Final Race at Golden Gate Fields on Sunday
Today, on June 9th, the iconic San Francisco Bay area racetrack known as Golden Gate Fields will host its final race. The closing weekend is set to feature live music, DJs, and a "Belmont Stakes Watch" party, adding a touch of celebration to the ending of an era.
Meanwhile, nearby in Berkeley, the animal rights group named Direct Action, will be holding a mock funeral for the approximately 2,000 horses they claim have lost their lives at this venue since its inception. This touching tribute will involve a symbolic coffin and flowers, as per a report by Piedmont Exedra.
The group has long been vocal about their opposition to horse deaths at the track. In 2022, they were sued by the track's owner, the Stronach Group, following demonstrators taking drastic measures to disrupt races by climbing over a perimeter fence and lying on the track.
Triumphant Beginnings
Golden Gate Fields was constructed on the site of a former dynamite and nitroglycerine plant that had met explosive ends twice in the late 1800s. The track first opened its doors in 1941, following California's decision to legalize horse racing in its quest to boost the economy amidst the Great Depression.
During World War II, the track briefly ceased operation, serving as an equipment depot for the US Navy. After the war, it returned to its roots, hosting many of the 20th century's most revered racehorses.
One of the most memorable moments occurred in 1950 when Noor surpassed the Triple Crown winner, Citation, in the Golden Gate Handicap.
The acclaimed thoroughbred, Silky Sullivan, was laid to rest at the track. Unfortunately, his remains will be relocated and reburied in Kentucky.
In 1974, Golden Gate Fields made history by becoming the first track in Northern California to host a $2 million racing day.
Racing's Tumultuous Decline
In stark contrast to other states that receive monetary support from non-racing gambling sources, California's racing industry has been on a steady decline due to low prize pools and waning popularity.
The Stronach Group, Golden Gate's owner, aims to consolidate racing in California by focusing on its two Southern California tracks, Santa Anita and San Luis Rey. Their intention? To divert simulcast funds from the Northern California racetracks to those in the South in case there's no racing in the North.
A recent decision by the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) cast doubt over the Stronach Group's plans. They awarded a meeting for ten weeks at the Alameda County Fair this fall, disregarding Stronach's threat to close the Santa Anita racetrack should racing continue in the North.
Initially slated for closure at the end of last year, Golden Gate gained a temporary reprieve on the condition that stakeholders agreed not to fight against the simulcast legislation. Stronach agreed, keeping the track open until June.
However, The Los Angeles Times has chastised Stronach for failing to communicate their plans for Golden Gate's closure to the stakeholders when deciding to keep it open until June.
