Golden Gate Fields, a beloved horse racing track located in Northern California, will soon be bidding farewell to its loyal spectators. The Stronach Group, the track’s owner, recently announced its decision to permanently close the venue after its final racing date later this year.
The Stronach Group revealed that it intends to shift its focus towards its racing activities at Santa Anita and its training operations at San Luis Rey Downs, both of which are situated in Southern California. As a part of this transition, the company plans to relocate horses from the Bay Area to Arcadia.
One of the main objectives behind this move is to increase field sizes and potentially add a fourth day of racing at Santa Anita. The CEO and president of The Stronach Group, Belinda Stronach, emphasized that the company remains dedicated to the sport of horse racing in California.
While acknowledging the significant impact of the closure on various stakeholders, including employees, owners, trainers, jockeys, and stable workers, Stronach assured that all labor obligations would be honored. The company intends to collaborate with industry groups and racetracks in Orange County and San Diego to facilitate the relocation of horses and employees to Southern California.
The impending closure of Golden Gate Fields is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the racing and Thoroughbred breeding industries in California and the larger Western region. As the racing landscape undergoes another significant change, the California Horse Racing Board has scheduled discussions for August regarding the allocation of racing dates for the year 2024.
The Stronach Group initially acquired Golden Gate Fields in 2011, adding another chapter to the track’s storied history. Over the years, Golden Gate Fields has witnessed legendary horses such as Citation, John Henry, Shared Belief, and Silky Sullivan compete on its grounds. The track has even made appearances in popular culture, featuring in Jack Kerouac’s iconic novel “On the Road” and the film “Metro” starring Eddie Murphy.
Golden Gate Fields is also synonymous with one of the most remarkable achievements in horseracing. Retired jockey Russell Baze, a Hall of Famer, achieved his 10,000th career win at the track in 2008, leaving an indelible mark on the venue’s rich legacy.
The closure of Golden Gate Fields will leave Northern California without a major racetrack, following the closure of Bay Meadows in 2008. As fans bid farewell to yet another racetrack, the end of an era looms over the region’s racing community.
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