Golden Gate Fields in Albany, Calif., the flagship track in the northern part of the state, "will close in December," according to the track’s parent company. The Stronach Group said it "hopes to lure participants from Golden Gate" to race at its Santa Anita track, and Santa Anita said it "hopes to expand the number of days it races per week from three to four in 2024." The surprise announcement "caused immediate uncertainty regarding the direction of Thoroughbred racing in Northern California." There is "speculation in the racing community" that the parent company will "sell the property for development as a park" (DAILY RACING FORUM, 7/16).
"It's a gut punch..."
— TVG (@TVG) July 16, 2023
🚨 Golden Gate Fields 🌉 will be closing at the end of the 2023 racing season - @ToddTVG, @icecoldexacta, and @RichPerloff discuss the news. pic.twitter.com/c4wJjOtthh
