The Alameda Fairgrounds horse stables and racetrack in Pleasanton closed after more than a century, forcing horse trainers and owners to relocate their horses and gear by the end of the week. The cancellation of races at county fairs by the California Authority of Racing Fairs effectively ended horse racing in Northern California, leaving many in the industry scrambling to find new opportunities.

Trainers like Floriberta Trujillo, who has 35 years of experience, are being forced to relocate to Seattle’s Emerald Downs track with their horses. Families who have worked together in the industry for years are being separated, with children facing uncertainty about their future job prospects. The closure of the Pleasanton stables is part of a trend that has seen horse racing vanish from the Bay Area over the past few decades.

The closure of the stables has left many low-income workers without jobs or a place to stay, with concerns about homelessness among those who relied on the horse racing industry for their livelihood. Trainers and owners are facing difficult decisions about relocating their operations, with some planning to move to Seattle despite the challenges it presents for their families. The closure of the last Bay Area racing facility marks the end of an era for the local horse racing community.