Golden Gate Cancels Racing Oct. 2 Due to Air Quality
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Photo: Vassar Photography
Racing at Golden Gate Fields
Golden Gate Fields canceled racing Oct. 2 due to unsuitable air quality caused by California wildfires, the track posted on Twitter. The Northern California track also was forced to cancel racing for a series of days last month as a result of wildfire smoke that impacted air quality.
As of 11 a.m. PT, Arinow.gov listed Berkeley, where Golden Gate is located, as having an Air Quality Index reading of 173. Any figure above 150 is considered unhealthy. By comparison, the reading at the same time was 75 in Arcadia, where racing will take place at Santa Anita Park as scheduled.
During a meeting of the California Horse Racing Board last month, CHRB equine medical director Rick Arthur noted the challenges presented by smoke from California wildfires. He said tracks in the state have been handling the situation appropriately.
Golden Gate had a nine-race card planned on Friday before the cancellation was announced.
Wildfire smoke has also impacted morning training in California at times over the past month. As of 11:30 a.m PT, Equibase did not list any workouts as having occurred at Golden Gate on Friday.