Its founders had grand ambitions, and large sums were spent to create a lavishly appointed facility. Nonetheless, Bay District quickly met with difficulties. The surging growth of San Francisco was creating mounting demand for land for residential development. However, Bay District found a saviour in the young and enterprising Thomas Williams. In , he purchased the course, and pioneered its comeback.
Whereas it had previously specialised in harness racing, Williams changed its focus to the Thoroughbred, and for six years the track rang with the thunder of hooves. Bay District, though, was not to last. As early as , local residents were clamouring for its closure, arguing that its acreage should be opened up for housing. However, after a virulent quarrel with Williams, Corrigan sought retaliation by building his own racecourse, Ingleside Race Track.
Bay District was doomed. It held its last race on May 27, Two years later, residential streets were being cut across its infield. Corrigan, meanwhile, was enjoying greater success. Contemporaries enthusiastically welcomed its facilities. A 5,capacity grandstand was built to a simple yet serviceable design in steel, glass, and wood.
It comprised a single tier of raked seating covered by a large gable roof, with bars, dining rooms, and a generous betting ring below. Alongside stood an opulent Spanish Revival clubhouse. The Southern Pacific Railroad built a special line up to its front door. However, Ingleside was not immune to increasing anti-gambling sentiment.
To keep afloat, the track experimented with an unfamiliar type of racing: motor racing. In , it hosted the first automobile race in California. Ingleside reopened for Thoroughbred racing in , but from thenceforth until it was held only in fits and starts amidst periodic motor races.
The devastating San Francisco earthquake finally shuttered Ingleside for good. In , the land was sold for development and transformed into the now-sought-after residential neighbourhood, Ingleside Terraces, where the shape of the racetrack lives on as Urbano Drive.
Corrigan may have emerged as the victor in his battle with Williams for supremacy in San Francisco racing, but the latter was not defeated yet.
In , Williams had also acquired an aging trotting facility across the Bay at Emeryville. Oakland Trotting Park had been founded as a venue for harness racing in The track had been attended by Ulysses S. Grant in earlier days and witnessed record-breaking racing, but, not hosting Thoroughbreds, it failed to turn a profit.
Nonetheless, Williams was determined to transform it. In its place, an architectural programme of an ambition never before seen at a racecourse in northern California was erected. The complex, under the auspices of the New California Jockey Club, featured exotic architecture by M. Underneath the single tier of raked seating was a large betting ring with 20 kiosks, a spacious bar and restaurant. To the rear, a promenade the length of the grandstand overlooked San Francisco Bay.
Alongside the grandstand stood a clubhouse, measuring 50 feet by 75 feet. Here, Lyons adopted an Anglo-Indo mien. The two-storey building featured arabesque turrets capped by bulging onion domes, and was enfolded by an elaborately decorated arcade.
Do Not Show Again Close. There are no restrooms on-site or near Old Speedway Meadow. Remember: carrying open alcoholic beverages outside the picnic area is never permitted. Inflatable play structures are welcome additional permit required. No electricity is provided. Old Speedway Meadow has a large, flat grassy area, so spread out and play some games! There is space for lawn games, volleyball, or a small kickball game. Search icon An illustration of a magnifying glass.
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