Horseracing

LOGIN JOIN NOW

Fairplex Horseracing

Fairplex Park was a storied 5/8-mile horse racing circuit located within the 487-acre Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona, California. For decades, the track served as a vibrant hub for equestrian sports, traditionally hosting 17 days of live Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, and Appaloosa racing as a signature attraction of the annual Los Angeles County Fair.

The track was celebrated for its high-energy atmosphere and a competitive roster of stakes events. Because the races were held in conjunction with the fair, the grandstands often buzzed with a unique energy that bridged the gap between professional racing and community celebration.

Notable stakes events held at the track included:

  • The Pomona Derby & Governor's Cup
  • Barretts Juvenile & Barretts Debutante
  • Las Madrinas Handicap
  • Derby Trial & Beau Brummel Stakes
  • Pio Pico Stakes

The final chapter of racing at Fairplex Park concluded in 2014, marking the end of an era for the Pomona circuit. Following a strategic agreement to consolidate Southern California's racing calendar, the Los Angeles County Fair's dates were officially transferred to Los Alamitos Race Course.

The move allowed for racing to be conducted on a larger surface, while the former Fairplex track area was reimagined. Today, the space that once echoed with the sound of thundering hooves has been repurposed to accommodate the Fairplex's evolving mission, serving as a versatile venue for large-scale exhibitions, concerts, and community events.

Fairplex Park Facts

  • Main Track: Five-eighths mile, oval
  • Distance from last turn to finish line: 757 feet

History of Fairplex Park

1922

Preparations were held to make the Los Angeles County Fair a reality. Ground was broken on a fairground site. Access roads were built. A half-mile racetrack and a grandstand seating 4,000 were constructed. Other structures constructed were cattle barns, livestock buildings and barn and an administration building. The first L.A. County Fair opened on Oct. 17 and ran through Oct. 21. About 49,461 people visited the Fair. Harness racing, chariot races and an airplane wing walking exhibit were major highlights that year.

1925

Fair attendance topped the 100,000 mark for the first time. It was the first time the Fair was held in September instead of October.

1933

Pari-mutuel wagering was legalized in the state. The Fair meeting was the first in Southern California to allow fans to bet on horseracing. Attendance leapt to 334,759.

1935

Three new horse barns were constructed in the livestock area. The grandstand added dressing rooms, a stage and a sunken bandstand.

1940s

The fair grounds were used for War effort purposes.

1985

The racetrack was expanded from one-half mile to five-eighths of a mile. A single-day record attendance of 177,612 people visited the Fair on Sept. 21.

1986

The track was named Fairplex Parkas the grandstand and clubhouse facilities were renovated. Lighting was added at the track as night harness racing made its seasonal debut in Pomona.

1987

Harness racing was discontinued.

1990

The Barretts Equine Sales Complex opened with its first thoroughbred sale. The Fair was expanded from 18 to 24 days, and horseracing was extended from 18 to 19 days.

Place a bet on your favorite horse now!


SPONSORED LINKS Play Blackjack Now Download Free Poker Software

Horseracing Tracks


© 2005 - 2026 Horseracing-Info.com | 18+
This site displays advertisements and links that direct visitors to third party websites and software. We do not endorse, and are NOT responsible or liable for third party content, products, or services available from such websites. We consider, amongst others, Australia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States restricted jurisdictions. Viewers from these jurisdictions should not interact with this website. Any gambling information displayed on this website is for entertainment, educational, and conversational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation to gamble. If you do choose to gamble online, keep it fun and gamble responsibly.