Crooked River Roundup Horse Races canceled due to COVID-19

Roundup rodeo was canceled earlier in the month

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The 2020 Crooked River Roundup Horse Races will not go forward this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was announced Friday.

The Roundup’s parimutuel horse races were set to run July 15-18 at the Crook County Fairgrounds in Prineville. The races attract the largest daily handle of any race track in Oregon and the largest average daily attendance of any track in the state. 

Earlier this month, the Roundup Association announced the cancellation of the 75th Annual Crooked River Roundup rodeo. In 1967, parimutuel horse racing was added to the lineup of Crooked River Roundup events.

“It has become clear that July is not a viable option, based on the uncertainties due to COVID-19,” said Roundup Horse Race chair Doug Smith. “The decision to cancel was made with a heavy heart. We want to thank our sponsors, volunteers and community members who support this treasured event.”

The races will return in July of 2021.

About the Crooked River Roundup

Produced by a dedicated board of directors and more than 200 volunteers, Prineville’s Crooked River Roundup brings together community members and visitors to witness the athleticism of the nation’s top cowboys and cowgirls.

Began by local ranchers in 1945 to celebrate the cultural heritage of the “Cowboy Capital of Oregon,” the CRR has evolved into one of the oldest family-friendly events in Oregon.

The Crooked River Roundup consists of a PRCA rodeo the last weekend of June and four days of horse racing in July.