Exciting news is making waves in Fresno as harness racing makes a spectacular comeback after being absent for an entire century! The Big Fresno Fair is thrilled to announce this revival through a new partnership with Watch and Wager, LLC, a racing operator endorsed by the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB). This agreement marks a significant milestone for the Fresno Fairgrounds as they prepare to welcome live harness racing back to the community.
On November 19, 2025, the CHRB gave its unanimous approval for 38 harness race dates, which are set to take place in Fresno from December 2026 to May 2027, primarily on weekends. However, this exciting development is still pending the final race license approval for Watch and Wager, LLC, which is anticipated to be granted during the CHRB Board meeting scheduled for September 2026.
After a thorough evaluation process, The Big Fresno Fair Board approved a two-year lease with Watch and Wager at their meeting in November 2025. This agreement officially establishes the Fresno Fairgrounds as the designated home for live harness racing in California, enhancing the year-round utilization of the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand.
This expansion is not just about bringing excitement back to the Fairgrounds; it also promises substantial economic benefits for Fresno and its surrounding areas. Members of the community will have the opportunity to enjoy in-person racing and wagering. Additionally, races will be broadcasted globally via satellite, further enriching the Fair's existing satellite wagering program.
"This is a monumental step for horse racing in Fresno," stated Christina Estrada, CEO of The Big Fresno Fair. "The return of harness racing is a continuation of our rich tradition that began in 1884, while simultaneously fostering positive economic impact and community involvement. We are eager to share more information in the coming months about how everyone can engage with this thrilling new entertainment option."
Harness racing is a captivating sport that features Standardbred horses pulling lightweight, two-wheeled carts known as sulkies, driven by skilled individuals instead of traditional jockeys. These horses race either at a trotting or pacing gait over a distance of one mile, starting behind a mobile gate that helps accelerate the racers smoothly. This sport emphasizes strategy and showcases the teamwork and strength shared between the horses and their drivers.
Ben Kenney, CFO, and Chris Schick, General Manager of Watch and Wager LLC expressed their excitement about continuing California’s harness racing legacy at the Fresno Fairgrounds. "From our very first meeting, it was clear that the quality of the facilities and the vision of The Big Fresno Fair Board made this the ideal location for our horsemen and patrons. We’re receiving enthusiasm from horsemen across the nation and western Canada eager for harness racing to resume in California," they said.
Plans for track preparation and facility enhancements are already in motion. Harness racing will complement the Fair’s existing schedule of events, ensuring continuous engagement and improvement of the Grandstand and racing infrastructure throughout the year.
Gary Chahil, President of the Big Fresno Fair Board of Directors, expressed his gratitude, stating, "I want to extend my thanks to Watch and Wager, our Fair Board, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the CHRB, and the Valley’s elected officials for their cooperation and support in achieving this important milestone. Our community has consistently shown strong support for horse racing, filling the Grandstand and creating unforgettable experiences. The reintroduction of harness racing not only enhances our racing legacy but also signifies a vital investment in the future of the Fairgrounds and the Central Valley. We can’t wait to welcome fans back to the track for this revived tradition."
Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez added, "Our office is proud to advocate for horse racing at the Fresno Fairgrounds and celebrate this victory for both the Fairgrounds and the entire Fresno County. This initiative will introduce harness racing to a new generation of residents starting this December."
City of Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer shared, "For many generations, live horse racing has played a significant role in Fresno’s history. It brings our community together, supports local businesses, and contributes to the unique traditions that make our city special. Our residents have longed for the thrill of horse racing, and I am confident they will eagerly embrace the return of harness racing this December."
Watch and Wager, LLC previously operated California’s only harness racing meet at Sacramento's Cal Expo for 13 years. However, on April 25, 2025, Cal Expo announced that it would not renew the contract with Watch and Wager, effectively ending harness racing in Sacramento after the May 2025 meet. Subsequently, Cal Expo revealed plans to collaborate with Sacramento State to assess the feasibility of converting the racetrack and grandstand into a football stadium. More details regarding the upcoming harness race meet in Fresno will be released on the Fair’s website in July 2026.
About The Big Fresno Fair: Established in 1884, The Big Fresno Fair ranks as the fifth largest fair in California and represents the 21st District Agricultural Association, attracting an average attendance of 500,000 visitors, making it the largest annual event in the Central Valley.
In addition to the annual Fair, the Fresno Fairgrounds hosts over 250 events throughout the year, including concerts, community gatherings, and sporting events, alongside offering year-round satellite wagering at The Starting Gate.
The Fair Board of Directors includes Gary Chahil (President), Frank Flores (Vice President), Jerry Pacheco (Secretary/Treasurer), Linda Mae Balakian Hunsucker, Terry Gonsalves, Annalisa Perea, Chuck Riojas, and Lawrence Salinas. Christina Estrada oversees the Fair’s daily operations as CEO. The 2026 Big Fresno Fair is scheduled to run from October 7 through October 18. For more information, visit www.FresnoFair.com.
About Watch and Wager, LLC: Watch and Wager, LLC is part of Webis Holdings PLC. It is a national Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) entity and operated harness racing at Cal Expo from 2012 to 2025 under the California Horse Racing Board’s license.
Led by President Ed Comins, the Watch and Wager, LLC team includes Christopher Schick and Ben Kenney, who collectively possess over sixty years of experience managing Standardbred race meets across California and beyond.
