Golden Gate Suspends Racing Due to COVID-19

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Photo: Vassar Photography
Racing at Golden Gate Fields

Golden Gate Fields has canceled racing and will close remain closed over the weekend due to COVID-19, track officials announced Nov. 13.

Since Oct. 30, there have been 24 confirmed cases linked to the stable area of the Berkeley, Calif., track, according to a Golden Gate release.

"With the utmost regard for the safety and well-being of 1/ST RACING employees, those working on the backstretch and the community at large, and in following the best guidance from local health authorities, Golden Gate Fields will temporarily pause live racing effective noon today, November 13 through to November 20," the release read.  

"Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Golden Gate Fields has implemented stringent health and safety measures including strict social distancing and masking policies and regular COVID-19 testing with isolation requirements for any positive cases or identified close contacts. 

"All positive cases are overseen by the Berkeley Public Health Division through their case managers, are required to isolate as per BPHD protocols and are not able to return to Golden Gate Fields until health clearance has been provided by BPHD."

The track will remain open for training. There are 1,300 horses stabled at Golden Gate, according to the release.

"During the period of temporary closure, track facilities will undergo thorough cleaning and track-wide COVID-19 testing will be performed for all employees and backstretch workers in the stable area," the release stated. "Upon completion of testing, all data will be shared with the BPHD. 

"Golden Gate Fields will continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with the BPHD and will look forward to resuming live racing as soon as possible."