NorCal horse racing closure forces workers to relocate

Horse racing at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California, will officially end on March 25, 2025. This closure follows the California Authority of Racing Fairs' decision to cancel all horse racing in Northern California, impacting many workers. "Back side" workers, who care for the horses, now face difficult choices. They must either relocate to other racetracks or leave the industry entirely, disrupting their families and children's schooling. Many horse owners are moving their horses to tracks in Southern California or out of state. Workers, including those living in converted tack rooms or RVs, are also seeking new jobs as they prepare to leave the fairgrounds.