Karin Cunningham

Tanforan Race Track History

In San Bruno on July 7, 2009 at 6:36 pm

Seabiscuit statue at The Shops at Tanforan

From 1899 to 1964, the Tanforan Race Track had it’s glories and it’s depression.

1899-1918: There was horse racing, airplane racing and car racing.
During WWI: The track was used as a training area and had tents to house the troops.
1923: A new grandstand was built.
1937-1940: Seabiscuit became the biggest money winner in horse racing.
1941: WWII began and became a gathering area for over 4,000 Japanese-Americans subject to relocation.
Following the war, Tanforan re-opened and continued its racing schedule.
1964: After all racing stopped, a fire detroyed the track.
1971: Tanforan reincarnated as a shopping center!
For more information on the history of Tanforan please visit these sites: