Horse racing in Solano County is out of the gate strong in 2025 and running toward a brighter future, as the Solano County Fairgrounds refurbished the simulcast facility at the Solano County Fairgrounds.

The facility, previously called the race place, had fallen into serious disrepair since its construction in the early 2000s, CEO Tom Keaney said, and the men’s bathrooms in particular needed serious work. When he took his position last year, he said, it became a priority to use state funds for promoting horse racing to update the facility.

“I looked at its condition and it had been allowed to degrade,” he said. “The men’s bathroom was atrocious.”

He said the lobby has also been redone, as the 1980s hexagonal betting kiosk in the middle of the room has been removed and replaced with kiosks on the walls. The floors and carpet have been restored, the walls have been freshly painted, and old, broken TVs have been replaced with artwork.

“Instead of being sort of a dark, somber 80s betting parlor feel… I think it’s much more welcoming,” Keaney said.

Patrons were not happy to learn that they would lose two racing weekends when the project took two weeks longer to complete than expected, Keaney said, but regulars have been very happy to see the improvements made to their beloved spot. For major races this year, including the Kentucky Derby, the fairgrounds hopes to make a trip to the Winners Circle more of an event with a hat contest or serving mint juleps. Still, regardless of any rebound, he said he is not optimistic for the return of live racing.

“I don’t see it coming back,” he said.

If industry trends are to blame, he said, then keeping the facility ready for gamblers, hopefully including a wider group of clientele, can’t hurt the state of racing in the area.

“Part of it was the fact we took our eye off the ball,” he said.

Still, there is only so much the organization can do in the face of new gaming facilities in the area and the advance of online sportsbooks and horse racing apps.

Across the region, in-person horse racing has taken a turn for the worse, he said. While trotting races like the ones at Cal Expo have faired better than thoroughbred racing, Keaney noted the closing of Golden Gate Fields last year as one of the largest setbacks. Still, he said, the closure did bring in about 30 percent more business to the fairground’s facility.

“It has become more of a challenge for the areas that still have tracks to fill all of the slots for their races,” Keaney said.

The county government, which recently penned a five-year deal with the organization in late 2024, leases the fairgrounds property but does not provide funding.

“They do not give us money specifically for our operations,” Keaney said.

Before the closure, he said, the clientele was a small hardcore group of older men, but the updates are hoped to bring new life into the area’s race horsing community. The venue has already been used for at least one party, he said, and will look to host bingo, comedy and small concerts this year as well.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a major money maker for us,” Keaney said, but the modest affair does break even for the fairgrounds.

The fair this year will be hosted in June as always, Keaney said, and the staff is working to shake up the typical entertainment lineup while still working within the tight budget laid out for them. The equestrian community in the county is also working closely with the Fairgrounds to find new opportunities for riding out there, including diagramming obstacles on the old race course.

“Believe it or not the track bed is actually in very stable condition,” he said.

The large outdoor arena could be repaired to host equestrian events, he said, helping riders avoid mixed-use trails full of bikes, pedestrians and dogs, which can spell danger.

“It can be very stressful for the riders and the horses to use those facilities,” he said.

With the Rabbit Breeders Association show on Saturday and roller derby, gun show and truck show events coming up this year, as well as concerts and comedy, the Fairgrounds hopes to have something for everyone. On the whole, Keaney said, the outlook for the fair looks better than it has in 15 years.

“We’re coming back and it’s getting better and better,” he said.

Originally Published: January 3, 2025 at 3:59 PM PST