The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has recently made a decision that has sparked debate among racing enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. In a meeting held on February 26th in Arcadia, California, the CHRB rejected proposed race dates for the Tehama District Fair and the Humboldt County Fair, both of which had been eagerly awaiting the resumption of racing in Northern California. But here's where it gets controversial... The Thoroughbred Owners of California and California Thoroughbred Trainers, along with representatives from Southern California tracks, voiced their opposition to the idea, citing concerns that a revival of racing in the north would negatively impact purses in the south. According to the TOC, a 5% drop in purses in Southern California could occur if racing were to resume in Northern California, as simulcast revenue has been redirected to support the fragile purses in a state without authorized gaming. But let's take a closer look at the situation. The Tehama District Fair had proposed nine days of racing from April 29th to May 26th at Red Bluff, while the Humboldt County Fair sought 12 race dates over a four-week period from August 5th to September 1st. While some commissioners, like Oscar Gonzales and Brenda Washington Davis, advocated for supporting racing in Northern California, others, including Dr. Greg Ferraro, Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, and Peter Stern, opposed the idea. Gonzales emphasized the importance of horse racing to the fairs and their communities, while Washington Davis highlighted the potential for statewide support if tracks were to receive authorization for historical horse racing gaming. However, Ferraro, the CHRB chair, expressed concerns that racing in Northern California was a 'no-chance situation', citing the challenges faced by the Tehama District Fair. He argued that destroying all of racing in California for the sake of a 'no-chance situation' in the north was not the right move. But what about the practical concerns? CHRB staff analysis raised questions about whether sufficient horses, trainers, and wagering interest would return to sustain racing in Northern California after more than a year's absence. Many Northern California horsemen have shifted their stables to Southern California with limited success, and others have departed to race out of state at lower-level tracks. The Humboldt County Fair has historically drawn horses from Oregon, and the TOC president and CEO, Bill Nader, noted that Ferndale had short fields when it last raced. So, what does this mean for the future of horse racing in Northern California? It's a complex issue that invites further discussion and debate. Do you think the CHRB made the right decision? Or is there a way to support racing in the north without negatively impacting the south? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
