Big Fresno Fair photo

The Big Fresno Fair board of directors and fair management announced Wednesday the decision to postpone horse racing in 2025 due to recent shifts in Northern California horse racing.

Horse racing has been a tradition at Fresno Fairgrounds since 1883.

“This tough decision was made with careful consideration for the long-term economic health of The Big Fresno Fair,” said Christina Estrada, CEO of The Big Fresno Fair, in a news release. “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.” 

A recent poll posted on The Business Journal website found that 59% of voters would not attend The Big Fresno Fair if there wasn’t live horse racing. Another 8% voted “not sure.”

A news release cited ​uncertainties in horse availability, heightened financial risks and the absence of a racing management collective for regional fairs as reasons for the postponement. 

Key changes to Northern California racing include the closure of Golden Gate Fields in June 2024, with year-round racing shifting to Pleasanton’s Alameda County Fairground under Golden State Racing (GSR). 

GSR is a consortium of owners, breeders, trainers and the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF), reported DRF.

However, financial struggles led CARF to reorganize in January, with the decision not to apply for racing dates this year.

Additionally, GSR’s training operations at Alameda County Fairgrounds will end by March 25.

ABC 7 Bay Area reported on Tuesday that hundreds of low-income residents living at the Alameda County Fairgrounds associated with GSR training operations in Pleasanton could be forced to move.

Options will still be explored for the Big Fresno Fair, officials said.

“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,” Estrada said. “In the meantime, The Big Fresno Fair is determining alternate entertainment options in the Grandstand for our community to enjoy.”