Officials at the Pacific Racing Association and Golden Gate Fields (GGF) have announced that the track and stable area will be closed to all activities and occupants for a seven-week period beginning June 18, 2022 and extending through Aug. 7, 2022, in order to provide 'safe and unimpeded access for required upgrades, repairs and inspection of the utility infrastructure serving the GGF facility.' During that time frame, there will be no live racing or training and housing will be unavailable.
In a memo issued late Wednesday, officials explained they have no choice but to take the action and that the track is required to undertake steps to 'evaluate, repair and replace sanitary sewer infrastructure' that serves the facility. As required by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Regional Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, GGF must evaluate its more than 6,000 feet (more than a linear mile) of sanitary sewer laterals serving the facility. Portions of the work cannot be completed safely or expeditiously without a complete shutdown of all operations.
The memo goes on to state that the track will work with stakeholders over the course of the next three months to minimize the impact the repairs will cause. It was not immediately clear where displaced backstretch workers would be accommodated.
Golden Gate was also forced to close its facility 15 years ago when the racing surface was replaced.
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