The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) postponed approving Northern California fair race dates due to unresolved legal, regulatory, and logistical challenges, deciding instead to reconvene in February to address the issue. This additional meeting was scheduled because the planned March meeting was too close to the proposed May 1 start date for the Tehama District Fair. Northern California racing has declined amid consolidation of racing in Southern California, which has improved purses and track business there but negatively impacted Northern California trainers and breeders, many of whom have relocated horses out of state or face reduced earnings. The loss of Northern California racing has also hurt the local breeding industry, as California-bred horses racing outside the state rarely earn breeder awards.

Northern California fair organizers and horsemen urged the CHRB to renew racing in the region, emphasizing its importance for community support and economic viability. However, the board expressed concerns about late application materials and the need for fairs to take full responsibility for their proposals. Bernal Park Racing, a group seeking to revive Northern California racing, had to revise its plans after state regulatory setbacks. The CHRB chair stressed the critical nature of the upcoming February meeting, warning that failure to resolve these issues could jeopardize horse racing statewide. Additionally, the CHRB tabled a rule change on older maiden horses and approved new safety regulations for Quarter Horse racing to reduce fatalities, while reporting a slight overall decline in betting handle for 2025 despite resilience in night racing.