Golden Gate Apologizes for Pick 6 Situation

California racing officials June 16 acknowledged a possible communications breakdown in regard to two races being taken off the turf on the final day of the Golden Gate Fields meet and apologized to bettors for how the move impacted a major Golden Pick 6 jackpot payout.

Jockeys at Golden Gate opted not to ride in the final two grass races June 12—the fourth and sixth legs of the Golden Pick 6—because of the condition of the course. Under California Horse Racing Board rules, those two races became "all" races for betting purposes, and the payout for each 20-cent winning ticket was about $146 from a pool of almost $6 million fueled by carryovers.

CHRB executive director Rick Baedeker, during the agency's June 16 meeting, said jockeys hadn't expressed concern to track stewards about the condition of the turf course in the week or so leading up to closing day. He also said Golden Gate during that period had the surface tested, and no issues were discovered.

"Determining the safety of a racing surface isn't an exact science," Baedeker said. "But probably the jockeys racing over a surface know better than anyone else."

Three races were held on the turf course earlier in the Sunday program. The course was rated firm.

CHRB member Jesse Choper said he is "sympathetic to the problem" but wondered why it was reported the jockeys "refused to ride." He suggested that's an indication management disagreed, which could send the wrong message; Joe Morris, senior vice president of West Coast operations for The Stronach Group, which owns Golden Gate, indicated there was no disagreement.

Morris said the company would never put jockeys, horses, employees, or horseplayers at risk.

"We wouldn't do that," Morris said. "Certainly in hindsight there were some communication issues. We're really sorry about that but would never put anyone in harm's way, human or equine."

Golden Gate officials said they would review maintenance practices for the turf course and make any adjustments as needed.