2016 Wine Country Horse Racing Offers Special Events and After Fair Fun

“Racing!” Track announcer, Michael Wrona, doesn’t believe in signature phrases, but this one word often sends horses and jockeys flying out of the gates in lieu of the popular “and they’re off.” Earlier this year, Wrona became the race caller at Santa Anita Park. He has also worked at Hollywood Park, Bay Meadows, Golden Gate, Retama Downs, Arlington Park and Lone Star. The Sonoma County Fair is honored to welcome him back as Wine Country Racing returns to Santa Rosa for 2016. Races will be held Thursday through Sunday (July 28 – 31 and August 4 – 7) during the Fair, which runs July 22 – August 7 (closed Mondays), and fans can also look forward to a Bonus Week of racing action after the Fair closes. The additional race days are Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 14. All three weeks, post time is 1:15 p.m. on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and 3:15 p.m. on Fridays.

The Wine Country Racing turf track brings some of the best trainers, owners, jockeys and horses to Santa Rosa. Admission to ground-level viewing of the horse races is free with Fair admission. Affordable grandstand and box seating is also available and can be purchased ahead of time at the Fair Box Office or online, as well as on race day. Regular grandstand seats are $3.00, plus preferred grandstand seats and box seats are $5.00.

In addition to the powerful performance offered by our equine athletes and their skilled jockeys, there’s plenty of action prior to and between races. This season’s special events include:

Free racing seminars – Would you like a better understanding of “the odds”? Do you want to feel more confident when placing your bets? You’re invited to join us in Shade Park each race day (11:30 a.m. on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; 1:30 p.m. on Fridays) where renowned guest speakers will share their betting secrets and give their top picks for each race.

Derby Dog Dash – The competitors are small but mighty—and always extremely entertaining. If you’ve attended the Derby Dog Dash in the past, you know it’s a guaranteed smile. Those who have never attended are in for quite a treat. And remember, if you have a little dog who’s fleet of foot, you could win some cash. (Please visit SonomaCountyFair.com for entry information.) Several exciting “heats” lead to a nail-biting run for the gold—or in this case, the $100 prize. Our Derby Dogs get a bonus week, too. The canine competition takes place on three consecutive Sundays—July 31, August 7 and August 14.

Hat Day – To immerse yourself in the full, true spirit of the track, be at the Grandstands on Saturday, July 30 for the Sixth Annual Wine Country Hat Day at the Races. You’ll have the most fun if you wear a hat; the bigger the better! Proceeds benefit the Sonoma County Fair Foundation’s Ag Education Endowment Fund. Your $65 ticket includes admission to the Fair, a seat in the grandstands and a wonderful event in the VIP tent featuring a live auction, silent auction, hat competition, wine, hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar.

Trackside and Paddock View Dining – For a more exclusive racing experience, consider one of these reserved seating options. Trackside Dining tables seat four people for $150 and include table service and elegant buffet meal. (Drinks & required Fair admission sold separately.) Trackside Dining tables can be purchased online or at the Fair Box Office. The exclusive Paddock View Dining area holds up to 26 people, and the $500 cost includes Fair Admission and official racing programs for the entire group. (Food and drink are sold separately. Catering options are available for additional fee.) Paddock View Dining must be purchased at the Fair Box Office.

Bonus Week Races & Special Events – This year, enjoy three more exhilarating days at the track after the Fair closes. The additional races are scheduled for Friday, August 12, Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14. And when we say “bonus”, we mean it. Gate admission is free, parking is free—even Grandstand seating is free (Box seats are $5 and can be purchased online, at the Fair Box Office or at Racing Windows)

The Fair has lined up some special events for you during Bonus Week:

• On Friday, August 12, enjoy some of the best beer around in the Lagunitas Beer Garden, which also offers live music and lawn games.
• On Saturday, August 13, bring your betting voucher from that day (August 13) to the Community Theater for free admission to a concert by The Original Wailers. The show will start following the last race. (Individuals without vouchers may purchase concert tickets. Parking fees and concert admission applicable after 5:00 p.m.)
• Sunday, August 14, is not to be missed with $1 hot dogs, $1 beer and the ever popular Derby Dog Dash.

For more information on Wine Country Racing and the 2016 Sonoma County Fair, please visit SonomaCountyFair.com or call (707) 545-4200.

Movie magic abounds at the 2016 Sonoma County Fair, and the excitement is mounting for “Lights, Camera, Fair!” Enjoy our new Community Concert Series, a giant carnival, the “Sonoma Cinema” themed Hall of Flowers, live entertainment, delicious food, fun contests, games and more! Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter to keep up with the fun. See you at the Fair!