Golden Gate Fields Racetrack Horse Racing

About Golden Gate Fields Racetrack

Golden Gate Fields sits 11 miles east of San Francisco and only a short drive from the Napa Valley with picturesque views of San Francisco Bay. This track, which is on 225 acres, is capable of seating 14,750 spectators (Grandstand, 7,960; Clubhouse, 5,230; Turf Club, 1,560). It is located within visual proximity to multiple national landmarks and is a unique facility for the public to enjoy the majesty of thoroughbred racing.

Golden Gate Fields has a longstanding history. Since its inaugural in 1941, many notable jockeys and horses have graced this track. In February 1972, Golden Gate debuted its infield turf course on opening day.

In 1990, Golden Gate Fields reached the $6-million plateau in handle for the first time and drew an attendance of 34,976. In 1995, sparked by the Kentucky Derby, a crowd of 27,710 fans arrived and the track surpassed $7 million in handle for the first time in Northern California history. Within the same year, more history was made when leading jockey Russell Blaze surpassed Bill Shoemaker for top spot on the most career wins list with an astounding 8,834 victories.

Golden Gate Fields offers a premier dining experience at the Turf Club Restaurant, which has views of the track and San Francisco Bay. The combination of breath-taking scenery, excellent dining, incredible racing action and sensational atmosphere make for an unforgettable day at the races.

In 2006, the California Horse Racing Board mandated that all of California's major Thoroughbred racetracks must install synthetic surfaces on their main tracks by 2008. As a result, Golden Gate Fields completed construction of a Tapeta (pronounced "Tuh-Pea-Tuh") racing surface, which offers horses and jockeys safety, performance and consistency in all weather conditions, in time for its 2007 winter meeting.