California Horse Racing Board Rejects Northern California Race Dates

Proposed meets at Tehama District Fair and Humboldt County Fair denied, sparking concerns over the future of racing in the region

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:55am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric representation of a horse race, reflecting the uncertainty and challenges facing the Northern California horse racing community.The CHRB's decision to reject race dates in Northern California casts doubt on the future of the region's storied horse racing industry.Arcadia Today

The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has decided against granting race dates to the Tehama District Fair and the Humboldt County Fair, dealing a major blow to the horse racing community in Northern California. The decision, made during a meeting in Arcadia, California on February 26th, has sparked controversy and left many questioning the future of racing in the region.

Why it matters

The rejection of race dates for the two fairs threatens to further erode the horse racing industry in Northern California, which has struggled since racing was halted in the region. The decision has also reignited debates over the distribution of simulcast revenue and the potential impact on the entire California racing industry.

The details

The Tehama District Fair and Humboldt County Fair had been pushing for a revival of racing, aiming to restore a vibrant circuit in Northern California. However, the CHRB's analysis revealed significant regulatory, financial, and operational concerns, which were reiterated during the meeting. The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) and California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) opposed the idea, along with representatives from Southern California tracks, arguing that a revival in the north would result in a 5% drop in purses down south.

  • The CHRB meeting where the decision was made took place on February 26, 2026.
  • Tehama District Fair had proposed nine days of racing in late April and May 2026.
  • Humboldt County Fair had requested 12 race dates from early August to early September 2026.

The players

California Horse Racing Board (CHRB)

The regulatory body responsible for overseeing horse racing in the state of California.

Tehama District Fair

A fair in Northern California that had been pushing for a revival of horse racing in the region.

Humboldt County Fair

A historic summer fair in Northern California that had requested 12 race dates in 2026.

Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC)

An organization representing thoroughbred horse owners in California that opposed the proposed race dates in Northern California.

California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT)

An organization representing thoroughbred horse trainers in California that opposed the proposed race dates in Northern California.

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What they’re saying

“You're going to end up destroying all of racing in California to bet on a no-chance situation in the north.”

— Dr. Greg Ferraro, CHRB Chair

“It's become a meeting for largely Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and other horses.”

— Alan Balch, CTT Executive Director

What’s next

The CHRB's decision has left many questions unanswered about the future of horse racing in Northern California. It remains to be seen if and when racing will return to the region, as the industry continues to grapple with the implications of this controversial decision.

The takeaway

The CHRB's rejection of race dates for the Tehama District Fair and Humboldt County Fair highlights the ongoing challenges facing the horse racing industry in California. The decision has reignited debates over the distribution of simulcast revenue and the potential impact on the entire state's racing landscape, leaving the future of Northern California's horse racing community uncertain.