Fresno's October dates moved to Golden Gate

The California Horse Racing Board on Thursday approved the reallocation of two weeks of racing in October from the Big Fresno Fair to Golden Gate Fields following the cancellation of fair activities in Fresno because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision continues a trend this year in which fair events were not held at Ferndale, Sacramento, or Santa Rosa because of the pandemic. Golden Gate Fields added racing dates in July and August to compensate for the cancellation of those fairs. Racing was held at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton in June and July even though the facility did not conduct fair activities.

“This year has been very demanding on this industry,” said Larry Schwartzlander, executive director of the California Authority of Racing Fairs, which administers racing on several fairs. “I think this is best for horsemen.”

The Fresno fair dates cover an expected eight racing days from Oct. 8-18. Golden Gate Fields is currently conducting its summer-fall meeting. The track will have an autumn meeting from Oct. 22 to Dec. 20.

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