This Wednesday through Saturday, some of the best horse racing in all of Oregon will be at the Cook County Fairgrounds.

This is the 59th year of parimutuel horse racing at the Crooked River Roundup. On Wednesday, the fairgrounds were filled with trainers, grooms and jockeys, as well as a small army of workers who were preparing the arena for the event.

These races feature some of the fastest horses and best jockeys in the Northwest. Even behind the scenes, there's top-notch talent.

Long0time racing director Doug Smith told KTVZ they have “the best race announcer In the Northwest."

"Dean Masuka has been with us for 20-some years. And Dean gets the crowd pumped up." Smith said. "They get excited, the horses come down, people are cheering and screaming! And there's no atmosphere like it. And it's it's what makes Prineville special.”

Trainers and grooms spent the day with their horses, who seemed excited for the races. Some of the largest cash prizes in Oregon go to the winners, including a $20,000 purse for one single race.

Tickets are just $10 in person or online. Gates open at 5:30. The first race is just after 7.

More info Is available on their website.