A Controversial Decision: The Future of Horse Racing in Northern California
The California Horse Racing Board's (CHRB) recent rejection of race dates for Northern California fairs has sparked a heated debate.
On February 26th, the CHRB met in Arcadia, California, and made a decision that has left many in the horse racing community divided. The board declined to award 2026 race dates to the Tehama District Fair and the Humboldt County Fair, both of which had passionately advocated for a revival of racing in their regions.
But here's where it gets interesting...
In the months leading up to the meeting, both fairs had put forth comprehensive proposals, hoping to restore a vibrant racing circuit in Northern California. However, the CHRB staff, in their detailed analyses, raised significant concerns about regulatory, financial, and operational aspects of these meets. These points were reiterated during the meeting, leaving little room for ambiguity.
The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) and the California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) stood firmly against awarding race dates to the Northern California fairs. Even representatives from Southern California tracks voiced their opposition. Why? Well, the TOC predicted a 5% drop in purses in Southern California if racing resumed in the north. Since the cessation of Northern California racing, simulcast revenue has been redirected to Southern California tracks, providing a much-needed boost to their fragile purses in a state without authorized gaming to generate purse funds.
Tehama's proposal sought nine days of racing from April 29th to May 26th at Red Bluff, marking a potential return to sanctioned pari-mutuel racing after decades. Humboldt, a historic staple of the summer fair schedule, requested 12 race dates over four weeks from August 5th to September 1st.
And this is the part most people miss...
CHRB Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioner Brenda Washington Davis supported awarding dates to the fairs, recognizing the importance of horse racing to these communities. They emphasized the need for increased racing opportunities in a state facing a decline in foal births. However, the remaining commissioners in attendance - Dr. Greg Ferraro, Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, and Peter Stern - opposed the idea. Commissioner Thomas Hudnut was notably absent from the meeting.
Gonzales has been a long-time advocate for Northern California fair racing, highlighting the potential benefits to the equine industry in a state with a shrinking foal population. Washington Davis echoed these sentiments, suggesting that broad statewide support might be crucial for tracks to receive authorization for historical horse racing gaming, which could be a lifeline for the industry.
But here's the controversial part: Dr. Greg Ferraro, the chair of the CHRB, called racing in Northern California a "no-chance situation" after carefully considering the perspectives of speakers and the CHRB staff's analysis on Tehama.
"So you're willing to risk the entire California racing industry on a long shot in the north?" he questioned. "The north will be ready for racing, but it's not the right time yet."
The CHRB staff's analysis was equally critical of Humboldt's application, citing missing contractual documents and unresolved agreements with industry stakeholders. A practical concern that arose was whether there would be enough horses, trainers, and wagering interest to sustain racing in Northern California after such a prolonged absence.
While some Northern California horsemen have shifted their stables to Southern California with limited success, many others have ventured out of state to race at lower-level tracks like Emerald Downs in Washington and Turf Paradise in Arizona. Historically, the Humboldt County Fair in Ferndale has also attracted horses from Oregon.
Bill Nader, president and CEO of TOC, pointed out that Ferndale had experienced short fields during its last racing season.
"It's a sad reality that the meeting has become a gathering for horses primarily from Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and other states," added Alan Balch, executive director of CTT.
Humboldt County Fair's proposed meet would have coincided with the popular summer racing seasons at Del Mar and Saratoga Race Course, offering a valuable opportunity for simulcast wagering. However, the CHRB's decision has left this potential untapped.
So, what's next for horse racing in Northern California? The debate continues, and we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments. Do you agree with the CHRB's decision? Or do you think there's still hope for a racing revival in the north?
