Beem named Portland Meadows announcer
Thoroughbred Times
Posted: 10/6/2006 9:10:51 PM

Jason Beem has been named the announcer at Portland Meadows, which will conduct a 73-day meet that runs from Sunday to May 5.

Beem replaces Michael O'Brien, the track's announcer for the past five seasons who is taking a sabbatical.

"I'm so thrilled for this opportunity to call at a track I've been going to since I was a kid," Beem said. "My dad used to take me down there for short weekend trips. In fact, up until about age 15 I never made it past the exit off the highway. We never did make it to downtown Portland. I figured [the racetrack area] was downtown Portland."

Beem called a handful of races at Portland Meadows last year prior to being named the announcer at River Downs.

"We are fortunate in having Jason put on the microphone in Mike's absence," General Manager Dwayne Yuzik said. "Jason excelled at River Downs this past summer and we're certain he'll bring the same level of professionalism, accuracy, and consistency here."