Golden Gate backstretch reopened to horses coming and going

Horses were allowed to resume entering and leaving the Golden Gate Fields backstretch on Tuesday evening after a short lockdown due to the death of a horse over the weekend that tested positive for the highly contagious equine herpesvirus.

One barn on the backstretch has been placed under quarantine, according to a California Horse Racing Board press release, which also said there is no indication of any additional cases of equine herpesvirus.

“A 3-year-old filly at Golden Gate Fields was euthanized on March 23 after developing severe neurological signs,” the release said. “She has tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 neurotrophic strain (EHV-1N). California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) veterinary personnel have inspected the barn and reviewed biosecurity procedures that had been put in place. One barn of exposed horses has been placed under restricted quarantine with enhanced biosecurity measures and twice daily temperature monitoring. In addition to California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) and Golden Gate Fields management, CDFA personnel will continue to monitor the situation. Horses have resumed entering and leaving Golden Gate.”