It's last call in San Mateo. After 74 years of racing, Bay Meadows will run its final race today during the San Mateo County Fair.
Later this week, just about everything but the starting gate will be auctioned off as developers prepare to demolish the landmark where Seabiscuit wowed his fans and much of California racing history took place.
"I hate to see Bay Meadows go away," said trainer Greg Gilchrist, who literally grew up at the track. "I have a lot of personal feelings about it."
Gilchrist's father, Boots Gilchrist, and uncles trained horses at the racing venue, starting in the 1930s.
"I can remember waking up in a tack room when I was a child in the '50s," recalled Greg, now 60. "There were a lot of characters back in the day. It was a real tight community … If I had a vote, I wish Bay Meadows would stay."
Opened in 1934 by William P. Kyne on the site of a former airfield, Bay Meadows quickly earned a reputation for innovation. The electronic starting gate, photo finish camera and tote betting system all made their debut there.
Starting with Seabiscuit, who won the first two Bay Meadows Handicaps, some of the nation's best horses raced there, including Triple Crown champion Citation and Kentucky Derby winners Determine, Native Diver, Majestic Prince and Charismatic. The honor roll also includes such greats as Round Table, Lady's Secret, A.P. Indy, John Henry, Cigar, Snow Chief and Lost in the Fog.
Gilchrist, who trained Lost in the Fog, recalled the thousands of fans who swarmed the track in 2005 to see his star sprinter win his 10th consecutive race.
"That's got to be one of my best memories there," said Gilchrist, who has trained at Bay Meadows for 35 years. "But you know, the track just isn't the same."
California's oldest continually operating racetrack, Bay Meadows has been a target for redevelopment for almost 20 years. About two-thirds of the original site already has been converted into office buildings and homes.
Valued at more than $2 million an acre, the remaining 83.5 acres will be leveled for 1,200 apartments and condominiums, 750,000 square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet of stores and restaurants, and 15 acres of parkland, according to the current plan. Demolition is expected this fall.
Starting Saturday, a three-day auction will dispose of the track's assets. Ranging from seats to landscaping, about 6,000 items will be divided into 2,500 lots.
"Everything in and around the property will be on the block," said head auctioneer Mark Weitz, president of Great American Group, which is handling the dispersal. "We have some beautiful artwork, lots of archival photos, all the restaurant and bar equipment, the turf club furnishings, TV sets, you name it. There's no shortage of items to catch your eye."
Weitz said he expects about 7,000 bidders to take part in person or online.
A few items, such as the starting gate (which is leased), and historic mementos wanted by the city of San Mateo will be set aside. But everything else goes, Weitz said, right down to the box seats.
"So, somebody who wants to take home their lucky seat that's been good to them for years and years, this is their chance," he said.
Call The Bee's Debbie Arrington, (916) 326-5514.
