With a continuous hike in horse deaths on tracks, animal rights advocates have decided to intervene. After witnessing eight equine deaths in 6 months, the advocates harshly attacked the prominent equestrian venue, Golden Gates. In the midst of this outcry, the owners chose to close the 1941-built racecourse on July 16, leaving many California equestrians in despair.

However, the California horsemen have found a new racecourse to keep the equestrian races going on in California. Del Mar, a beachfront track, will open for a 31-day racetrack event from tomorrow. With tickets for the inaugural day of this beachfront racetrack having sold out, the event is most likely to exhibit staunch performances on the track.

A 331-day equestrian event at Del Mar

On June 21, Del Mar, a popular equestrian Track race, will be open for a 31-day race event. This seaside track is located nearly 20 miles north of San Diego. Tomorrow, on its opening day, the club will witness 10 races and also present a 1 million guarantee single ticket for a Park 6 winner. In an interview with Bloodhorse Vice President and Racing Secretary of the Del Mar, David Jenkins stated that he thinks “it’s a lot better race this year than the last couple of years in terms of quality and depth that should get off to a good start.”

With only 100 yards away from the Pacific Ocean, Del Mar tracks possess dry weather, causing very little shifting of the race from the grass, leading trainers to bring their top horses to the club after the spring races at Santa Anita Park. And, now with The Golden Gates closing their doors for good this year, the Del Mare will witness a far more spectacular celebration throughout the month. However, aside from the ardent fans and horsemen, Golden Gate was a major equestrian region, providing a living for many. Jerkins, who worked at the Golden Gates for ten years, has also accepted a new post at Del Mar, and while discussing the impact of the Golden Gate, Jerkins commented, “I hope everyone Lands on their feet. I hope it works out for them in the end.”

Closing of the Golden Gates

After the deaths of prominent horses such as Desert Fog, Honey Doo, and My Penache at the Golden Gates in 2022, this year’s Golden Gate Track witnessed eight more deaths in just six months. This unfortunate event led to a severe backlash against the race track by animal activist groups. Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), an animal rights group, has also tried to get help from the government to shut down the Golden Gate. The council member of DxE, Kate Harrison, also gained the support of locals and a few politicians to ban Golden Gates.

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The group has been protesting against the Golden Gate for years. In 2012, four members of DxE also tried to chain themselves around the Berkeley-based race track. And after years of backlash, the Golden Gates owners have decided to shut the place down forever and focus on the other race tracks. The Golden Gates will now hold its last race meet at the end of this year.

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