Golden Gate Fields to close permanently

[Texarkana]

Why Kentucky Downs is notable is because it has gone from bankruptcy to “destination” in a relatively short period of time.

When I first rolled up in 2007 it was metal bleachers on washed out gravel. The only reason there was anyone in attendance was because Simpson County is (or at least was) a dry county but in a desperate effort to stay afloat, KY Downs got a special permit to sell liquor by the drink. A few extra horses shipped in that year because they had procured a bit of money to boost purses.

Fast forward a few years and I was sitting in sold out premier seating being served hors d’oeuvres with Wayne Lukas and the Ramseys.

Talk about a glow up.

[ASB_Stars]

While I doubt this will make a difference, something is better than nothing.

Feinstein Seeks Clarification From Stronach Group On Planned Closure Of...

[Texarkana]

How often do US senators take note of horse racing?

[skydy]

This may have been the catalyst :

Proposed Berkeley City Council Ordinance Threat To Golden Gate Fields

[Texarkana]

When you’re up against that, suddenly the decision to close doesn’t seem so flippant. I wonder if the proposed legislation actually had any traction.

However, I don’t think Arcadia is any better insulated from efforts to end horse racing at the local level.

[Rnichols]

I was absolutely gutted to hear this. Both of my mares raced and came from GGF, and I live less than an hour away from it. I remember going there on “$1 day” where everything was $1 (parking, entry, beer, hot dogs, etc). Some good memories were made there.

A couple weeks ago I went and picked up a horse from GGF that
“had to leave that day”. I didn’t really question why, but when I got there he was literally the only horse at the track!!! What a ghost town it was. Also, side note, what a good boy he was - was totally unbothered by being the only one there lol.

That being said, I am holding out just a SMIDGE of hope that they may remain open…my connection to the track who gallops horses there. I just chatted with her on Friday and I asked about another track opening full time (she had mentioned maybe the Sacramento track), but then she said GGF isn’t 100% for sure closing and nobody knows what’s going on. So, I guess there’s a small sliver of hope that maybe a way to keep it open can be found.

Oh, and someone above mentioned Tanforan. Totally forgot about that place, too! That was well before my time, but I grew up in South City (within minutes from the Tanforan mall). They’ve certainly upgraded the mall since I’ve lived there, but I do believe the statue of the racehorse in the parking lot is still there.

[BrownDerby]

Rumor in Sacramento is that Belinda is shopping for a MLS team. It could be that GGF would be a site for a stadium. The property is worth well over a million per acre.

[Training_Cupid]

That doesn’t quite make sense with the Earthquake right in San Jose.

[BrownDerby]

Dunno what’s up. Kevin Gilmore, her COO, has been in meetings at the state capital re investing in MLS.

[Pronzini]

Where’s this rumor come from? The property is in two cities --one of which is Berkeley-- and it is located on wetlands. I’m not sure it is zoned right or even buildable.

[BrownDerby]

Sorry about that. This is a bit clearer. It looks like GGF is already up for sale, and she’s investigating possibly funding MLS in Sactown.

Republic FC courting major investment group, eyes renewed Sacramento MLS bid

[Training_Cupid]

Sacramento would definitely make more sense for a new MLS team. I don’t think GGF is officially listed, though interested parties may inquire …