The only thoroughbred racing track in Phoenix & rsquo is reportedly on the verge of being sold to an out-of-state developer. According to reports, horse race will soon resume on the trail. However, the new users might include ideas for renovating the property.
Reports indicate that CT Realty, based in Newport Beach, California, is close to finalizing the purchase of Turf Paradise from Jerry Simms. This is significant as there are only three horse racing venues in Arizona, and Turf Paradise has been operational for over 50 years.
The future of Turf Paradise is still uncertain.
Despite the presence of numerous off-track betting parlors throughout Arizona, the state does not permit any betting apps due to the illegality of online horse betting.
CT Realty, a builder of commercial real estate properties throughout the US, intends to redevelop some of their property for business, multi-family, and other uses, while ensuring the racing trail remains open in the future, according to AXIOS Phoenix and their own website.
Simms has owned Turf Paradise since 2000. The track, located at Bell Road and 19th Avenue, first opened in 1956. It is one of the few US tracks that host horse racing from October to February. However, Turf Paradise did not request the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) for summer race dates, so it is unlikely that racing will start at the track until the fall.
James Watson, the Director of CT Realty, has not confirmed if the monitor could be discontinued in the future. Turf Paradise was forced to close for almost two entire racing seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its reopening, the track’s racing schedule has been cut back.
According to Vincent Francia, the Track General Manager, Simms wants to spend time with his grandchild, as he told ABC15.
Watson’s background lies in industrial development, a field in which he has excelled. However, he has also been involved in horse racing in the past. He was a member of the California Horse Racing Board and at one point, he owned Portland Meadows in Oregon.
The result of Arizona Downs seems more detailed.
It seems that Arizona Downs is also being sold, with the Stronach Group (1ST) being the buyer. There are high chances that the new ownership will maintain the location as an equestrian arena. Additionally, 1/ST Racing owns and operates several other establishments including Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley, CA, Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, FL, Laurel Park in MD, Pimlico Race Course in Maryland, and Santa Anita Park.
According to the ADG, it is unfavorable that no record in Arizona has requested a race license for June to September this year.
In an interview with Thoroughbred Daily News, Leroy Gessmann, the Executive Director of the Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, divulged details about the sale of Turf Paradise.
Based on our understanding, Turf Paradise will undergo a gradual development process and will continue to compete for an additional one to two, and possibly three years, depending on the pace of development. It is believed that the 200 land, including both land parcels, is correctly evaluated. The area has a significant amount of vacant space. Presumably, they will begin the development with the unused land and later shift to the racing operations. We hope that Mr. Watson can maintain the racing for a few years until we can make alternative arrangements.
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