Senator asks Stronach what is next for Golden Gate Fields

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the ranking Democrat from California who has lived most of her 90 years in the Bay Area, sent a tersely worded letter Wednesday to the leader of The Stronach Group asking pointed questions about the scheduled closing this fall of Golden Gate Fields.

“I write seeking clarification of your transition plans, including disposition of the land and stadium,” Feinstein wrote to Belinda Stronach in her letter, which was obtained by the Los Angeles Times and subsequently posted on the senator’s website.

Flatter: What happens next after Golden Gate closes?

Within the 235 words of text, Feinstein asked, “What is your rationale for closing Golden Gate Fields, and why did you choose December 2023 as the closing date? Will you help employees of Golden Gate Fields find other work in the horse-racing industry or elsewhere? If so, which employees and how? Will you offer them positions at the other racetracks you operate? What are the plans for the land? How will the closure impact the other track you operate at Santa Anita Park?”

This was not the first time Feinstein asked The Stronach Group tough questions about horse racing. She raised questions in 2019, when 37 horses died in a 12-month period at Santa Anita. This came at a time when animal-rights activists pushed government leaders to ban the sport in California. Similar prodding was the catalyst for Congress to pass the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act that went into effect last year

In the 11 days since the announcement that Golden Gate Fields would close, The Stronach Group has deflected follow-up questions. Its stated reason for shutting down the 82-year-old facility that straddles the cities of Albany and Berkeley was to focus its California resources on Santa Anita and its training track at San Luis Rey Downs.

“I appreciate the steps The Stronach Group has taken in recent years to address equine safety and welfare concerns at your tracks and for your ongoing operation of Santa Anita Park,” Feinstein wrote. “Nevertheless, your decision to close Golden Gate Fields will affect many California residents and merits further explanation.”

In a written response sent by a corporate spokesperson, Belinda Stronach said, “We have received Sen. Feinstein’s letter and look forward to communicating our plans for the transition of Golden Gate Fields with her. We are in the process of sharing those transition plans, along with our vision for the revitalization of California horse racing in the south at Santa Anita Park, with our valued industry partners and stakeholders.

“As Sen. Feinstein notes, safety is and remains our top priority, and we appreciate her recognition of our efforts.”