California Horse Racing Board Denies Northern California Fairs' Racing Dates

Decision deals major blow to hopes of reviving horse racing in the region

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In a contentious meeting, the California Horse Racing Board voted 4-2 to deny racing dates to the Tehama District Fair and the Humbolt County Fair, dealing a major setback to efforts to revive horse racing in Northern California. The board cited concerns about the financial viability of Northern California racing and the need to prioritize the interests of Southern California tracks and horsemen.

Why it matters

This decision underscores the ongoing challenges facing the California horse racing industry, which has seen a decline in popularity and revenue in recent years. The denial of racing dates to Northern California fairs is seen as a victory for Southern California tracks, which have lobbied to concentrate racing and betting handle in the southern part of the state to boost purses and revenues.

The details

The California Horse Racing Board voted 4-2 to deny racing dates to the Tehama District Fair and the Humbolt County Fair, with board vice chair Oscar Gonzales and commissioner Brenda Davis voting in favor of granting the dates. The board cited concerns about the financial viability of Northern California racing, arguing that diverting betting handle and revenue away from Southern California tracks would further jeopardize the industry in the state's more populous southern region.

  • The CHRB meeting lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • The board's decision came after a track management expert found the Tehama District Fair's track was not currently acceptable, though the fair said it could quickly make the necessary improvements.

The players

California Horse Racing Board (CHRB)

The state regulatory body that oversees horse racing in California and is responsible for licensing race dates and tracks.

Tehama District Fair

A fairground in Northern California that had sought to host short racing dates.

Humbolt County Fair

Another Northern California fairground that had sought to host short racing dates.

Southern California Tracks

Major racetracks in the southern part of the state, including Santa Anita, Del Mar, and Los Alamitos, that have lobbied to concentrate racing and betting handle in their region.

Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC)

The industry group representing thoroughbred horse owners in the state, which opposed granting racing dates to the Northern California fairs.

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What they’re saying

“We would all agree these are the most difficult and challenging of times. And we can further agree that the California racing industry, not Southern California, not Northern California, but the whole California racing industry is fighting desperately to remain relevant and sustainable.”

— Bill Nader, Executive Director, Thoroughbred Owners of California (Los Angeles Times)

“The point is, we're right at the tipping point. And by furthering funds away in the north, it has no chance of success. As much as I would like to see them do well, they have no chance for success. There is just no market for them up there. So, you're going to end up destroying all of racing in California to bet on a no-chance situation in the north.”

— Greg Ferraro, Chairman, California Horse Racing Board (Los Angeles Times)

“We're better off as breeders if you don't do these dates. We are a purse driven industry and a breeders worth is determined by those purses. So, by granting these dates you are going to lower to everyone what they would get.”

— Terry Lovinger, Prominent California Owner and Breeder (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The Tehama District Fair and Humbolt County Fair may appeal the CHRB's decision or explore other options to try to revive horse racing in Northern California, but the board's stance appears firmly against expanding racing outside of the southern part of the state.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges facing the California horse racing industry, as Southern California tracks and interests seek to concentrate racing and betting handle in their region at the expense of Northern California venues. The future of horse racing in the state remains uncertain as the industry struggles to remain relevant and sustainable.