Days After Announcing the Closure of Historic Equestrian Venue, TSG Unveils $31,000,000 Worth Plan Further North

Racing fans in California were dismayed when ST Racing announced the shutdown of their operations by the end of 2023. The Golden Gate Fields has been one of the treasured equestrian venues in Northern California and has been a part of the city’s legacy since 1941. Now the company has revealed its plans for an upgraded equestrian venue in Santa Anita Park worth a staggering $31,000,000. This announcement brings a glimmer of hope to racing enthusiasts who were saddened by the closure of Golden Gate Fields.

Craig Fravel and Aidan Butler, officials for the racing company, announced the news in a press release on July 28. They maintained the company’s commitment to preserving the rich history and tradition of equestrian sports in California. But the company is facing a major challenge that may spoil its plans.

TSG’s problems ahead of Santa Anita Park expansion and consolidation

The Stronach Group, or TSG, owns and controls both Golden Fields and Santa Anita. The group wants to see Santa Anita become a full-fledged park. For that to happen, they will need to convince the owners of the Northern Californian horses to relocate to Santa Anita Park. The negotiations are in full swing, and TSG is offering various incentives to entice the owners. Fravel has been working very hard to ensure a smooth transition and address any concerns the owners may have. The expansion and consolidation plan aims to enhance the overall experience for both horse owners and fans with new facilities and amenities that will elevate Santa Anita Park’s status as a premier racing destination.

But most Northern Californian horse owners have refused TSG’s offer. They have cited that the Northern breeds are weaker than their Southern cousins and will meet disappointment on the tracks. According to Blood Horse.com, “Fravel and Butler hinted that the conditions of the types of races carded by Santa Anita could be modified”.

This has convinced a fraction of the owners to agree to their offer. The California Association of Racing Fairs declared that they would continue to support Northern California race tracks with good records, like, for example, Santa Rosa, Pleasanton, and Cal Expo. This has led to a divide among horse owners, with some opting to stick with the tried and tested Northern California tracks. In an effort to convince more owners, TSG has announced special perks for those to take them up on their offer.

TSG’s tempting perks for horse owners

The group is committed to ensuring an easy and seamless transition of Northern horses, trainers, staff, and jockeys. They have allocated $1 million for this purpose. Next, they are spending $4.5 million in fitting all the race tracks with Tapeta all-weather synthetic track. The group will also pay a portion of the health insurance premium till 2024 for Golden Gate Field employees. Finally, they are building a modern $500,000 equine pool for hydrotherapy and training sessions. A $23.2 million barnyard will complete the extensive renovation plans.

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Belinda Stronach, TSG’s CEO, and president, has been planning this for a long time. Bill Nader, President of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, has also approved the renovation plans. But without the support from the Northern California horse owners, the consolidation plan will not be complete. The company is certain that with the perks they are providing, many more owners will accept their offer by the time the construction begins.

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