Harness racing returns to Big Fresno Fair after a century

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The Big Fresno Fair announced that harness racing is coming back to the Big Fresno Fair for the first time in about a century.

Harness racing is a form of horse racing featuring horses that pull lightweight two-wheeled carts called “sulkies”, guided by skilled drivers rather than mounted jockeys.

Guests will be able to bet and cheer on riders guiding their sulkies past the Tatarian Grandstand in December of 2026.

The California Horse Racing Board has approved 38 dates.

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The primary racing days are Saturday and Sunday.

The Fresno fairgrounds will be designated California’s official home of live harness racing.