The Final Days of Bay Meadows Racetrack
Like drive-in movie theaters before it, the only Peninsula racetrack will become extinct as of Sunday August 17th. Bay Meadows, located in San Mateo across the street from Hillsdale Shopping Center and adjacent to the San Mateo County Fairgrounds, has been in existence since 1934, holding quarterhorse, thoroughbred, and harness racing. The longest continually operating racetrack in California, all the big names have jockeyed here, and many of the best horses have run its oval. Bill Shoemaker started his career at this Peninsula track in 1949 and Russell Baze, the winningest jockey in racing history, has won more races at Bay Meadows than any other. Seabiscuit, Citation, Majestic Prince, among others, have graced this track either on their way to stardom, or during their heyday.
But progress, and the price of real estate, has not been kind to Bay Meadows. Originally this track spanned from the CalTrain tracks all the way to 101 and from Hillsdale Boulevard to where Highway 92 is today. Over the years, land has been sold off. Back in the ’90s a large chunk of real estate that served as training grounds, located between the main track and Highway 101, was sold and has subsequently seen a large commercial, retail, and housing complex spring up. This large complex, also known as Phase 1, contains Franklin Resources, hotel, Whole Foods, restaurants, small shops, and hundreds of housing units.
What’s in store for this Peninsula property? Phase II will become another housing, retail, and commercial development. In fact, ground is expected to be broken just a month or two after the track closes. But this does not come without significant research, community input, and environmental impact reports. Over the last 6 years, there have been over 100 meetings to refine the redevelopment project. What makes this area so desirable is that it sits near a variety of transportation options, including SamTrans, CalTrain, Highways 101 and 92, and the San Mateo Bridge. And a quick train ride north a few stops drops you at BART, gateway to the City and East Bay. The mixed-use development will include 15 acres of parks and be pedestrian and bike friendly, and it will have a 10% of the housing units reserved at below-market rate.
But before all that happens, I encourage you to visit this historic track and catch the last of the races to take place at Bay Meadows. Live racing will occur from August 6th to 17th, running concurrently with the San Mateo County Fair. On Sunday, August 17th, Bay Meadows is offering $1 grandstand admission and for the final race of it’s long illustrious career, the $50,000 Last Dance Stakes will take place, featuring 3-year-old fillies.
Directions
CalTrain: Get off at the Hillsdale Station, adjacent to the Bay Meadows South Parking lot. http://www.caltrain.com/caltrain_zones_1-1-2006.html
Bus: Local SamTrans buses stop near Bay Meadows throughout the day during the racing season.: http://samtrans.com
Car: Highway 101 to CA-92 West ramp to Hayward/Half Moon Bay. Take the Delaware Street exit, staying in the right hand lane. Turn right at South Delaware Street, which ends at Bay Meadow.
