MiamiScreamingEagles
Global Moderator
- Jan 17, 2004
- 72,048
- 48,576
It is a minor league track by comparison to big boys in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York and elsewhere but to lose another facility and in a major city is not a good sign. Turf Paradise's owner (Jerry Simms) said he is locking the doors on October 1 and by state law that means related OTBs -- 37 of them -- will not be permitted to simulcast. Turf has been operating since 1956.
With the extension of Golden Gate's survival until June 30, northern Cal has ongoing discussions with its fair tracks to keep racing ongoing in some capacity and with that, southern Cal should be boosted.
Makes me wonder if the Stronach Group will somehow redirect its interests in Arizona Downs -- as was once mentioned -- to perhaps revitalize the stagnant industry in Arizona. That seems secondary now until Stronach figures out California.
Major locales to lose tracks in recent years include Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Portland, Detroit, Miami, probably New York and maybe Phoenix.
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EDIT -- UPDATE:
This article now includes the redevelopment proposal that was discussed weeks ago is apparently dead. Which could be a positive step especially if racing interests can convince the current owner to sell to racing interests...maybe one of them is Stronach? The Stronach Group has a vested interest in simulcasts, and its relationship with the state of Arizona has been boisterous to say the least.
paulickreport.com
With the extension of Golden Gate's survival until June 30, northern Cal has ongoing discussions with its fair tracks to keep racing ongoing in some capacity and with that, southern Cal should be boosted.
Makes me wonder if the Stronach Group will somehow redirect its interests in Arizona Downs -- as was once mentioned -- to perhaps revitalize the stagnant industry in Arizona. That seems secondary now until Stronach figures out California.
Major locales to lose tracks in recent years include Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Portland, Detroit, Miami, probably New York and maybe Phoenix.
======================
EDIT -- UPDATE:
This article now includes the redevelopment proposal that was discussed weeks ago is apparently dead. Which could be a positive step especially if racing interests can convince the current owner to sell to racing interests...maybe one of them is Stronach? The Stronach Group has a vested interest in simulcasts, and its relationship with the state of Arizona has been boisterous to say the least.
Turf Paradise Announces Closure Of Live Racing, Simulcasting Oct. 1; Sale Of Track Has Fallen Through - Horse Racing News | Paulick Report
Turf Paradise announced on Sept. 18 that live racing and simulcasting at the Phoenix racetrack will cease on Oct. 1, 2023.
paulickreport.com
In a memo to employees, track management had indicated the planned sale to James Watson's CT Realty in partnership with Revolutionary Racing had fallen apart. In his comments at an August meeting of the Arizona Racing Commission, Turf Paradise owner Jerry Simms had indicated that Watson had a Sept. 15 deadline to secure financial approvals and had the option to back out up until that deadline. In August, Simms had said it was 50/50 on whether the deal would go forward.
Larry Lucas of Revolutionary Racing, a partner in the proposed purchase, said he was grateful for the Arizona legislature's willingness to help support racing at Turf Paradise but frustrated by Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs' lack of interest in keeping the thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of economic impact the industry has in the state.
Lucas had sought historical Horse Racing legislation, similar to what helped Revolutionary Racing reopen Colonial Downs in Virginia and has had a significant impact on the growth of Kentucky racing in recent years.
According to the memo, there are other candidates interested in purchasing the property and the unnamed potential buyers could be interested in continuing live racing at the property. Vince Francia, general manager of Turf Paradise, could not provide insight on timelines for deals with other purchasers and could only say that discussions continue between Simms and potential buyers.
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