Sonoma County Fair Cancels Live Horse Racing For 2025

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The Sonoma County Fair Board has canceled horse racing at this year's fair, set for Aug. 1-10 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa.

The difficult decision was announced Thursday. It was discussed at length and follows the cancellation of live horse racing in the Northern Circuit of California.

The closure of Golden Gate Fields and the elimination of stabling at the Alameda County Fairgrounds led to a declining horse population in Northern California. Most horse owners, trainers and support workers have relocated to Southern California and other out-of-state race facilities.

"Live horse racing has been a valued part of the Sonoma County Fair since 1936, and the Sonoma County Fair Board is extremely thankful to all the individuals in the industry who have made racing at the Fair part of its storied history," said Matthew Daly, chief executive officer of the Sonoma County Fair. "Although the proud heritage of horse racing has been lost for 2025, the focus of the Fair’s agriculture, education, exhibits and entertainment will be enhanced because of this change."

The Board of Directors will consider bringing horse racing back to the annual fair if there is a revitalization of the industry and live horse racing is financially and operationally feasible. The Sonoma County Fair promised to keep the public informed of any updates.