Racehorses Forced to Leave Alameda County Fairgrounds

Hundreds of racehorses at the Alameda County Fairgrounds must be relocated by March 28, leaving owners, trainers, and workers with few options. The Fair Board’s decision to shut down racing operations has created a difficult situation for those who depend on the facility for their livelihood.

For years, the fairgrounds have provided a place for horse training and stabling, particularly after Golden Gate Fields closed last summer. Many famous racehorse owners, including Linda Lonnberg, moved their horses there under the impression that the facility would remain open for at least five years.

“They told us we’d be able to stay here, stable, and train,” Lonnberg said. “Now we’re being forced out with little notice.”

Brayan Maravilla, a groomer, described the uncertainty felt by many workers and their families. “Everyone is scared. We don’t know what’s going to happen next.”

According to Alameda County Fairgrounds CEO Jerome Hoban, the economic realities coupled with major challenges in compliance with the local water systems as great reasons for closure. The decision has raised concerns among famous racehorse owners, who rely on the fairgrounds for training and competition. Many fear that losing this facility will force them to relocate or leave the industry. With no clear alternative, famous racehorse owners are left searching for solutions to keep their operations running. The future of horse racing at Alameda County Fairgrounds remains uncertain as discussions continue.

“The Alameda County Fair has lost over 2 million in just the fall race meet alone,” Hoban stated. “Horse racing has been struggling financially for a long time.”

The Alameda County Fairgrounds mentions the drainage of water as the primary concern, although the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Board has shown a willingness to work with a plan for business continuity. The agency hasn’t set any deadlines, raising doubts on whether the decision weighed greater on financial losses. The Alameda County Fairgrounds provides a broad venue for events, and the future operations will depend on further discussions. Local officials and stakeholders continue to search for options to keep the Alameda County Fairgrounds in operation.

Many stable workers and their families live onsite in RVs and depend on the fairgrounds for employment. Without a stable source of income, they face an uncertain future.

Horse trainer Guillermo Preciado shared his concerns. “I feel bad not just for me, for everybody. This is how we make a living.”

The impending closure of the Alameda County Fairgrounds could affect the horse racing industry in Northern California for many years. Without local facilities, some of the more famous owners and trainers may have to relocate from the area or retire altogether. Losing the Alameda County Fairgrounds as a racing venue could also have consequences for local economies and jobs associated with horses. However, there are still calls from famous horse owners and industry professionals for a solution permitting racing to continue at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Negotiations are ongoing to remedy the situation.

“My hope is that we stay,” Lonnberg said. “That we get to race here, run for the fairs, and these guys can all keep working.”

Many famous racehorse owners, trainers, and workers of racehorses now face sad decisions concerning the future direction of their lives, as the date draws near. Horse training at Fairgrounds Alameda County has always been an important part of the local racing industry, and now the closing of it brings concern. Not many in the racing community are sure about finding another facility for horse training, nor whether officials will reconsider their decision. The uncertainty continues to heighten now concerning everything from horse training to racing events to the livelihoods of those involved.