A Day at the Races for Triple Crown
It was a festive day at the horse races with attendees donning hats and colorful dresses. Everyone had high hopes for a day at the racetrack. It came as a disappointment that I’ll Have Another, the Triple Crown contender, scratched the day before the big race. However you couldn’t dampen the spirits of the attendees at Golden Gate Fields.
At the Turf Club, wine flowed, bets were placed, and marvelous hats were seen everywhere. Spectators were in good spirits as they cheered on their favorite horses, whether or not they won their bets.
Serious race spectators bet on the live racing as well as the simulcast races broadcast at the track. For less-serious fans, there were plenty of activities in honor of the big day, including the VIP Triple Crown Party held outdoors with choice cigars, cocktails, appetizers, and DJ tunes. The Belmont Stakes Wine Festival was held trackside with wine tasting, snacks, and live jazz.
And it was business as usual at Golden Gate Fields, with live thoroughbred racing throughout the day. Russel Baze the “Winningest Jockey” of all time, was on a streak, winning most of his races that day. The track was a little more crowded than normal and featured a well-dressed crowd.
Horse racing has often been associated with royalty, called “the Sport of Kings,” although everyone is welcome at the racetrack. It is one of the only sports where the athletes pay the fans.
There are nearly 800 people employed behind the scenes at the track in the stables and training areas. Watching the horses enter the track en masse, early in the morning before the track opens, is an amazing sight. Watching horse racing can be exhilarating and is something that everyone should experience.
Live racing takes a break during the summer season and resumes on August 17, 2012.
About Golden Gate Fields: This is the only live thoroughbred racing venue left in the San Francisco Bay Area. Live racing is held on Thursday through Sunday during racing season, with up to 10 races each day. The track is located on the bay in Berkeley, California.
The Turf Club is an elegant way to experience the race track in a restaurant setting with views of the track and simulcast racing on individual televisions at each table. Valet parking is available from the Gilman Street entrance from Highway 80. More information is available on their website.
