Days After the Historic Golden Gates Announced Their Closing, Mega Investment Seeks to Rejuvenate Equestrian Sports in California

The Stronach Group revealed intentions to shut down Golden Gate Fields permanently. Now, they are committed to injecting nearly $32 million into Santa Anita Park, an equestrian racetrack. This investment aims to enhance the appeal of the Arcadia-based racetrack for stables hailing from Northern California and other regions.

However, the news of this financial move leaked before the Stronach Group could make a proper announcement. Fravel and Aidan Butler didn’t give extensive details. But they did indicate talks about the future of the 140-acre Alameda County venue, an equestrian racing site for most of the past 82 years.

Equestrian body announces significant investments

The investments include $23.2 million to enhance barns, living quarters, and other facilities on the historic racetrack’s backside. Moreover, $4.5 million is for a new synthetic training equestrian track, $2.5 million for a one-mile turf chute, and $500,000 for an equine swimming pool. Additionally, a $1 million fund supports California’s breeders and helps relocate horses from Golden Gate Fields.

Craig Fravel, the executive vice chair of 1/ST RACING, the Stronach Group’s racing division, acknowledged the significant impact the closure would have on the equestrian industry. He stated that the company is now revealing more detailed plans in an effort to address concerns. Santa Anita is collaborating with Del Mar, Los Alamitos, and San Luis Rey Downs. San Luis Rey Downs is a private training track in Bonsall owned by the company. This will facilitate the relocation of horses to Southern California.

Santa Anita may expand the racing schedule to four days per week, awaiting state regulator approval. The California Horse Racing Board will review Santa Anita’s license during the October meeting. If approved, according to Pasadena Star News Santa Anita plans to include “middle-tier” horse races, mainly with transfers from Golden Gate. This strategy aims to give those horses a better chance of competing against Southern California’s more competitive equines.

Reasons behind the secrecy and the leaks

Fravel addressed the secrecy issue caused by leaks two weeks ago and the sudden July 16 announcement of the impending closure. He explained that private negotiations were ongoing, and confidentiality was crucial until the last moment. Unfortunately, the information leaked earlier than anticipated, disrupting their plans to consult and inform others. Nevertheless, they are now continuously and actively engaging in discussions with the involved equestrian parties, hoping they understand the reasons behind the situation. 

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The Stronach Group will allocate up to $1 million to provide stipends for equestrian jockeys and trainers relocating. The Southern California racing industry expects to contribute an additional $400,000 to cover horse shipping expenses from the north. According to Fravel, company officials had initially planned to announce the closure alongside their plan, but it was leaked before they were ready to discuss it.

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