This was made possible by use of a lighting system designed by General Electric which has been said has enough power 'to light a four-lane superhighway from Portland to Salem, a distance of 40 miles.' Portland Meadows made history as the first thoroughbred track in the nation to offer night-time racing. On September 14, 1946, Portland Meadows opened with over 10,000 people in attendance. Kyne is also known as the founder of Bay Meadows Racecourse and he was largely responsible for the passage of the 1933 law which legalized pari-mutuel wagering in California. In 1945, construction began of Portland Meadows on November 20, under the direction of William P. The grounds are in Hayden Meadows near the Columbia River and are 16 feet (4.9 m) above sea-level. The national high school cross country running championship, the Nike Cross Nationals, have been held at Portland Meadows. Over the years, Portland Meadows has been the site of numerous outdoor music concerts and other forms of entertainment.

The track has hosted both American Quarter Horse racing and Thoroughbred horse races.

The last day for simulcast racing was Decemand the poker room closed December 15, 2019. The track's closure was announced in March 2019, following the conclusion of the 2018-19 racing season, with the property slated for redevelopment. Kyne, who also built Bay Meadows Racetrack in San Mateo, California, the facility opened on September 14, 1946. Portland Meadows was an American horse racing venue in Portland, Oregon, owned by The Stronach Group since Jand previously owned by MI Developments Inc.

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