From Golden State Racing
PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2024) — Since the announcement of the closure of Golden Gate Fields in 2023, which was Northern California’s hub for racing for over 80 years, California horseracing was at an impasse. Do we close shop and only hold races in Southern California or do we adapt and forge a new chapter for the north? The decision was simple, in order for racing to flourish and grow in the Golden State it was imperative to find a new primary racetrack in the north where the appetite for horseracing is alive and well.
The challenges have not been easy. However, the united effort of those who live this sport and have dedicated the best of their professional efforts to horse racing are beating the odds. We are on course to succeed in creating a highly viable, profitable, end engaging Northern California racing season.
Thanks to AB 1074 authored by Assemblyman Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) that allowed California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) time to set their initial plans for Northern California racing and implement an enhanced racing season. AB 1074 received full bipartisan support by the CA Legislature and from Governor Newsom. Without the help from California’s policymakers at both ends of the state, the current outlook for the sport would be entirely different.
In March of 2024, after carefully considering several sites, Golden State Racing voted unanimously to work with the city of Pleasanton and made the Alameda County Fairgrounds the permanent home for horseracing in Northern California. Entrenched in history, this racetrack is the oldest one-mile racetrack in our state.
The driving force behind the move to the Pleasanton Fairgrounds Racetrack was the chance to create an “accessible crown jewel of Northern California horse racing,” as explained by Larry Swartzlander, Executive Director of Golden State Racing (GSR).
Since the announcement of that move, horseracing stakeholders tirelessly worked to develop the most dynamic racing schedule in the history of Northern California. The exciting 2024 schedule included:
- The historic Pleasanton Mile
- Thoroughbred racing at the California State Fair in Sacramento
- The Humboldt County racing series
- The 70th Humboldt County Marathon
- The 26-day racing schedule in Pleasanton (which will be held every Friday through Sunday from October 19th through December)
- The 2024 schedule was highlighted by record breaking purses for the Pleasanton Mile and the Humboldt County Marathon. The Pleasanton Mile’s $151,350 purse and the Humboldt County Marathon’s $50,000 purse is the largest in the history of those respective tracks.2024 also saw an improved overall product thanks to a longer racing schedule, larger fields, and increased horse safety.
“In many ways the closure of Golden Gate Fields was the impetus for us to reinvigorate horse racing in the North,” stated Swartzlander.
The unity, transparency, and optimism in the north is something that is a night and day difference compared to the last couple of years according to Swartzlander. Since the forming of GSR it is unprecedented how owners, trainers, racers, and stakeholders are united and working towards positive change for the sport.
The changes led by GSR has created an optimism not only in leadership and stakeholders, but also in our loyal fans and bettors.
“The difference is noticeable”, Swartzlander says. “People have the look on their face that we will be here tomorrow.”
This rebranding in Northern California is not just beneficial for the north, but for Southern California as well. Northern California hosts the same thoroughbreds that run at Del Mar and Santa Anita racetracks, so stronger infrastructure throughout California will see a better product for each track in the state.
Although the optimism around GSR is palpable, there are some hurdles that need to be addressed according to Swartzlander.
“For all of our baseball fans, the perception is that GSR is a AAA product with AA purses to the Major League tracks of Southern California,” Swartzlander explained.
Swartzlander explained that through vigorous PR and steadily increasing revenue this will be resolved. “We are not minor-league races held at county fairs or a steppingstone to get to the big time racetracks, we are Golden State Racing!’, Swartzlander says.
According to Justin Oldfield, owner/breeder and chairperson of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Assn., “There is an appetite for horse racing in California. We’ve just got to do a better job of figuring out how to market that.”
Like any new endeavor, there will be growing pains but so far, the inaugural year of GSR has been promising and racing fans have enjoyed an improved product.
“It was the unwavering commitment by the fans of our beloved sport that made this year an overwhelming success and is the fuel for the fire that will light the path for our future,” says Swartzlander.