Veteran Announcers Jason Beem and Bill Downes Join Golden State Racing for Fall Fun at the Track

Pleasanton, CA - Tampa Bay Downs and Colonial Downs announcer Jason Beem will be calling the first four weeks of racing action, and Bill Downes, who served most recently as the voice of Golden Gate Fields, will call the balance of the Inaugural season at Golden State Racing in Pleasanton, California which kicks off on Saturday, October 19.

Seattle-area native Beem has been calling races since 2006 with stops at Portland Meadows, River Downs, Louisiana Downs, Monmouth Park, and Gulfstream Park West. He currently announces at Tampa Bay Downs in Florida where he’s been that track's voice since 2021. He also is the announcer at Colonial Downs in Virginia where he just finished up his sixth season.

“Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve watched and enjoyed racing from California since I was a kid,” Beem said. “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.”

Beem will announce the first four weeks of racing through November 10 before heading back for opening day at Tampa Bay Downs on November 20.

Northern California racing fans are familiar with Downes, who called the final season of racing at Golden Gate Fields, and was previously the announcer for eight years at Indiana Grand. He has also called races at Arapahoe Park, Beulah Park, Presque Isle Downs, Ellis Park and Emerald Downs.

Joining Pleasanton on November 15, Downes brings a unique perspective having worked in racing across the United States. An accomplished handicapper, he will also be writing the morning line for the meet. "I am pleased to be taking the reins from such an enthusiastic caller like Jason," Bill shared. "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."

“We are pleased to welcome Jason and Bill to the Golden State Racing team," said GSR General Manager Larry Swartzlander. "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." Opening Weekend at Golden State Racing at Pleasanton will be Saturday October 19 and Sunday October 20 with a first post-time of 12:45pm PDT. Friday racing will be added to the regular schedule the following week on October 25. For more information visit
www.goldenstatracing.com.

Tickets for Box Seats, Wine Fest, and parking are on sale now. For more information on Golden State Racing, schedules, and upcoming events, visit goldenstateracing.com or alamedacountyfair.com.