Horse racing returning to Fresno Fairgrounds at end of 2026

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno could soon beryllium location to California's lone venue for harness racing, a benignant of equine racing wherever the riders are pulled successful lightweight two-wheeled carts called sulkies, alternatively of connected horseback.

The Big Fresno Fair announced Friday that determination volition beryllium 38 contention dates from December 2026 done May 2027, chiefly connected Saturdays and Sundays, pending a last contention licence support expected successful September.

That means, dissimilar the anterior equine racing astatine the fairgrounds, these events volition not instrumentality spot during the tally of the just successful aboriginal October.

The Big Fresno Fair Board approved a two-year lease past November with Watch and Wager, a California Horse Racing Board-approved racing operator.

The Fair says the statement brings an interim lawsuit that volition summation year-round usage of the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand, connection in-person racing and wagering opportunities for the assemblage and make economical benefits for the Fairgrounds and the city.

Harness racing is simply a dynamic signifier of equine racing featuring Standardbred horses that propulsion lightweight two-wheeled carts called sulkies, guided by skilled drivers alternatively than mounted jockeys.