The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has made a bold decision that has sparked controversy and divided opinions. The future of horse racing in Northern California hangs in the balance.
On February 26, the CHRB met in Arcadia, California, and rejected proposals for 2026 race dates at the Tehama District Fair and the Humboldt County Fair. Both fairs had ambitious plans to revive racing in the region, but the CHRB's decision put a halt to these aspirations.
The rejection was based on thorough analyses conducted by CHRB staff, which highlighted significant regulatory, financial, and operational concerns. These points were reiterated during the meeting, leaving little room for optimism.
But here's where it gets controversial: the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) and California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) opposed the idea of race dates in Northern California. Even representatives from Southern California tracks voiced their concerns. Why? Well, TOC predicted a 5% drop in purses in Southern California if racing resumed in the north. Since Northern California racing stopped, simulcast revenue has been redirected to Southern California tracks, providing a much-needed boost to their purses in a state without authorized gaming to generate funds.
Tehama's proposal sought nine days of racing from April 29 to May 26 at Red Bluff, which would have marked its first sanctioned pari-mutuel event in decades. Humboldt, a historic fixture on the summer fair schedule, requested 12 race dates over four weeks from August 5 to September 1.
CHRB Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioner Brenda Washington Davis supported the idea, emphasizing the importance of horse racing to these fairs and their communities. They argued that increased racing opportunities are crucial in a state with a declining foal population.
However, the remaining commissioners in attendance - Dr. Greg Ferraro, Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, and Peter Stern - opposed the proposal. Commissioner Thomas Hudnut was notably absent.
And this is the part most people miss: the CHRB's staff analysis was critical of both proposals. They cited missing contractual documentation and unresolved agreements with industry stakeholders. But the concerns didn't stop there.
A practical question loomed: would there be enough horses, trainers, and wagering interest to sustain racing in Northern California after more than a year's hiatus? Some Northern California horsemen have tried their luck in Southern California with limited success, while others have ventured out of state to race at lower-level tracks in Washington and Arizona. The Humboldt County Fair in Ferndale has traditionally attracted horses from Oregon as well.
TOC President and CEO Bill Nader pointed out that Ferndale had experienced short fields in its last racing season. CTT Executive Director Alan Balch added, "The sad fact is that it has become a meeting for largely Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and other horses."
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. But it seems the CHRB has decided that the time is not right for Northern California racing.
Dr. Greg Ferraro, the CHRB chair, called it a "no-chance situation." He believes that while Northern California may be ready for racing in the future, the current circumstances are not favorable.
So, what's next for horse racing in Northern California? Will the CHRB's decision be a catalyst for change, or will it further hinder the region's racing prospects? The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the debate is far from over. We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments - do you agree with the CHRB's decision, or do you think they've made a mistake?
