Stronach Group to close Golden Gate Fields horseracing track by year's end

The Stronach Group has announced it will be closing down its Golden Gate Fields horseracing venue in North California amid company plans to focus on the southern part of the state.

The thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering group called the decision "a major development aimed at consolidating, invigorating and innovating racing throughout Southern California." By closing Golden Gate Fields, the firm says it will double down on its racing and training venues at Santa Anita Park and San Luis Rey Downs.

At the conclusion of the Golden Gate Fields meet at the end of the current year, the company will focus on seamlessly transitioning horses from Northern California to Southern California with the goal of increasing field sizes and adding another day of racing to the weekly racing calendar at Santa Anita Park, come January 2024.

"This consolidation will provide expanded content opportunities, wagering prospects and will serve to further elevate the overall customer experience at Santa Anita Park," the Stronach Group said in a press release.

"The Stronach Group remains steadfastly committed to racing in California," said Belinda Stronach, Chairwoman, Chief Executive Officer and President, The Stronach Group. "We believe that the future success of racing depends on a business model that encourages investment in Southern California, one of North America's premier racing circuits."

"Focusing on Santa Anita Park and San Luis Rey Downs as state-of-the-art racing and training facilities that offer enhanced program quality, increased race days, expanded wagering opportunities, and premier hospitality and entertainment experiences is vital to ensuring that California racing can continue to compete and thrive on a national level," the CEO added.

While Stronach noted that the decision will have "profound effects" on the company's employees, as well as the owners, trainers, jockeys and stable personnel at Golden Gate Fields, she said that The Stronach Group is "committed to honoring labor obligations and developing a meaningful transition plan."

Moving forward, the company said it will work in cooperation with industry participants including the California Horse Racing Board, Thoroughbred Owners of California, California Thoroughbred Trainers, and Del Mar and Los Alamitos racetracks to develop a plan to relocate horses and employees to Southern California "while supporting all affected by this closure."