The Stronach Group (TSG)'s Golden Gate Fields property could potentially close down due to a dispute over simulcast operation funding in Northern California, according to a report published in the Blood-Horse. According to the report, TSG COO Tim Ritvo said that the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has threatened to revoke Golden Gate's operational license if they do not remain involved with a regional simulcast network that requires funding from the track. In response, Ritvo said the track could cease operations if the CHRB did not change its stance.
“Please be advised there will be an urgent meeting at 10 a.m. tomorrow by the paddock for all horsemen at Golden Gate Fields with regard to the future of Golden Gate Fields,” a tweet from the Golden Gate Press account read Wednesday afternoon.
That meeting, according to the Blood-Horse report, will involve a discussion between horsemen and track management over the simulcast issue. Ritvo told Blood-Horse that the current simulcasting arrangement through NOTWINC (Northern California Off-Track Wagering Inc.) essentially requires Golden Gate to fund off-track betting facilities in the region.
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