The prospective majority buyer wants to purchase Turf Paradise, but their proposed January 13 opening date was met with skepticism at an AZRC meeting, and there may be a delay from January moving forward due to the approval process, a federal requirement, and safety concerns.
‣ The ownership group is moving forward with the purchase of Turf Paradise, but it may not open until February or March due to approval processes and federal requirements.
‣ The Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association’s board of directors will be voting on whether to extend interstate simulcasting permissions beyond November 12.
‣ Turf Paradise has had safety issues and the new prospective buyer plans to make extensive repairs and improvements to the track.
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Last November, there was speculation that the operation would start from as early as January 13th, although there are expectations that it could be delayed, likely until February or March due to the long approval process for a new track licensee. This possible delay was emphasized by the Deputy Director of the Arizona Racing Commission’s racing division, Rudy Casillas. Casillas also noted, “Racing may not start until February or March, depending on how things go with the vetting and background investigation.” This uncertainty has left stakeholders in confusion. “We’re still in our state of confusion in how things are going down and what’s transpiring, what’s taking place,” said Lloyd Yother, President of the Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (AZHBPA).
Though the situation seems out of control, the AZHBPA has an opportunity to influence the decisions going forward. The organization’s board of directors will vote on whether it will extend the interstate simulcasting permissions, a decision that will impact the track’s future and its revenue. As Yother put it, “Whether or not to terminate our signal [permission] or move it forward to [Dec. 31] giving the opportunity for all parties to get their act together and make this happen.”
This story began when track owner Jerry Simms announced Turf Paradise would not open in November as expected last August. Several months of negotiations between the track’s first buyer and Simms ended without a deal. However, in September, a new buyer suddenly emerged, raising hopes for a deal to “buy the track and continue on with the racing there in Arizona,” according to Richard Moore of Turf Paradise Land Trust. The sale of the property is expected to close before the end of 2023.
The racing track has been a source of concern regarding safety, but recent updates suggest that repairs are underway. According to the Arizona’s chief state steward, Jason Hart, safety improvements have been made, from repairing the turf course well pump to re-wiring the electric systems in the barns. Despite these updates, there are still doubts about the facility’s readiness as Moore’s’ announced a projected reopening date in January, only to be met with skepticism from the Arizona Racing Commission, who raised concerns about safety and federal requirements. “There’s so many moving targets [and] we still are at the mercy and going through our normal frustrations with how things are to come about… We have no earthly idea when and if a meet will be performed at Turf Paradise.”
