Horse racing at the Big Fresno Fair this fall may be cancelled. 

The California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF) announced that it will not submit future race meet applications for the summer. 

Driving the news: CARF said the decision was based on financial challenges facing the organization in the recent Golden State Racing meet in Pleasanton, as well as other obstacles facing the horse industry. 

• While CARF did not specify which other obstacles factored into the decision, injuries at race tracks across the state have led to horses being euthanized. 
• Last year’s Big Fresno Fair saw three horses injured and euthanized. 

What they’re saying: “While this marks a difficult and challenging moment for the Northern California live racing community, CARF will continue to support its satellite wagering members and explore all possible avenues to support the California Horse Racing Industry,” CARF said in a statement. “CARF remains dedicated to serving all of our member fairs and their communities.” 

What we’re watching: Individual county fairs are still able to apply for a license for live horse racing from the California Horse Racing Board despite the decision from CARF. 

• Big Fresno Fair CEO Christina Estrada said the fair is exploring its options. 
• “Horse racing has been a staple at The Big Fresno Fair for more than 120 years. The Big Fresno Fair Board and Management do not want to see that change – and we believe our Central Valley community reflects that same sentiment,” Estrada said in a statement. 
• She added, “The viability of horse racing in California, and more specifically Northern California has been the subject of much discussion. Based on today’s decision by the California Authority of Racing Fairs, we are examining the details and exploring our options. You can be confident that the Fair will keep the community updated.

By the numbers: Horseracing at California fairgrounds has been a lucrative industry for decades, with nearly $20 billion wagered in total from 1987 to 2024, according to CARF. 

• California has received $394 million in license fees, and $25 million has been generated for the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Fairs and Expositions. .
• The California Horse Racing Board has received $36 million over that timespan, along with $61 million generated in local city taxes, $363 million in commissions for fairgrounds, $963 million generated in purses, $15 million generated in owners’ incentives and $92 million generated in breeders’ incentives.