Horse Racing News
The Thoroughbred racing world is closely watching the fate of California’s iconic tracks, as the industry faces a pivotal crossroads.
In a shocking development, The Stronach Group has announced the closure of 83-year-old Golden Gate Fields, the last major racetrack in the Bay Area. This follows the devastating fire that burned down Tanforan in 1963 and the demolition of Bay Meadows in 2008, leaving Northern California with an uncertain future.
“If Northern California goes, it’s just a matter of time before Southern California goes, too,” said veteran trainer Steve Specht, who has had a barn at Golden Gate Fields for over three decades. “You have to have some other facilities for horses to move back and forth. Without that, the entire West Coast racing scene could be in jeopardy.”
The closure of Golden Gate Fields has fueled fears that the races it hosted for entry-level California-bred horses will be lost, potentially discouraging the state’s breeders. “If we don’t have breeders, it’s going to be detrimental for racing in California as a whole,” warned prominent owner and breeder Johnny Taboada.
To fill the void left by Golden Gate, the California Association of Racing Fairs (CARF) has proposed a new meet at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton this fall. However, the financial viability and long-term sustainability of this plan remain in question.
“It’s a big hill to climb,” acknowledged Alan Balch, executive director of the California Thoroughbred Trainers. “They don’t have grass, and that’s an issue. We’re going to find out if marketing and enthusiasm can carry the day.”
The Stronach Group, which owns Santa Anita and Del Mar, has been at the center of the debate. They argue that Northern California racing has become an unsustainable money-loser, with administrative costs of $20 million annually, 80% of which is shouldered by the southern tracks.
“We’ve got challenges, and we’ve made no secret of the fact that we’re competing with states that have alternative gaming revenues that put us at a competitive disadvantage,” said Craig Fravel, executive vice chairperson of racing and gaming for 1/ST Racing.
The lack of alternative revenue sources, such as slot machines or casino profits, has been a significant obstacle for California racing. Industry leaders are exploring options like historic horse-racing machines or fantasy sports games to bolster purses and track finances.
“It’s super important. Otherwise, we just keep treading water here and moving along, and we don’t really have a game-changer,” said Bill Nader, president and CEO of the Thoroughbred Owners of California.
As the industry grapples with these challenges, the future of iconic tracks like Santa Anita and Del Mar remains uncertain. “I would definitely worry about a domino theory and the game in general, especially here in California,” said trainer Steve Sherman.
The next few years will be critical for the survival of Thoroughbred racing in the Golden State. Industry stakeholders must come together, find creative solutions, and demonstrate the resilience that has defined California’s racing heritage for over a century.
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