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Golden Gate Fields Facts: The Golden Gate Fields opened in 1941, which was the same year that the country was surprisingly attacked by Japan. Golden Gate Fields created the Golden Gate Handicap. In 1950, Noor and Citation met in that event. Noor was thought to be unbeatable. That race in 1950 is thought by some to be one of the most exciting horse racing rivalries in the history of the sport. In 1957 a Turf racing legend, Silky Sullivan, came to the Golden Gate Fields. The Golden Gate Fields debuted it's new infield Turf course in February of 1972. The first race on the new course happened on the seventh race of the day and it was won by Mrs. F.A. Spencer's Honor's Justice. The horse was ridden by Raul Ramirez. Northern Californian horse racing history was made on a nice April day in 1974, when Golden Gate Fields had the first two million dollar day - it was California Derby day. Three years later, on another California Derby Day, an attendance record for the Bay area was set when 26,108 fans showed up. In 1980, Golden Gate Fields sought to modernize itself by introducing one-window wagering where bettors could bet and cash in their winnings at the same window. The next year, Golden Gate Fields increased their racing days by adding Sunday racing to their program. 1984 was a banner year for Golden Gate Fields. They had their first two million dollar daily mutual handle average. The fifty-five day meet averaged $2,0004,409. After this mark, the handle average was off to the races. Looking more attractive, Golden Gate Fields drew the attention of a potential buyer. In 1989, Ladbroke Group PLC acquires the track for $41 million. In 1990, the six million dollar plateau is passed and attendance continues to rise. In fact, the track set another attendance record with 34,976 horse racing fans. Two years later, Russell Baze accomplishes an amazing feat as he crosses the finish line in first place seven out of nine times at Golden Gate Fields. He went on to set a record for most wins in a meet at 178 wins. The very next year, super jockey Russel Baze becomes the 23rd jockey to amass 4,000 victories. He did it riding Frank Musso at Golden Gate Fields. 1995 was a great year at Golden Gate Fields. The handle and crowd continues to grow. In May, inspired by the Kentucky Derby, the seven million dollar plateau is passed for the first time in Northern California. The total was $7,093,420. Later that year Russell Baze proved he was not done winning as he became the first jockey in history to have 400 victories for a year four times. It was quite an amazing feat. There has been a lot of horse racing history made at Golden Gate Fields. It's a gem in the Northern California horse racing area. 
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