GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — A half century of horse racing at Grants Pass Downs could come to an end.

The county fair board says it can't afford the losses putting on the nine-day event — about $50,000 in 2011 and less than half that this year.

Josephine County has been struggling with budget cuts because of declining federal timber subsidies.

The Grants Pass Daily Courier (http://bit.ly/YeFjP8 ) reported Monday the county commissioners have told some departments to find ways to become self-sustaining, and that's been difficult for the fairgrounds.

The county fair board is negotiating with the Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association to take over the event.

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Information from: Daily Courier, http://www.thedailycourier.com