The California Authority of Racing Fairs announced Jan. 30 that it will cease all Golden State Racing stabling and training operations at the Alameda County Fairgrounds—the site of Pleasanton racetrack—upon completion of its vanning and stabling contract, scheduled to conclude March 25.
"The decision, while necessary, is made with great care and concern for all those impacted, including the horsemen, employees, and industry stakeholders who have dedicated their time and passion to California horse racing," the press release stated. "CARF recognizes the significance of this transition for those directly affected and remain committed to assisting in this transition. CARF expresses our deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to Northern California Horse racing over these many years and remains committed to assisting in the process."
Additionally, CARF announced the retirement of executive director Larry Swartzlander, effective Feb. 4, while extending the organization's appreciation for his years of service.
The statement came two days after CARF disclosed it would not submit any future race meet applications.
KING, ANGST, PEREZ: California Stakeholders React to CARF Not Pursuing Race Days
CARF officials said they are undergoing a strategic reorganization to focus on supporting California fairgrounds and their satellite wagering operations.
"This shift aligns with CARF's commitment to ensuring the long-term viability of its member fairgrounds and their role in the broader horse racing industry," the release stated. "Moving forward, during this reorganization period, the day-to-day operations of CARF will be managed by the CARF executive committee.
"While the conclusion of CARF-sponsored Northern California live racing operations presents challenges, CARF remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for its member fairgrounds, and support the California horse racing industry. We appreciate the support and collaboration of industry partners as we navigate this transition together."
In a separate release issued Thursday by the Thoroughbred Owners of California, the organization said in light of CARF not pursuing race dates and the Alameda County fair deciding to end Pleasanton stabling, "stakeholders in southern California will now intensify efforts to develop a single circuit to create a positive platform for Thoroughbred racing at Santa Anita, Del Mar and Los Alamitos."
The TOC said California "will continue to offer suitable racing opportunities specifically created last month to accommodate horses previously based in northern California as of December 28, 2024. This effort includes higher purse levels of approximately 20% for every class level from the newly instituted $5,000 claiming races to top-end allowance races. With the end of stabling in the north, these opportunities will become part of the new 2025 structure at Santa Anita, Del Mar and Los Alamitos."
The TOC noted the success of several regular Northern California participants in the current Santa Anita Park standings, mentioning owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry D. Williams and trainer Tim McCanna.
"Horsemen and horsewomen with any of the 478 horses still stabled at Pleasanton that wish to relocate to Southern California are encouraged to contact the Santa Anita racing office for stabling arrangements at one of the three available locations— Los Alamitos, San Luis Rey and Santa Anita. Transportation allowances are also available," the release continued.
Critics of the single-circuit plan contend that not all Northern California horses are suited to racing in Southern California despite that region's best efforts to offer some races tailored to the lower quality of horses that raced in the north relative to those in the south.
The TOC concluded that "California's new single circuit structure will help ensure that the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry continues to a positive economic impact to the state and to provide the state with over $2.5 billion of positive annual economic impact and more than 24,000 jobs. Additionally, this new path forward has already delivered purse increases and additional racing opportunities. Further purse increases will be announced for shortly for the Southern California racetracks."
A redirect of purse funds contributes toward the purse increase.
Absent a collection of individual fair tracks conducting Northern California meets in place of CARF and securing stabling and training for Northern California horses, continued fair racing in that region appears improbable. Fresno and Sacramento might represent stabling options, but Sacramento's current obligations are to Standardbred racing.
Andy Titus, president of the board of directors for the Humboldt County Fair Association, which conducted a meet at Ferndale, told BloodHorse Jan. 29, "We're reaching out to the other fairs and seeing if there's any interest or common ground."
But he added that if there aren't "any horses to run, you can't have a horse race."
