California State Fair nixes harness racing at Cal Expo

Live horse racing will not take place at the California State Fair this year as Cal Expo and fair board officials voted to opt out of a contract with the fair’s harness racing operator.

The decision to cancel harness racing at Cal Expo after the current season, which ends Friday, followed action taken last month to end live thoroughbred horse racing, a 170-year-old fair tradition.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision,” said Tom Martinez, Cal Expo’s CEO. “Harness racing has been a cherished part of our history, and we are grateful to the passionate community that has supported it over the years. However, it is our responsibility to ensure Cal Expo remains viable and can continue serving the people of California.”

Officials cited rising operational and maintenance costs at Cal Expo that have coincided with challenges faced throughout the horse racing industry.

Cal Expo hosted 94 harness races at its peak, and just 39 races this current season.

The multi-use facility and State Fair site had contracted with Watch and Wager LLC, since August 2012 to host its harness racing in the fall and winter, with several extensions, including the most recent deal that ran through May 2030.

Live horse racing began at the State Fair in 1854 in San Francisco.

This story was originally published April 27, 2025 at 12:09 PM.