After 141 years, the Big Fresno Fair’s live horse races are cancelled for this year’s fair. Last February, the Fair Board voted to pause the races after the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF) announced they would no longer manage race meets in Northern California.
The CARF investigated the euthanization of three horses, “Cry Me a Runner,” “Tulane Tryst” and “Acclider,” who all suffered injuries during races at the Big Fresno Fair. On June 9, the Stronach Group closed their Golden Gate Fields race track in Berkeley, California to focus on their more successful track; Santa Anita in Arcadia, California.
Staff members at the fair were devastated by the loss of animal life. Albert Fernandez, a pari-mutuel clerk responsible for taking and processing bets at the fair, reflected on the collective pain experienced by the employees and attendees.
“When horses die, the public thinks they’re miserable. They’re accidents. The trainers love their horses and the owners love their horses,” Fernandez said. “People don’t really understand. They take better care of the horses than people take care of their kids. They’re so loved.”
Fernandez claimed the horse races have a “slim chance” to return to the fair next year.
Patricia de la Fuente is one of many fair-goers who wishes the horse races can return to the fair.
“The horse races make the fair. If [there’s] no horse races that’s it,” de la Fuente said. “Unless there’s a good concert.”
Fairgoer Philip Medlock felt like a crucial part of the Big Fresno Fair has been lost this year.
“It takes away a huge part of the atmosphere, there was a massive amount of excitement,” Medlock said. “When people won, you knew it.”
The Big Fresno Fair Rodeo has taken the horses place, bringing alternating events for Friday and Saturday rodeo shows.
“I didn’t check it out. Didn’t seem like a suitable replacement to be honest,” Medlock said.
The Rodeo didn’t satisfy many fairgoers as a replacement for horse racing.
“I don’t think the rodeo can compensate for the horse races,” fairgoer Andy Quintana said. “We’re not really rodeo fans, we’re probably going to pass on it.”
Fernandez has gotten to see a little of the rodeo and recommends fairgoers check it out.
“I’ve been able to look out and watch some of it and it’s pretty good,” Fernandez said. “They put on a very good show.”
