Bring the family to enjoy Easter festivities, Thoroughbred horses at Golden Gate Fields.

April 21, 2011 - PRLog -- With the holiday weekend on its way, northern California residents are reminded that some of the best things to do in the Bay Area this weekend can be found at Golden Gate Fields.

Is it possible to enjoy thoroughbred horses and the Easter Bunny on the same day? Racing fans and families alike already know that Golden Gate Fields, northern California's spot for premier thoroughbred racing, offers the kind of family fun and entertainment that gets even better on a holiday weekend.

As part of Golden Gate Fields’ Easter Sunday family special:
   • There will be a special Easter Egg hunt in the winner's circle at 11:30 a.m. where children can search for treats and toys in the same spot that hosted hall of fame jockeys and trainers.
   • Parents will be allowed – even encouraged – to take pictures of the hunt.
   • Children who don't bring their baskets will be given free Easter bags to carry their treats, provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can't make the hunt? Don't worry. One of the best things to do in the Bay Area this weekend doesn't end with the Easter egg hunt.
   •From noon until 4:00 p.m. kids 17 and under accompanied by a paying parent receive free admission to Family Day, which includes a bounce house, balloon artists, face painters, and pony rides.
   •There will also be a traditional Easter family brunch held in the elegant Turf Club, where families can enjoy a beautiful setting to watch the races. Reserve a table at goldengatefields.com or call (510) 559-7390.

In addition to these specials, Golden Gate Fields will be offering the famed Dollar Day deals. Fans will enjoy $1 general admission, general parking, programs, hot dogs, beers and sodas. Horse racing tips are free. Is it any wonder that a Sunday trip to Golden Gate Fields is considered by many to be one of the best things to do in the Bay Area this weekend?

Be sure to make Golden Gate Fields your family outing this Easter weekend. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. After the Easter Bunny leaves his treats in your basket, come see if some thoroughbred horses will leave a gift in your wallet.

About Golden Gate Fields

Golden Gates Fields, Northern California’s premier horse racing facility, commenced its first meeting on Feb. 1, 1941. Due to poor track conditions caused by heavy rains, the inaugural meeting lasted only five days. America’s involvement in World War II meant racing at the track wouldn’t resume for six years, and the track became a naval amphibious landing craft base.

Golden Gate Fields reopened on Sept. 9, 1947, and since has hosted many of the sports’ greatest thoroughbred horses and jockeys. The great Bill Shoemaker, who would go on to become the world’s winningest riders, scored his first career victory at Golden Gate Fields on April 20, 1949, aboard Shafter V. He retired 41 years later with 8,833 wins.
Through the years champion horses like Citation (1948 Horse of the Year), Noor (Handicap Horse of 1950), Determine (1954 Kentucky Derby winner), John Henry (Horse of the Year in 1981 and 1984), Brown Bess (Female Grass Horse of 1989), Tight Spot (Grass Horse of 1991), and Lost in the Fog (Sprinter of 2005) have competed at Golden Gate Fields.

Golden Gate Fields is a beautiful facility that features an elegant Turf Club, a vast and comfortable Club House, smart simulcast rooms, and plenty of free seating in the general admission areas, all of which make a trip to the facility one of the most entertaining things to do in the Bay Area this weekend.

For more information on California horse racing, tips to make your experience more enjoyable and the latest horse racing results, visit Golden Gate Fields online at http://www.GoldenGateFields.com, on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/GoldenGateFields or on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/GGFRacing