Pleasanton Fairgrounds Racetrack
The Pleasanton Fairgrounds Racetrack at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California is a one-mile (1.6 km / 8-f) race track for Thoroughbred, Quarter horse and Arabian racing.[1] Constructed in 1858 by the sons of Spaniard Don Agustín Bernal, it is the third-oldest horse racing track of its kind in the United States.[2][3] Only the Freehold Raceway in New Jersey (oldest) and Fair Grounds Race Course in Louisiana are older.
| Location | Pleasanton, California |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 37°39′47″N 121°53′01″W |
| Owned by | Alameda County |
| Date opened | 1858 |
| Course type | Flat/Thoroughbred |
Known as the Pleasanton Trotting Park in 1876, Joseph Nevis took over the racetrack and built its first grandstand. In 1940, the facility was sold to Alameda County.[4]
In years past, during the winter months wealthy owners in the Eastern United States often shipped their horses to Pleasanton for training.
Notable races run annually at Pleasanton include:
- California Wine Stakes
- Livermore Valley Wine Stakes
- Alameda County Fillies & Mares
- Alamedan Handicap
- Sam J. Whiting Memorial Handicap
- Juan Gonzalez Memorial Stakes
- Everett Nevin Alameda County Overnight Stakes
References
- "Live Horse Racing : California Racing Fairs". www.calfairs.com.
- "Historical Timeline - Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots". www.fairgroundsracecourse.com. Archived from the original on 2010-01-09. Retrieved 2016-02-28.
- http://www.race-track.info/alameda-county-fair-horse-racing.html Race-Track.info.com
- "Nancy Pratt - History - Pleasanton". www.nancypratt.com.