The Alameda Fairgrounds horse stables and racetrack in Pleasanton, a historical site associated with Seabiscuit, closed on Tuesday, leading to an emotional farewell from trainers and horse owners. Many rushed to evacuate their horses and equipment by week's end, faced with the emotional toll of relocation. The California Authority of Racing Fairs' previous decision to halt races at county fairs devastated the local racing scene. Trainers like Floriberta Trujillo expressed feelings of loss and hardship, lacking benefits or retirement as they prepare to move their operations to Seattle.
With the closing of the Pleasanton stables, we are forced to relocate with the 10 horses in our care to Seattle's Emerald Downs track, like many other trainers. They're sending us away without any benefit for us. We don't have retirement, or any benefits at all, Floriberta said in Spanish through an interpreter. It's really hard to leave. We work as a family, and now we're going to have to.”
Earlier this year, the California Authority of Racing Fairs canceled all races at county fairs, effectively shuttering horse racing in Northern California.
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