Golden Gate cancels racing for remainder of November

Golden Gate Fields, which suspended racing last week following a COVID-19 outbreak in the stable area, has extended the hiatus through the rest of the month. A subsequent statement to membership from the Thoroughbred Owners of California on Wednesday evening noted "a substantial number of COVID-19 positives confirmed in the past 24 hours on the Golden Gate backstretch." 

From Golden Gate Fields:

"With the continued regard for the safety and well-being of employees, those working on the backstretch and the community at large, and in following the best guidance from local health authorities, Golden Gate Fields’ leadership has decided to continue its suspension of live racing through November.

"Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Golden Gate Fields has implemented stringent health and safety measures including, strict social distancing, masking policies and regular COVID-19 testing with isolation requirements for any positive cases or identified close contacts.

On November 13, Golden Gate Fields announced a one-week temporary closure to address a COVID-19 outbreak. Since then, all track facilities have undergone thorough cleaning and track-wide COVID-19 testing has been administered to all 1/ST RACING employees and to all those who work on the backstretch. All testing data have been shared with the Berkeley Public Health Division (BPHD).

"All positive cases are overseen by the BPHD through their case managers. Positive cases are required to isolate as per BPHD protocols and are not able to return to Golden Gate Fields until health clearance has been provided by the BPHD.

"The 1,300 horses stabled onsite will continue to receive the daily care and exercise they require.

"Golden Gate Fields will continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with the BPHD and will look forward to resuming live racing with the announcement of a reopening date as soon as possible.