Golden Gate Fields, Berkeley CA
Posted by: 
monkeykat
N 37° 53.015 W 122° 18.808
10S E 560371 N 4193120
This horse racing track is located on the shoreline of San Francisco Bay. It stradles both Albany and Berkeley California. The track has both turf and a 1 mile dirt track. Racing began in February 1941.
Waymark Code: WM1CGD
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 04/04/2007
Views: 366
Golden Gate fields was built on a marshy area around the San Francisco bay, which was filled in for the infield. The track opened February 1st 1941. It sits on approximately 154 acres of land.
There is a 1 mile dirt track (to be converted to synthetic surface this year) and a 9/10 mile turf course. The main grandstand seats 9,000 people, clubhouse seats 4,500, and the turf club seats 1,200 more. There is ample parking on site for over 8,500 cars.
The track hosts a Grade 2 race, the San Francisco Breeders' Cup Mile, several Grade 3 races, and many more ungraded stakes races. There is always simulcast betting available.
The track web site lists information regarding its Winter 2006-2007 Racing Season which runs from Dec 26, 2006 to Feb 11, 2007. Suggest you contact the track for their Summer Schedule.
Weather in the bay area is often foggy and unpredictable. You can often expect a stiff wind and early morning fog. Sometimes this area can be quite an inhospitable place. Yet with changing conditions and the sun poking out, the track can heat up and be quite enjoyable at times.
Types of Races: Thoroughbred
Racing Season: From: 12/26/2006 To: 02/11/2007
Year Opened: 02/01/1941
Famous Races:
Grade 2 San Francisco Breeders' Cup Mile
Grade 3 Berkeley Handicap
Grade 3 Golden Gate Fields Handicap
Additional Information:
Parking is ample, the lot can reportedly hold 8,500 cars. It can be windy and cold if there os cloud/fog cover. Betting windows accept ATM cards only, no credit cards.
Magna Entertainment (track owners) announced on October 12, 2006, that the track will install the Tapeta Footings, a synthetic racing surface on its main racetrack.
Installation is set to begin in May 2007, and may cause the racing schedule to be altered this year.
Simulcast betting is available.
Racecourse Web Site: [Web Link]
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