The Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, a historic venue for horse racing, may have witnessed its last summer fair meet in 2024. On January 28, 2025, the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF) announced it would not pursue any horse racing events in 2025. This decision has sent shockwaves through Northern California's racing community, which has already faced significant challenges, including the closure of Golden Gate Fields in Albany and lackluster results from the inaugural Golden State Racing fall series. Despite expectations that the county fair meets would continue as usual, this announcement marks a pivotal moment for the region's equestrian traditions.

For decades, live horse racing has been an integral part of the summer fair in Pleasanton, featuring the oldest one-mile dirt track in the United States. The cancellation of these events stems from financial difficulties encountered during the recent Golden State Racing fall series. CARF officials stated that they had decided to refocus their operations on addressing current obligations and supporting California fairgrounds and satellite networks. This shift in priorities reflects the broader challenges facing the horse racing industry in the region.

The repercussions of this decision extend beyond just the summer fair circuit. Other key locations such as Sacramento, Ferndale, and Fresno have also lost their racing organizers for 2025. Without a new entity stepping in, the upcoming Alameda County Fair scheduled from June 13 to July 6 will proceed without horses. Additionally, the status of training and wagering facilities at the local fairgrounds remains uncertain. The optimism surrounding the approval of a 26-day GSR fall meet last year has now given way to harsh realities, with the underperforming fall meet contributing significantly to CARF's decision.

This development underscores the ongoing struggles within Northern California's horse racing scene. While CARF remains committed to supporting its satellite wagering members and exploring avenues to bolster the California Horse Racing industry, the future of live racing in the region hangs in the balance. The absence of races in 2025 highlights the need for innovative solutions and possibly new stakeholders to revitalize this cherished tradition.