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 Agustin Bernal, it is the second oldest horse racing track of its kind in the United States.[2][3] Only the New Orleans racetrack in Louisiana is older.
In years past, during the winter months wealthy owners in the Eastern United States often shipped their horses to Pleasanton for training.
Important races run annually at Pleasanton:
- 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
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]
References
External links
- 1960 aerial photograph of Pleasanton Fairgrounds Racetrack
- Cartography Associates - 1878 image of Pleasanton Racetrack
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Coordinates: 37°39′47″N 121°53′01″W / 37.66306°N 121.88361°W