The Alameda County Fairgrounds, located in Pleasanton, California, is home to hundreds of low-income residents who face the prospect of displacement within the next month. This comes as a result of a significant decision that will alter the landscape of horse racing in Northern California. The California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF) has announced the cancellation of all horse racing events for 2025 in the region, a move that directly affects the future of the Alameda County Fair.
The initial expectation was that horse racing at the Fairgrounds would continue until June. However, the decision to halt the events was made following disappointing results from last year’s wagering activity, which fell far below expectations. The cancellation has left many horse trainers and workers uncertain about their futures, especially those who rely on the Fairgrounds for their livelihood.
Timothy Bellasis, a horse trainer at the Alameda County Fairgrounds for over three decades, expressed concern as he and his colleagues face an imminent deadline. "We have four weeks to remove ourselves from the premises," Bellasis said, pointing to the uncertainty surrounding their relocation. His horses must be moved out by March 25, marking the end of an era for trainers like Bellasis, who have deep-rooted ties to the Fairgrounds.
A visit to the Fairgrounds reveals a stark decline in activity. Bellasis, showing the premises around, pointed out that the number of horses has dropped significantly. While the October to December racing period saw over 900 horses at the Fairgrounds, that number has since dwindled to around 350, and it continues to decrease daily. Despite this decline, officials had hoped that continued wagering could support the racing operations. However, the betting revenue fell by more than half, leading to the cancellation of the events.
In response to these changes, the racing circuit in California has been significantly reduced. What once was two active circuits for horse racing across the state will now be consolidated into a single circuit in Southern California. This shift means that trainers and workers who once operated in Northern California will now have to relocate to the South or find alternative work.
For individuals like Nicholas Hernandez, a horse trainer who has worked with horses for 45 years, this situation is particularly distressing. Hernandez, who previously worked at Golden Gate Fields before moving to the Alameda County Fairgrounds, described the emotional toll of the news. "The horses help me like therapy," Hernandez said, holding back tears. "And the good people too. I work for good people." Unfortunately, the horses are no longer there, having been relocated to Kentucky or northern parts of the country. Hernandez, like many others, is now left wondering what comes next.
As some of the residents have already packed up and left, others are still in limbo, uncertain of their future. Several horse trainers have already relocated with their families to Southern California, while others remain hopeful that they will find new work or ways to stay in the industry. A committee member from the Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association’s Ad Hoc Committee highlighted the financial constraints that contributed to this difficult decision. "The finances right now do not allow us to continue from what I see," the committee member explained earlier this month. This statement underlines the economic challenges faced by the Fairgrounds, alongside mounting regulatory demands.
The Alameda County Fairgrounds has also been grappling with regulatory issues, particularly concerning stormwater management. As one official noted, the regulatory requirements have put pressure on the Fairgrounds' operations. The combination of financial strain and increased regulatory oversight has compounded the difficulties facing both the workers and the management.
Bellasis believes that a horse shortage has further contributed to the decision to consolidate racing circuits. "There's probably not enough horses to run two year-round circuits," he said, adding that Southern California’s demand for horses is driven by the region’s financial resources, making it the more viable option for many trainers and owners.
For the low-income families who reside at the Alameda County Fairgrounds primarily due to their work with horses, the future remains uncertain. While some are hopeful that they will be able to secure new jobs or find alternative ways to remain in the area, there is also the very real fear that they will be forced to uproot their children from school and start over elsewhere. As the days pass and the deadline to vacate approaches, the residents of Alameda County Fairgrounds await the next chapter in their lives, unsure of what it will bring.
This situation serves as a reminder of the complex and interconnected issues facing communities that rely on industries like horse racing for their livelihood. The cancellation of horse racing in Northern California will have lasting effects on both the workers in the industry and the families who depend on it. With the shift in racing circuits and the broader economic challenges facing the region, the coming months will be critical for those who call the Alameda County Fairgrounds home.
