The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB), in a 4-3 vote, declined The Big Fresno Fair’s request to host live horse racing on Sept. 19-21, 26-28 and Oct. 1, 2025. The decision followed strong public testimony from Central Valley political leaders, Big Fresno Fair Board and leadership, Bernal Park Racing, LLC, horse breeders, owners, former Northern California horse racing employees and others.
Submitted under a proposed operational contract with the newly formed Bernal Park Racing, LLC, the request reflected months of work by the Fair Board and its Racing Committee to assess the future viability of live racing in Fresno.
“We’re incredibly disappointed by the CHRB’s decision to deny 2025 race dates for Fresno, especially given the strategic and extensive work behind this effort and the strong support it received – particularly from Central Valley elected officials,” said George Schmitt, co-founder of Bernal Park Racing, LLC. “This is a major blow to horse owners, trainers and breeders who were ready to support this meet and rely on these opportunities to stay in business and remain competitive.”
“It’s very important that Fresno maintain its race dates. We will never give up continuing this storied tradition of Fresno racing,” said John Harris, longtime Fresno County resident and thoroughbred horse owner and breeder, and cofounder of Bernal Park Racing, LLC.
He added that the CHRB “decision is not the end – we will come back again next year,”
In May, the Fair Board unanimously voted to submit the 2025 race date request to the CHRB, initiating the regulatory process while keeping future options open. While the CHRB ultimately denied the request, the effort marked an important step in evaluating the long-term future of horse racing in the region.
“We’re proud of the work that’s been done to identify a responsible and sustainable path forward for live horse racing in Fresno,” said Christina Estrada, CEO of The Big Fresno Fair. “While we are disappointed by the decision, our commitment to preserving this 140-year tradition remains strong. The Fair’s Horse Racing Committee will continue its efforts to pursue opportunities for 2026.”
Prominent California horse owners and breeders Harris and Schmitt established Bernal Park Racing, LLC, and committed to bring their deep industry experience and the financial resources to cover both start-up costs and any potential losses – removing a significant barrier for the Fair to move forward with live horse racing. With their established network, Bernal Park Racing, LLC identified a robust horse supply, aligning Fresno’s potential meet with race schedules in Washington, Wyoming and Arizona, and creating more opportunities for Cal-bred horses in Southern California. In February 2025, the Fair Board voted to pause live racing for the year after the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF) announced it would no longer manage live race meets for Fresno and other Northern California fairs. CARF continues to support satellite wagering for its Northern California member fairs. To fill the gap left by the absence of live horse racing at the 2025 Big Fresno Fair, alternate grandstand entertainment has been contracted and will be announced this summer. The Big Fresno Fair has a strong track record of promoting live racing. In 2024, a 14-day meet held in advance of the annual Fair in September and continued during the Fair in October generated $3.2 million in on-track wagering and drew more than 50,000 fans to the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand. While live horse racing will not be part of the 2025 Big Fresno Fair, the Fair’s satellite wagering facility – The Starting Gate – remains open year-round, Thursday through Sunday, offering racing enthusiasts the opportunity to wager on tracks throughout the state and nation. More information on satellite wagering at the Fair can be found at www.fresnofair.com/satellite-wagering.
The Big Fresno Fair, founded in 1884, is the fifth largest fair in the state of California and represents the 21st District Agricultural Association. More than 500,000 people from throughout the state visit The Big Fresno Fair each year, making it the largest annual event in the Central Valley. Christina Estrada heads the Fair’s daily operations in her role as CEO. The 2025 Big Fresno Fair will run Oct. 1 through 12. For more details, visit www.FresnoFair.com.
