DRS: A Brief History

[Editor's Note: much of the following is based research performed by Bettie Chase and used in a Times article from the May 19, 1988 75th DRS Anniversary Edition of The Times. We've added some additional history from later issues of The Times.]

T he first race course at

Waitsburg was laid off between 1865-1870, located on the westers outskirts of town. It was a straight track, approximately one-half mile in length, running north and south from what is now the Pasco Highway to the base of the hill. Saddle horse races were common with an occasional Indian joining in the fun.

Horse shows during the early 1900's were common, and drew exhibitors from throughout the area. The first mention of a horse show in the Waitsburg Times was in 1902. This was followed in 1903 by a horseshow on Main Street, trotting and running races at the City Park. This meet was held in conjunction with the two-day picnic in June sponsored by Occidental Lodge No 11, AOUW (Ancient Order of United Workmen). The picnic took place in Dickinson's Grove west of town.

May 8, 1903

All arrangements have not been completed but the committees are working in harmony to make the occasion a success for the lodge and two days of unalloyed pleasure to the thousands of people who will be in this city on those days. The business men should be glad to assist the "boys" in every way possible for Workman Day has come to mean the one "big day" for Waitsburg.

The picnic will take place in the Dickinson grove.

Reduced rates will be obtained on both railroads.

There will be a number of trotting and running races on the City Park Grounds. In fact there will be "somethin' doin" every minute.

1914 Times

With fairly good weather conditions and with the entire community back of the project, Waitsburg's Tenth Annual Horse show lasting two days, came to a very successful close Saturday night. This was the city's first attempt at a decorated auto parade and everybody here was well-pleased with the showing made.

1916 Times

The three-day program opened on Thursday morning with a number of automobile events. Friday was Horse Show Day proper.

"Days of Real Sport" was chosen as the slogan of the celebration in 1922.

The official title for the racing association became Days of Real Sport, Inc. in 1926.

1930 Times

The new grandstand at the racetrack in City Park is now under way.

The old grandstand was razed late last fall (1929) as being not only inadequate for the requirements, but as being unsafe. The new building is being located on the west side of the track near the end of the straightaway on the south end.

The new grandstand will seat 1000 aside from the boxes along the front of the building. Rest rooms will be provided underneath. The cost will be around $2500.00.

June 3, 1938 Times

A much-scared calf broke away from his roper, crossed the arena, leaped three fences and wandered over the adjoining summer fallow hills with two wranglers on his trail more than 30 minutes before the animal was finally captured. The crowd was all for the calf. Purses ranged from $25 to $100.

April 11,1952 Times

William Payne, president of the Days of Real Sport, Inc. announced at Commercial Club Tuesday night that the races had definitely been canceled at Waitsbug this year, due to the fact that they could not operate successfully under present state rules....The Waitsburg Days of Real Sport has put on a spring celebration here for 39 consecutive years with the exception of two years during World War II.

May 18, 1956 Times

In 1956 Pari-mutuel betting is permitted by the Sate for the first time.

May 14, 1963 Times

"Over 100 thoroughbred race horses are registered for the Saturday and Sunday raceshellip;A new paddock, new buildings, new roof, new fences, and new rest rooms in the livestock building are ready for the big event."

May 1980 Times (Mt. St. Helen's eruption)

It was dark enough at the track to cause the first race to be postponed for nearly one hour. The second race was moved later in the day to allow the first turn to lighten up and prevent an accident from a spooked horse.

May 13, 2010

"We really don't know about the future," said McKinley, president of the Days of Real Sport. "This might be the last year."The Washington Horse Racing Commission earlier this year said after 2010 there likely will be no more state funds to cover the $102,000 in jockey insurance for the Class C "Bush" racing circuit to which Kennewick, Walla Walla, Waitsburg and Dayton belong.