Horse racing is returning to Fresno.
But it’ll be in a different form than the traditional format.
The Big Fresno Fair announced that the Fresno Fairgrounds will become home for harness racing.
Historically linked to ancient times when horses pulled royalty on fancy chariots, harness racing is a form of horse racing in which Standardbred horses pull a two-wheeled cart (called a sulky) that’s “driven” by a person rather than the animal being mounted by a jockey.
The California Horse Racing Board approved of 38 harness race dates in Fresno, which will increase year-round usage of the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand at the Fresno Fairgrounds.
“This represents a significant step forward for horse racing in Fresno,” said Christina Estrada, CEO, The Big Fresno Fair. “The return of harness racing continues our longstanding tradition of live horse racing that dates back to 1884, while also driving positive economic impact and community engagement.”
The Fresno harness races will begin in December and run through May 2027, primarily on Saturdays and Sundays (pending final race license approval). The December start does mean harness racing will not take place when the Big Fresno Fair is held in October.
Watch and Wager, LLC, will operate the harness races at the Fresno Fairgrounds.
Nonetheless, harness racing could fill a void after horse racing was not held last year during the Big Fresno Fair due to animal safety concerns, the rising operational costs and dwindling purse prizes.
“For generations, live horse racing has been an important part of Fresno’s story,” Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said in a news release. “It brings our community together, supports local businesses, and adds to the events and traditions that make our city special.
“Our residents have missed horse racing, and I know they will look forward to experiencing what harness racing is all about this December.”
Multiple harness races in Fresno are expected to provide additional wagering opportunities for the community, as well as projects to deliver “significant economic benefits to the Fairgrounds and great Fresno region,” according to The Big Fresno Fair.
Races will be broadcast worldwide via satellite, which is expected to strengthen the Fair’s satellite wagering program.
Though live horse racing has been associated with the Big Fresno Fair for more than 120 years, harness racing hasn’t been held in Fresno for roughly 100 years.
“A big shoutout to our Fresno fair board and team for bringing horse racing back to the fair,” Fresno County Board Supervisor Luis Chavez wrote on social media. “We will be the state capital for harness horse racing at our track, where satellite waging and entertainment will be available again.
“This will be a much welcomed event as we work towards bringing all horse racing back to the fair. … The chariots of Fresno will race again!”