The California State city of Pleasanton, with a population in excess of 70,000, is located in Alameda County and was first incorporated in 1894. However, records show that the racetrack, built by close relations of the Spanish Don Agustin Bernal, was in existence as early as 1858. In 1876 it was known as the Pleasanton Trotting Park when in the hands of Joseph Nevis who extended and improved its facilities, including the construction of its first grandstand. The year 1939 was a pivotal year in its racing history because on 23rd July 1939 pari-mutuel betting was introduced at the Alameda County Fairgrounds course. The 8 furlong oval track, with separate 2 furlong and 6 furlong chutes, sharing a 331 metre home straight has a number of feature races throughout the season, notably the Alamedan Handicap, the Alameda County Fillies and Mares Stakes, and the California Wine Stakes. However, its principal sprint race is the Juan Gonzalez Memorial Stakes over 5 ½ furlongs, named in honour of Juan Gonzalez who died from a racing accident at the course on 5th July 1975. Selected recent winners of the race are shown below. |
