Golden Gate Fields in Albany, Calif.
Racing at Golden Gate Fields has been cancelled this week after repairs from a gas leak in the area surrounding the Albany, CA track damaged the facility’s hot water system.
“There is no concern of a gas leak at Golden Gate Fields,” said David Duggan, Vice President & General Manager, Golden Gate Fields. “Unfortunately, there was a leak in the area Thursday. In order to repair it, the utility company responsible for the gas line had to shut off the gas to the track. When they re-pressurized the lines afterwards, it did some damage to the pipes that supply hot water to the facility. After speaking with specialists, it’s highly unlikely we will be fixed this weekend, so in the best interest of our horsemen, fans and employees and to safely expedite the repairs, we are cancelling both racing and simulcasting this weekend. We feel confident we can be fully up and running by Thursday.”
In addition to impacting the track’s Food and Beverage operations, hot water is also used by the several hundred backstretch workers who provide round-the-clock care of the horses that live in the Golden Gate Fields stable area. Portable hot water showers are being installed in that area for their use during this process.
Golden Gate Fields sits on the shore of the San Francisco Bay, just east of the historic Golden Gate Bridge. The home of Northern California Racing, Golden Gate Fields houses more than 1,200 horses.
Due to racing at Golden Gate Fields being cancelled the remainder of the week due to repairs to the facility’s hot water system, Friday’s Stronach 5 has been cancelled.
The third race at Golden Gate Fields was to be the fourth leg of Friday’s Stronach 5 sequence.
The Stronach 5, featuring an industry-low 12-percent takeout and $100,000 guaranteed pool, will return Friday, Feb 7.
The minimum wager on the multi-race, multi-track Stronach 5 is $1. If there are no tickets with five winners, the entire pool will be carried over to the next Friday.
For the Stronach 5, if a change in racing surface is made after the wagering closes, each selection on any ticket will be considered a winning selection. If a betting interest is scratched, that selection will be substituted with the favorite in the win pool when wagering closes.
The Maryland Jockey Club serves as host of the Stronach 5.
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