Efforts to Revive Horse in Northern California Horse Racing

The initiative to restore Northern California horse racing has officially concluded. On Monday, the board of the California Association of Racing Fairs (CARF) voted together, 6-0, to withdraw its application for a racing meet at Pleasanton Fairgrounds Racetrack. The meeting, initially scheduled from December 25 to June 10, will no longer take place.

This decision was finalized ahead of the California Horse Racing Board’s Thursday meeting, where the Pleasanton proposal had been included in the agenda. Those items have since been removed.

The effort, launched under Golden State Racing (GSR) and overseen by CARF, was designed to maintain a consistent racing schedule in Northern California following the closure of Golden Gate Fields by the Stronach Group. Golden Gate’s shutdown left a significant gap in the region for horses not suited for high-tier tracks like Santa Anita and Del Mar. The Pleasanton fairgrounds struggled from the outset, with fall and winter racing events generating lower-than-expected revenue. The handle at Golden State Racing (GSR) was 62% lower than at Golden Gate Fields, while the national share of wagering dropped from 5% to 2.1%. Purses at GSR were also approximately 30% less than at Golden Gate, further diminishing the appeal for participants. Additionally, Pleasanton’s lack of a turf course, a key feature for many Southern California races, made it challenging to attract a competitive field.

The closure of Golden Gate Fields and the struggles at Pleasanton fairgrounds have raised concerns for Northern California horse racing trainers, owners, and breeders. A significant percentage of races at Golden Gate were restricted to California-bred horses. Without suitable venues for such events, breeders face limited incentives to invest in future stock.

Although the summer fair racing circuit is expected to proceed, its success depends on sufficient participation. If trainers and horsemen leave the area or exit the business, the fair circuit could face significant hurdles.

To support California horse racing horsemen amid ongoing challenges, the Stronach Group has proposed funding off-season stabling at Pleasanton fairgrounds, creating races better suited to the region’s horses, and covering transportation and relocation expenses for trainers, grooms, and their horses. This initiative aims to offer temporary relief by enabling horses to train at Pleasanton while traveling south for competitive events.

The conclusion of this effort to sustain horse racing in Northern California horse racing marks a turning point for the sport in the region. While some measures may provide relief, long-term prospects remain unclear as the industry works to adapt to these changes. Stakeholders now face important decisions regarding the preservation and viability of horse racing in the state.