Golden Gate surface a go

Golden Gate Fields cleared the last hurdle to installing a synthetic track when opposing groups chose not to file an injunction seeking to stop the project by the Tuesday deadline, said Golden Gate's general manager, Robert Hartman.

Hartman said Thursday that installation of the track should begin later this month, and it must be completed in time to allow horses to train for the fall-winter meeting there, which begins Nov. 7.

Golden Gate Fields had received approval from the city of Albany, Calif., on June 19 to install a synthetic Tapeta Footings surface. Golden Gate then had to wait 14 days to allow opposition to seek legal means to stop or delay the project.

Golden Gate will become the fourth track in California to install a synthetic surface, as mandated by the California Horse Racing Board, following Hollywood, Del Mar, and Santa Anita. Bays Meadows in Tuesday was granted a one-year exemption on installing a synthetic surface.