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 our patrons and community that have continued to support racing at the Fair and have been
part of its storied history. 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.