Golden Gate Retains Safety Accreditation

Golden Gate Fields has earned re-accreditation from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Safety and Integrity Alliance, the NTRA announced Oct. 9.



Located along the bay in Albany, Calif., near Oakland and San Francisco, the track opens its 36-day fall season Oct. 16.



Golden Gate received its initial Alliance accreditation in 2010. All accreditations and re-accreditations carry an effective period of two years.



"Golden Gate Fields is honored to receive its re-accreditation from the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance," said Calvin Rainey, track general manager. "Since the receipt of our first NTRA accreditation in 2010, Golden Gate Fields has teamed with the NTRA to continuously improve our safety standards and is proud to have contributed eight best practices to the overall Alliance Accreditation Program."



Golden Gate, which has a Tapeta racing surface as well as a turf course, is owned and operated by The Stronach Group, one of the world's leading racetrack operators.



Golden Gate was cited for best practices in the areas of injury reporting and prevention for post-mortem veterinary examinations, as required by the California Horse Racing Board, a veterinarians' list maintained with the InCompass Racing Operations software for sharing with other jurisdictions; and use of cushioned riding crops, in adherence with CHRB policy.



It was also cited for best practices in the area of equine drug testing and penalties, appropriate funding of jockey disability support programs via the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, and for its efforts in aftercare and transition of retired racehorses.



Golden Gate Fields is believed to be the only track in the United States with an employee whose sole responsibility is managing aftercare by connecting horses with safe homes at the conclusion of their racing careers.



The track is one of 24 racing facilities currently fully accredited by the Alliance.