However, because of local politics and attitudes in Arizona, Turf Paradise received no such lifeline. Other states, like with casinos venues in Nebraska, have allowed casino resort operators to come in, as long as they build around existing horse racing tracks. In some states, such as Kentucky with Churchill Downs, operators have been provided subsidies or allowed introduced historic horse racing (HHR) machines to bolster the industry. However, the past two decades have seen a significant decline in betting handle and a reduction in the number of races held annually. Like many horse tracks across the U.S., Turf Paradise flourished during the golden age of horse racing. However, that hope was to prove short-lived, and the track has now officially announced its closure.įans interested in Arizona horse race betting can still wager on the sport of kings via the state’s two regulated racebooks, or via offshore sportsbooks. According to a letter from the Turf Paradise Director of Mutuels, Frank Abbate, there were two prospective buyers interested in maintaining the racetrack and continuing live racing. Despite the challenges, there was hope among the racing community that a new owner might step in to save the day.Īs recently as last week, Simms was in discussions with potential buyers. This was followed by the cancellation of its fall racing season. Earlier this year, the track had to cancel its summer racing season due to financial constraints. Turf Paradise’s future has been uncertain for some time. “There will be no more live racing or simulcasting at the Phoenix-based race track, beginning October 1, 2023.” A Legacy in Limbo “The owner of Turf Paradise, Jerry Simms, announced today that after 23 years of operating the race track, he is retiring to spend more time with his family,” said a company statement released on Facebook. The decision comes after the track’s owner, Jerry Simms, announced his retirement after 23 years at the helm, wishing to spend more time with his family. The track opened in 1956, and has since been a staple in the Phoenix horse racing scene over nearly seven decades. Phoenix’s long-running Turf Paradise horse racing track (pictured) is set to close its doors on October 1, marking the end of an era for Arizona horse racing. Posted in: Arizona Gambling News, US Gambling News, US Horse Racing News

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