Leave the entertainment, and the cooking, to Golden Gate Fields on Thanksgiving Day, when the track by the Bay serves up an exciting holiday card.

First post will be at 11:15 a.m. and gates will open at 9:30 a.m. for early bird wagering on the racing action taking place across the country.

Fans looking to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal will want to make a reservation for the Turf Club for the annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet. Reservations may be made by calling (510) 559-7551.

Fall racing at Golden Gate Fields runs through Sunday, December 11.

Albany, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2016)–After hopping at the start, Right Hand Man, with Juan Hernandez up, captured Saturday’s $50,000 Golden Nugget Stake race by three lengths. Trained by Jeff Bonde, Right Hand Man, after an unfortunate break, recovered quickly, moving up to press the leader, Riser, ridden by Catalino Martinez. The field of five two year old colts went three wide into the stretch, with Silver Assault chasing the pace, digging in for second place. The official time for the six furlong event was 1:09.84.

Juan Hernandez has captured both stake races so far for the Fall Meet and will go for three on November 19 in the Oakland Stakes. “My horse broke a little slow, he moved right before the break. He recovered himself really quickly and then I was just behind the speed waiting for the stretch to make my move. When I asked the horse to go he responded very well,” said Hernandez.

Right Hand Man ran second in  Santa Anita’s Speakeasy Stakes on October 16 to California Diamond, who later went on to win the Golden State Juvenile Stakes.

Right Hand Man can be expected to face the three year olds and at a longer distance, for which he is bred, during his 2017 campaign. “When I took him behind the other horses, he relaxed pretty well. It wasn’t too tough for him. But you never know when they move up,” said Hernandez.

Trainer Jeff Bonde: “We bought him at the Barretts Sale last year. He’s a beautiful horse and we paid fair money for him ($120,000). We’ve always liked him and from day one he showed a lot of talent. He’s run really well every time, but that one (a sixth-place finish in the Santa Anita Juvenile). He’s bred to run farther than he has run and he’s also bred for the grass so we have options.  I don’t want to look ahead right now.”

Racign resumes tomorrow at Golden Gate Fields with the famous Dollar Day which offers fans $1 beers, $1 hot dogs, $1 general admission, and $1 programs.

The fall meet at Golden Gate Fields runs until December 11.

Albany, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2016)–In a driving effort, Simmy’s Temple, with Juan Hernandez up, prevailed by three-quarters of a length in Saturday’s stake race, the $75,000 guaranteed Pike Place Dancer at Golden Gate Fields. Trained by Doug O’Neill, Simmy’s Temple, breaking from post position one, in a field of five two year old fillies, was unhurried to the half and dug in gamely in the stretch to best 2-5 favorite Tapped ridden by Hall of Fame jockey, Mike Smith, and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. The official time for the 1 Mile event was 1:38.79.

Tapped, not far back at the half, was fanned four wide on the second turn, rallied to the lead and dueled strongly with Simmy’s Temple, but was bested late. Off at 6-1, Simmy’s Temple, paid $14.20. In addition it was winning jockey, Juan Hernandez’s third winner of the day.

Juan Hernandez, winning jockey aboard Simmy’s Temple (No. 1): “She broke really nice, sitting behind the speed. I was waiting all the race inside and then when I found my spot I put my horse in that hole and she responded well. She won the race and she finished strong.”

Mike Smith, second place jockey aboard Tapped (No. 5): “She had only run one time, this was a new track, her first time at two turns; the obvious you can give an excuse for, but other than that I can’t. If the horse is extraordinary then they can get the job done. She certainly has room to improve. So you just hope that she does.”

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Wednesday, October 19, 2016) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Golden Gate Fields, the historic Bay Area racetrack celebrating 75 years of racing in 2016, has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance.

Located in Berkeley, Calif., along the San Francisco Bay, the only major racetrack in Northern California opens its 32-day Fall Meet this Thursday, with live racing four days per week through Dec. 11. The Winter/Spring Meet will commence just over two weeks later, on Dec. 26.

The reaccreditation of Golden Gate Fields – owned and operated by The Stronach Group – was the culmination of a lengthy process that began with the track’s completion of an extensive written application and continued as the track hosted several meetings with Alliance officials. An on-site review included inspections of all facets of the racing operations. Interviews were conducted with track executives, racetrack personnel, jockeys, owners, trainers, veterinarians, stewards and regulators.

The inspection team was comprised of Jim Gates, racetrack operations consultant, former general manager of Churchill Downs; Ron Jensen, DVM, veterinary and regulatory consultant, former equine medical director for the California Horse Racing Board; Mike Kilpack, security and integrity consultant, past chairman of the Organization of Racetrack Investigators; and Steve Koch, executive director of the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance.

Alliance certification standards address an extensive list of safety and integrity concerns within six broad areas: injury reporting and prevention; creating a safer racing environment; uniform medication and testing; jockey health and welfare; aftercare and transition of retired racehorses; and wagering security.

“Golden Gate Fields has been a proud member of the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance since receiving its first NTRA accreditation in 2010,” said Calvin J. Rainey, track vice president and general manager. “Golden Gate Fields continues to work with the NTRA to maintain the highest level of safety and integrity standards in the thoroughbred horse racing industry.”

Golden Gate Fields is one of 23 racing facilities fully accredited by the Alliance that together host 90 percent of graded stakes and generate 74 percent of North American pari-mutuel handle. The others are Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, Canterbury Park, Churchill Downs, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, Gulfstream Park, Indiana Grand, Keeneland, Kentucky Downs, Laurel Park, Los Alamitos Race Course, Monmouth Park, Pimlico Race Course, Santa Anita Park, Saratoga Race Course, Suffolk Downs, Sunland Park, Turfway Park and Woodbine.

About the NTRA

The NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance is a standing organization whose purpose is to establish standards and practices to promote safety and integrity in horseracing and to secure their implementation. Corporate partners of the Alliance include Lockton Insurance and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Information on the Alliance, including the Alliance Code of Standards, can be found at NTRAalliance.com.

The NTRA, based in Lexington, Ky., is a broad-based coalition of more than 100 horse racing interests and thousands of individual stakeholders consisting of horseplayers, racetrack operators, owners, breeders, trainers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity, welfare and integrity of Thoroughbred racing through consensus-based leadership, legislative advocacy, safety and integrity initiatives, fan engagement and corporate partner development. The NTRA owns and manages the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance, NTRA.com, the Eclipse Awards, the National Handicapping Championship, NTRA Advantage, a corporate partner sales and sponsorship program, and Horse PAC, a federal political action committee. NTRA press releases appear on NTRA.com, Twitter (@ntra) and Facebook (facebook.com/1NTRA).

ALBANY, CALIF. – The 32-day Golden Gate Fields Fall Meet will begin Thursday, with racing conducted four days a week through Dec. 11.

Regular post time will be 12:45 p.m. every race day with three exceptions: 12:05 p.m. on Nov. 4 (Breeders’ Cup Day 1), 11:40 a.m. on Nov. 5 (Breeders’ Cup Day 2), and 11:15 a.m. on Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving).

Golden Gate will conduct eight stakes races during the Fall Meet, topped by the Grade 3, $100,000 Berkeley Handicap on Nov. 26. The race will be contested at a 1 1/16 miles for 3-year-olds and up.

The road to the El Camino Real Derby, Golden Gate’s primary Triple Crown prep race, will begin on Nov. 12 with the $50,000 Golden Nugget, a six-furlong event for 2-year-olds. The juveniles will then have the chance to stretch out Dec. 3 when Golden Gate presents the $75,000 Gold Rush at one mile.

There are two stakes for 2-year-old fillies: the $75,000 Pike Place Dancer at one mile on the turf Oct. 29 and the $50,000 Golden Gate Debutante at six furlongs Nov. 25.

General and Clubhouse admission are $6 and $10, respectively. Turf Club admission is $12 on Thursdays and Fridays and $15 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Frequent admission discounts and lower pre-paid rates are available to THOROUGHBREDS club members. Every Friday is Senior Friday, with free clubhouse admission offered to THOROUGHBREDS club members 62 years and older. The popular Dollar Day is held every Sunday, with Golden Gate offering $1 general admission, $1 general parking, $1 programs, $1 beers, $1 sodas, and $1 hot dogs.

The races will be called by veteran announcer, Frank Mirahmadi, when fall racing begins. The affable announcer, known for his superb race calling and witty impersonations, brings over 20 years of professional experience to the bayside oval.

On Nov. 6, Golden Gate Fields will conduct a toy drive in conjunction with Toys for Tots. Patrons who bring a new, unwrapped toy will receive a coupon for free Clubhouse admission. Coupons also will be given to those who make a cash donation equal to or greater than the cost of Clubhouse admission ($10).

The Fall Meet racing/post time schedule
Week 1 (Oct. 20-23): Thursday 12:45 p.m., Friday 12:45 p.m., Saturday 12:45 p.m., Sunday 12:45 p.m.
Week 2 (Oct. 27-Oct. 30): Thursday 12:45 p.m., Friday 12:45 p.m., Saturday 12:45 a.m., Sunday 12:45 p.m.
Week 3 (Nov. 3-6): Thursday 12:45 p.m., Friday 12:05 p.m., Saturday 11:40 p.m., Sunday 12:45 p.m.
Week 4 (Nov. 10-13): Thursday 12:45 p.m., Friday 12:45 p.m., Saturday 12:45 p.m., Sunday 12:45 p.m.
Week 5 (Nov. 17-20): Thursday 12:45 p.m., Friday 12:45 p.m., Saturday 12:45 p.m., Sunday 12:45 p.m.
Week 6 (Nov. 24-27): Thursday 11:15 a.m., Friday 12:45 p.m., Saturday 12:45 p.m., Sunday 12:45 p.m.
Week 7 (Dec. 1-4): Thursday 12:45 p.m., Friday 12:45 p.m., Saturday 12:45 p.m., Sunday 12:45 p.m.
Week 8 (Dec. 8-Dec. 11): Thursday 12:45 p.m., Friday 12:45 p.m., Saturday 12:45 p.m., Sunday 12:45 p.m.

The Stronach Group Releases The First Block of Tickets to
The Pegasus World Cup Invitational

Hallandale Beach, Florida – October 13, 2016 – The Stronach Group announced today the first blocks of tickets to The Pegasus World Cup Invitational are now available. The Pegasus World Cup Invitational, the world’s richest thoroughbred race, will be contested on Saturday, January 28th, 2017 at The Stronach Group’s premier destination, Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

Be part of history and reserve your place now! Tickets for
The Pegasus World Cup Invitational available for purchase online at http://www.pegasusworldcup.com/. Tickets can also be purchased at Gulfstream Park, 11:00am-5:00pm EST on live-race days.

The inaugural running of this industry-leading thoroughbred invitational exemplifies The Stronach Group’s commitment to modernizing and elevating the sport of horse racing for the next generation of fans, while providing lucrative opportunities for thoroughbred owners.

Tickets are available for purchase now and range from $100 to $765+ USD per person. Venues offer something for everyone, from exciting views of the dash to the finish at the trackside bar, to luxurious VIP experiences and suites.

The innovative Pegasus World Cup Invitational is the first event of its kind in horse racing. Twelve stakeholders have each put up $1 million USD for a spot at the starting gate and will compete with the best horses in the world. The winner will earn a world-record $7 million USD.

The Pegasus World Cup Invitational will be broadcast live on NBC from 4:30pm-6:00pm EST on Saturday, January 28th, 2017 and will be simulcast worldwide in partnership with Henry Birtles Associates.

Wagering on The Pegasus World Cup Invitational can be done at Xpressbet.com, the official wagering platform of The Pegasus World Cup Invitational.

Keep up with The Pegasus World Cup Invitational on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @pegasusworldcup.

This is the future of horse racing. Watch. Wager. Witness.

####

Gulfstream Park
Since 1939, Gulfstream Park has been one of the most important venues for horse racing in the country. Some of the world’s top thoroughbred contenders pass through Gulfstream Park with their eye on Triple Crown glory. Gulfstream Park is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95 and is open seven days a week. Ideally located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami International Airports and just one mile from the Atlantic Ocean, this vast entertainment destination offers up countless things to do. In addition to thoroughbred racing, Gulfstream Park offers over 800 Vegas-style slot machines and South Florida’s finest poker room with over 20 live action tables. Please visit http://www.gulfstreampark.com/ for more.

The Stronach Group
The Stronach Group (TSG) is an industry leader in world-class horse racing, entertainment and pari-mutuel wagering technology. Within our portfolio of racing and gaming businesses, TSG holds some of the greatest brands in the industry including; Santa Anita Park, “The Great Race Place”; Pimlico Race Course, home of the legendary Preakness Stakes®; Gulfstream Park, one of Florida’s newest entertainment destination centers featuring a casino and outdoor retail village; Laurel Park; Golden Gate Fields; and Portland Meadows; and also includes industry leading pari-mutuel technology subsidiaries AmTote and Xpressbet. For more on The Stronach Group, visit http://www.stronachgroup.com/.

For information on The Pegasus World Cup Invitational or The Stronach Group please contact:
Lauren Gnazzo, The Gnazzo Group
412-916-2031
lauren@gnazzogroup.com

For information on Gulfstream Park please contact:
Dave Joseph, Vice President Communications
954-658-7156
David.joseph@gulfstreampark.com

Veteran race caller, Frank Mirahmadi, will be the full-time track announcer at Golden Gate Fields when fall racing begins on October 20. The affable announcer, known for his superb race calling and witty impersonations, brings over 20 years of professional experience to the bayside oval.

The 48-year-old Los Angeles native will purchase his one-way ticket to Golden Gate Fields after completing the current season at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. Mirahmadi’s first day at Golden Gate Fields will be on his 49th birthday.

“Golden Gate Fields is one of the most beautiful racing venues in the country and I’m excited to come back and announce the races there,” said Mirahmadi. “I can’t wait to celebrate my birthday doing a job that I love at a place as special as Golden Gate Fields.”

Mirahmadi’s career began when he called his first race at Hollywood Park on December 24, 1992. His first full-time announcing job was at Hialeah Park, in Florida where he called from 1996 until the historic track shuttered its doors to Thoroughbred racing in 2001.  His career has taken him to the rooftops of Louisiana Downs, Oaklawn Park, Santa Anita Park, and the Northern California circuit, where he called at Golden Gate Fields during the spring of 2016.

“We are delighted to have Frank back in the announcer’s booth at Golden Gate Fields. He is undoubtedly one of the best race callers in the country, and we are very fortunate to have him calling our races,” said Joe Morris, senior vice president of west coast operations for The Stronach Group.

Mirahmadi will be replacing Angela Hermann at Golden Gate Fields, who recently accepted her dream job as a paddock analyst at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. Hermann will make her debut in Southern California on September 30, when The Great Race Place opens for its annual autumn meet.

Live racing resumes at Golden Gate Fields October 20 and runs through December 11. For more track announcements and updates follow Golden Gate Fields on twitter at @ggfracing or online at www.goldengatefields.com.

NBC Sports Group, the Home of Horse Racing, Adds another Premium Property to Portfolio Which Features Exclusive Triple Crown & Breeders’ Cup Rights and Newly-Added Royal Ascot

NBC Partners with The Stronach Group For The Pegasus World Cup Invitational

NBC’s Live Coverage of Pegasus World Cup Invitational Will Be Streamed on NBCSports.com & the NBC Sports app

STAMFORD, Conn. – SEPTEMBER 26, 2016 – NBC Sports Group has reached an agreement with The Stronach Group for exclusive United States media rights to the inaugural running of the $12 Million USD Pegasus World Cup Invitational. The world’s richest thoroughbred race will be contested on January 28, 2017 at The Stronach Group’s premier destination, Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

The inaugural running of this industry leading thoroughbred invitational is the vision of The Stronach Group founder, Frank Stronach, and exemplifies The Stronach Group’s commitment to modernizing and elevating the sport of horse racing for the next generation of fans, while providing lucrative opportunities for thoroughbred owners.

NBC will air a live 90-minute telecast from Gulfstream Park on Saturday, January 28, 2017. All coverage will be streamed live on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app – NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, tablets, and connected TVs. Powered by Playmaker Media, the NBC Sports app is available on Apple iOS, Android and select Samsung devices, as well as on Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Win10, and Xbox.

As the home of horse racing, NBC Sports Group’s presentation of The Pegasus World Cup Invitational will complement its exclusive, long-term media agreements for all of the Triple Crown races – Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes – the Breeders’ Cup, and the newly-acquired Royal Ascot.

“We are excited to work with The Stronach Group to present such a unique and lucrative race as we continue to present the best horse racing in the world,” said Jon Miller, President of Programming for NBC Sports and NBCSN.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with NBC to bring the world’s richest thoroughbred horse race to audiences across The United States. The Stronach Group is committed to modernizing and elevating the sport of thoroughbred horse racing for the next generation of fans, while providing a deeper experience to our existing fans and racing enthusiasts with exciting new events like The Pegasus World Cup Invitational.” said Belinda Stronach, Chairman & President, The Stronach Group.

The innovative Pegasus World Cup Invitational, to be contested at 1 1/8 miles on the dirt, is restricted to 12 horses and is the first event of its kind in horse racing. Twelve owners have reserved a spot in the starting gate for $1 million USD. They can race, lease, share a starter, or sell their place in the gate. The owners will share equally in the net income from betting, media rights and sponsorships. The winner of the race will earn a world-record $7 million USD.

Wagering on The Pegasus World Cup Invitational can be done through Xpressbet.com.

NBC SPORTS GROUP AND HORSE RACING: NBC Sports Group is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Cup, and beginning in 2017 the Royal Ascot. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001, and the Belmont Stakes since 2011, when NBC Sports Group reassembled the Triple Crown. NBC Sports’ coverage of 2016 Kentucky Derby averaged 15.5 million viewers – marking the fourth consecutive year the “Run for the Roses” has topped 15 million viewers on NBC. NBC Sports’ coverage of the 2016 Preakness Stakes averaged 9.4 million viewers, up 6% from Triple Crown-winner American Pharoah’s first-place finish at Pimlico last year (8.9 million viewers), and the third time in four years that its Preakness Stakes audience topped 9 million viewers.

AWARDS FOR NBC’S HORSE RACING COVERAGE: NBC Sports Group’s coverage of American Pharoah’s historic Triple Crown run in 2015 earned two Sports Emmys: Outstanding Camera Work for the entire Triple Crown series, and Outstanding Open/Tease for the 141st Kentucky Derby, narrated by Ashley Judd. Since its involvement in the Triple Crown, NBC Sports Group has been honored with 16 Eclipse Awards for its thoroughbred racing coverage including the award for Television – Live Program for the 2015 Belmont Stakes, 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic and the 2013 Kentucky Derby. NBC Sports Group’s previous wins in that category include: Preakness (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008), Kentucky Derby (2007, 2012), Belmont (2004) and Breeder’s Cup (2001). Additionally, NBC Sports Group has won four Eclipse Awards in the features category: “California Chrome: The Unlikely Champion,” which was televised on NBCSN in June 2014, a 2002 feature on War Emblem (Preakness broadcast), a 2005 feature on Afleet Alex (Kentucky Derby broadcast) and a 2009 feature on Mine That Bird (Preakness broadcast).

THE STRONACH GROUP: The Stronach Group (TSG) is an industry leader in world-class horse racing, entertainment and pari-mutuel wagering technology. Within its portfolio of racing and gaming businesses, TSG holds some of the greatest brands in the industry including; Santa Anita Park, “The Great Race Place”; Pimlico Race Course, home of the legendary Preakness Stakes®; Gulfstream Park, one of Florida’s newest entertainment destination centers featuring a casino and outdoor retail village; Laurel Park; Golden Gate Fields; and Portland Meadows; and also includes industry leading pari-mutuel technology subsidiaries AmTote and Xpressbet. For more on The Stronach Group, visit www.thestronachgroup.com.

-NBC SPORTS GROUP-

On closing day, offering mandatory payouts, a single winning ticket for the 20¢ Golden Pick 6 paid $249,999.48 at Golden Gate Fields. The number of live-ticket holders was dramatically reduced in Race 6 when Baruch, a 40-1 longshot, trained and owned by Sergio Perez, dueled hard for an upset win. The winning ticket was purchased through the Hunt Valley, Maryland hub.  In addition to the large Pick 6 payout, the 50¢ Late Pick 4 also paid $16,766.50. 

Handicappers were tasked with a difficult pick 6 sequence, which featured an average field size of 10.3 runners per race totaling 62 horses to close out the last six races of the meet.

Racing will resume at Golden Gate Fields for the fall meet on October 20 and run through December 11. For racing news and highlights, fans may follow Golden Gate Fields on twitter @GGFRacing and online at www.goldengatefields.com

 

Live racing returns to Golden Gate Fields October 20 – December 11. Regular post time will be at 12:45pm. Special post times will be announced for Thanksgiving Day and both Breeders’ Cup Championship days.