The Big Fresno Fair has decided to postpone all live horse racing in 2025, citing ongoing uncertainties within California’s horse racing industry. The fair’s Board of Directors and Fair Management announced the decision, highlighting concerns over the availability of horses, increased financial risks, and the absence of a cohesive racing management structure for Northern California fairs.
According to officials, this pause will allow for a thorough industry assessment to determine the long-term viability of horse racing at the fairgrounds. Christina Estrada, CEO of The Big Fresno Fair, quoted by BloodHorse, explained, “This tough decision was made with careful consideration for the long-term economic health of The Big Fresno Fair. It is a necessary step to fully evaluate the future of a successful horse race meet in Fresno, which is one aspect of our annual event that serves our community—both at Fair-time and year-round.”
Fair organizers have reassured the public that while horse racing will not be included in the 2025 event, they are actively exploring alternative entertainment options for the Grandstand to ensure an engaging experience for attendees.
Industry challenges and shifting dynamics
The decision follows significant structural changes within Northern California’s horse racing landscape. One of the key developments influencing the fair’s decision was the California Authority of Racing Fairs’ (CARF) announcement that it would not seek race applications for 2025. In late January, CARF declared it was shifting focus away from race management and towards satellite wagering facilities due to financial struggles associated with the Golden State Racing (GSR) meet in Pleasanton.
Another major change occurred when Golden Gate Fields closed in mid-2024, prompting year-round racing to relocate to the Alameda County Fairgrounds under GSR. However, financial difficulties led to CARF’s reorganization, ultimately affecting race meets at several venues, including the Alameda County Fair, California State Fair, Humboldt County Fair, and The Big Fresno Fair. Additionally, all stabling and training operations at Alameda County Fairgrounds will cease by March 25, 2025, further disrupting the Northern California racing circuit.
The instability of the industry has raised concerns over the sustainability of traditional fair racing events, leading to difficult choices such as the postponement at Fresno. The Big Fresno Fair, which ranks as California’s fifth-largest fair and hosts more than 250 interim events annually, now faces the challenge of reevaluating its racing program in light of these shifting conditions.
Safety concerns and the impact on attendance
Beyond financial and operational concerns, safety issues have also been part of the broader discussion surrounding horse racing at the fair. In 2024, three horses were euthanized at the Big Fresno Fair due to injuries or illness, marking the first racehorse fatality at the venue in nearly two decades. These incidents attracted the attention of organizations like PETA, which has long advocated for stronger protections for racehorses.
Kathy Guillermo, senior vice president of PETA, commented on the matter, stating, “It should never be okay for a horse to die at a racetrack.” While acknowledging that California has made significant progress in improving racehorse safety since 2019, Guillermo emphasized the need to reduce fatalities even further.
The potential absence of horse racing at future Big Fresno Fair events has also sparked reactions among fairgoers. A recent poll conducted by The Business Journal found that 59% of respondents would not attend the fair if live horse racing was no longer part of the lineup, while 8% remained uncertain.
While the postponement does not necessarily mark the end of horse racing at the Big Fresno Fair, officials have made it clear that a detailed evaluation of its feasibility is necessary before making any long-term decisions. Estrada reaffirmed the fair’s commitment to assessing possible paths forward, stating, “We remain committed to exploring all options in an ever-evolving industry situation and will continue working closely with industry leaders to assess potential paths forward. In the meantime, The Big Fresno Fair is determining alternate entertainment options in the Grandstand for our community to enjoy.”