Tehama And Humboldt Counties Request Summer Fair Racing Dates

Questions remain over financial, logistical, and regulatory hurdles for the proposed meets.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Tehama and Humboldt County Fairs have submitted applications to the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) to hold summer racing meets, with Tehama proposing dates from April 29 to May 26 and Humboldt requesting August 5 to September 1. However, the CHRB staff analysis has raised several outstanding questions and concerns about the financial viability, facility readiness, and regulatory compliance of the proposed race meets.

Why it matters

The return of summer fair racing in Northern California is seen as crucial to supporting the region's breeding industry and providing opportunities for horsemen, but there are also concerns that overlapping calendars could dilute resources needed to maintain recent improvements in the state's overall racing program.

The details

Tehama's proposal relies on a $2.5 million line of credit from Bernal Park Racing Management Company (BPRMC), but the CHRB staff questions the financial feasibility and unprecedented nature of BPRMC's role as a guarantor. Tehama also faces a tight deadline to submit a complete license application and get its track facility up to safety standards. Humboldt's proposal includes a $3 million line of credit from BPRMC, but the CHRB staff is unsure if this is a separate credit line or the same one extended to Tehama. The CHRB staff also has concerns about BPRMC's lack of experience operating race meets.

  • Tehama's proposed fair racing meet would run from April 29 to May 26.
  • Humboldt's requested dates would go from August 5 to September 1.
  • Tehama has a deadline of March 2 to submit a complete license application.
  • A CHRB safety steward visited the Tehama track on January 23 and noted a large number of updates/improvements needed to pass inspection.
  • The CHRB will consider the race date applications at its meeting on Thursday, February 27.

The players

Tehama County Fair

A county fair in Northern California that has not hosted live racing in over 40 years and is seeking to resume summer fair racing.

Humboldt County Fair

A county fair in Northern California that had previously operated annual summer fair racing meets under the California Association of Racing Fairs (CARF) until 2024.

Bernal Park Racing Management Company (BPRMC)

A company owned by owner-breeder George Schmitt that is providing financial guarantees to Tehama and Humboldt counties for their proposed race meets.

California Horse Racing Board (CHRB)

The regulatory body overseeing horse racing in California that will consider the race date applications from Tehama and Humboldt counties.

California Association of Racing Fairs (CARF)

The organization that previously managed and oversaw fair racing in Northern California until 2024.

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What’s next

The CHRB will consider the race date applications from Tehama and Humboldt counties at its meeting on Thursday, February 27. If approved, Tehama will need to complete the necessary track updates and license application by the March 11 CHRB meeting in order to proceed with its proposed race meet.

The takeaway

The return of summer fair racing in Northern California faces significant financial, logistical, and regulatory hurdles that must be overcome in a tight timeline. The CHRB's scrutiny of the proposals highlights the delicate balance between supporting the region's breeding and racing industry while also maintaining the overall health of California's horse racing program.