Thursday’s program at Golden Gate Fields was delayed nearly seven hours after a small group of anti-racing activists tied themselves together and laid in the middle of the backstretch before first post at lunchtime.

The group – part of an animal rights organization based in the Bay Area – lit smoke flares to attract attention after climbing over an exterior fence by using a ladder, according to reports. Another group of protesters gathered on the street outside the track.

Four people were photographed on the racetrack banded together by what appeared to be piping, laying on the main track at the end of the backstretch. The protest drew attention from Bay Area television stations.

Police officials were seen by on-site observers speaking with the protesters at times through the afternoon.

The incident forced the temporary closure on Thursday of a coronavirus vaccination clinic in the track’s parking lot, according to a statement issued on Twitter by Golden Gate Fields. Vaccinations resumed mid-afternoon, according to media reports.

“We respectfully suggest to the activists that there is a better way to have their conversation and air their concerns,” the track’s mid-afternoon statement read. “We welcome the opportunity to have this discussion in the appropriate format.”

Shortly after 3 p.m., Pacific, the track announced that the first race had been cancelled and that the second through seventh races on the seven-race program were delayed. The second race was run at approximately 7:25 p.m., Pacific, with the track utilizing lights.