Closure marks the end of a 54-year tradition as California State Fair horse racing also fades into history
On the eve of the famed Kentucky Derby, horse racing history quietly turned a final page in Sacramento. The longstanding tradition of harness racing came to a close Friday night at Cal Expo, ending a 54-year legacy of trotting and pacing under the lights at the mile-long oval.
The final laps were bittersweet for drivers, trainers, and fans as decades of tradition faded into memory following a recent decision by the California State Fair Board to end its lease agreement with Watch and Wager LLC, the operator of the harness racing program. Once a thriving scene with nearly 100 race dates a year, the schedule had dwindled to fewer than 40 in recent seasons.
“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,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of Cal Expo. “However, it is our responsibility to ensure Cal Expo remains viable and can continue serving the people of California. Despite longstanding efforts to support and sustain the sport at Cal Expo, the costs of operating and maintaining the facility continue to rise, while the changing landscape for live horse racing in Northern California grows more uncertain.”
The announcement comes just weeks after the board voted to follow a staff recommendation to end the lease, citing escalating maintenance costs and declining participation. Although a long-term agreement had been extended through 2030, officials determined it was no longer feasible.
“It is just very sad,” shared Christopher Schick, longtime general manager of Watch and Wager. “The people that are the horsemen, they love their horses. They love this way of life. They just feel a lot of passion for this sport.”
Among those in attendance Friday night was 61-year-old Mike Delaney of Rancho Cordova, who made the drive out to Cal Expo he has made many times, for one last time to be part of history.
“I started coming to the harness races here when I was a teenager, with my dad. I was our thing to do and one of my memories of spending time with him,” Delaney said. “It’s hard to believe this is it. I just had to come out here one final time. It’s like saying goodbye to an old friend.”
Cal Expo now joins the ranks of other closed down horse tracks like Freehold Raceway, Pompano Park, and Northville Downs, all of which closed their doors in recent years.
This isn’t the only loss for fans of harness racing. In March, Cal Expo also announced it would suspend live thoroughbred racing at the 2025 California State Fair. Once a cornerstone of the fair since 1854—when races were first held at the Pioneer Race Course in San Francisco—the event had long symbolized summer tradition in the Golden State.
“With the closure of Golden Gate Fields in June 2024 and growing uncertainty surrounding racing in Northern California, there are simply no horses available to keep this tradition alive in 2025,” Martinez said. “We have explored every possible avenue, but with a heavy heart, we’ve come to the unfortunate decision that it is simply not feasible to continue racing this summer.”
While the racetrack will go quiet, its echoes remain—of champion horses, roaring crowds, and the unshakable bond between animal and rider. As for what will come next for the storied racetrack grounds, no plans have yet been announced. The facility is home to the Sacramento Mile motorcycle race annually, a portion of it is also used to host events such as the upcoming Country in The Park music festival and more.
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*California State Fair Horse Racing photo courtesy of Cal Expo
