Big Fresno Fair photo

Horse racing has been part of The Big Fresno Fair for more than 120 years, but that streak is in jeopardy with news that the California Authority of Racing Fairs will not submit future race meet applications.

That means the future of live racing in Northern California is up in the air, according to horse industry news source paulickreport.com. The decision means no summer fair meets at The Big Fresno Fair, Cal Expo at the California State Fair and two other fair venues unless individual county fairs seek a license to conduct live racing from the California Horse Racing Board.

California Authority of Racing Fairs, known as CARF, said it has directed staff “to reorganize operations to focus on addressing current obligations and future efforts to support California Fairgrounds and their Satellite Network,” CARF said in a news release, referring to remote wagering.

The Paulick Report reported that Golden State Racing in Pleasanton ended its two-month run on Dec. 18 with $2.6 million in income but expenses exceeding $3.6 million.

A pair of horse owners, including John Harris of Harris Farms, were prepared to provide a $2 million line of credit to CARF and Golden State Racing to help fund operations at the Alameda County Fairgrounds and keep racing alive until the start of fair season, reported thoroughbreddailynews.com.

GSR officials elected back in December not to apply for racing in 2025. That decision is being made on behalf of The Big Fresno Fair with this decision.

“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,” said Christina Estrada, CEO, The Big Fresno Fair, on Tuesday. “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 (CARF), we are examining the details and exploring our options. You can be confident that the Fair will keep the community updated.”

The decision comes only a year after The Big Fresno Fair actually doubled its live horse racing to 14 days beginning Sept. 13.