The announcement that Golden Gate Fields, a Northern California racing institution since 1941, will cease operations at the end of its December meet has sent shockwaves through the horse racing community. This abrupt closure leaves trainers with limited time to navigate a drastically altered landscape, forcing them to consider difficult decisions about their future in the sport. Options range from relocating to Southern California, hoping for an expanded racing calendar with the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF), or potentially leaving horse racing altogether.
The Thoroughbred Daily News (TDN) reached out to six Northern California trainers, representing both large and small operations, to gather insights on their immediate plans and their willingness to move their stables south.
Steve Sherman, like many others, expressed shock at the announcement. “I was surprised by the announcement like everyone else,” he stated. “I really didn’t have a clue.” Sherman noted that recent barn maintenance, such as roof repairs, gave no indication of an impending closure. While acknowledging the possibility of relocating to Santa Anita, he is currently undecided. “As for a plan, I’ll be honest with you, I don’t have one,” Sherman admitted. “I will see how things shake out. I don’t want to make too quick of a decision.” He pointed out the significant difference in competition between Northern and Southern California circuits, suggesting that many horses currently racing in the north might struggle to compete at Santa Anita. He questioned the long-term viability if a substantial portion of the Northern California horse population cannot adapt to the tougher Southern California racing scene.
Dan Markle highlighted the disruption to his established routine of racing at Emerald Downs in the summer and Golden Gate in the winter. “But to lose Golden Gate is devastating,” Markle said. He, too, lacks the caliber of horses to compete effectively at Santa Anita and is not considering a move there. Markle is exploring other avenues, including potential opportunities with CARF. “I guess I’m going to have to relocate. Maybe they can get something going with the Fairs. I think that’s possible.”
Marcia Stortz shared that CARF is reportedly working to establish a 10-month racing season between Sacramento and Pleasanton, an option she finds appealing for its return to dirt racing. However, she indicated that only a few of her horses would be suitable for Southern California racing. Stortz expressed strong reservations about relocating to Santa Anita, citing concerns about stall availability. She also recalled being informed a year prior about plans to replace Golden Gate’s surface, a project that never materialized, foreshadowing the eventual closure.
Brendan Galvin echoed the sentiment of surprise and a feeling of being “kept in the dark.” He is actively seeking a new racing base, as retirement is not financially feasible. Galvin faces the challenge of determining where his horses, including promising allowance runners, would fit competitively. He also voiced concerns that the fair tracks might struggle to attract sufficient racing dates if CARF’s plans do not materialize, potentially impacting the entire fair circuit. “Everyone wants to win at Santa Anita and Del Mar and if they could they would be there already and not racing in Northern California,” Galvin observed.
Tim Bellasis confirmed the widespread uncertainty among horsemen. “Nobody knows what to do,” he stated, expressing hope that CARF will successfully implement a plan for continued racing in Northern California. Bellasis noted that many trainers have anticipated Golden Gate’s closure for years and have contingency plans. He, like Sherman, believes that only a small percentage of Northern California horses possess the ability to succeed at Santa Anita. The decision by Golden Gate not to resurface the Tapeta track was a clear indicator of the impending closure, according to Bellasis.
Reid France viewed the closure as less of a surprise but still a significant disappointment, given his personal history with the track. “It’s the track I attended as a kid, I won my first race there and had a lot of success there,” he reflected. France is keeping his options open and considering jurisdictions like Florida, Kentucky, and New York. While not ruling out Santa Anita, especially for Cal-bred horses, he plans to assess all major racing venues before making a decision. He is sending some horses to Del Mar to evaluate their performance there.
The closure of Golden Gate Fields marks the end of an era for Northern California horse racing, leaving horsemen to grapple with unprecedented uncertainty and the challenging task of charting a course forward in a rapidly changing sport.
