The California Assn. of Racing Fairs has decided to withdraw its application for a racing meeting at Pleasanton Fairgrounds Racetrack, marking the end of an effort to revive horse racing in Northern California. The closure of Golden Gate Fields left a void in the state for horses not of the quality of Santa Anita and Del Mar to run, impacting horsemen and the state breeding industry.
The decision is not expected to affect the summer fair circuit of races, but may endanger the fairs if trainers and horsemen decide to go elsewhere or retire from the business. The initial fall/winter racing at Pleasanton saw lower mutuel handle and purse cuts, with purses being about 30% less than at Golden Gate Fields.
The Stronach Group has proposed to fund off-season stabling at Pleasanton and write races that better fit the makeup of Northern California horses. There may also be a home for some horses at Los Alamitos. The agreement aims to redirect simulcast revenue from the north to the south, with Santa Anita needing additional supplemental income to compete nationally.
