Horse racing canceled for 2025 Sonoma County Fair

The Sonoma County Fair Board, after lengthy discussions, has made the hard decision to cancel horse racing at the 2025 Fair. The decision was made due to the declining horse population in Northern California, resulting from the closing of Golden Gate Fields and the elimination of stabling at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Significant changes have resulted in the majority of horse owners, trainers and support workers relocating 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.”

In the future, if dynamics change as a result of a revitalization in the industry and live horse racing is financially and operationally feasible, the Sonoma County Fair Board of Directors will consider bringing back horse racing to the annual Fair.

This decision follows the cancellation of live horse racing in the Northern circuit of California. The Sonoma County Fair will keep the public informed of any further updates.

The Sonoma County Fair runs from Aug. 1 through 10 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. More information is available at sonomacountyfair.com 

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Media Contact:
Matthew Daly, Sonoma County Fair CEO
(707) 545-4200