Turf Paradise Reaches Compliance Agreement With HISA

Turf Paradise, which fell into noncompliance with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, reached an agreement with HISA Feb. 24 to honor HISA rules.

In January, HISA notified the Phoenix track of violations of its Racetrack Safety Program, which Turf Paradise general manager Vincent Francia said contrasts with Arizona rules and state law in some cases. Arizona, for example, does not yet have a voided claim rule, though HISA rules call for one.

In the agreement, published on the HISA website and first reported by Daily Racing Form March 1, Turf Paradise agrees that HISA rules "shall preempt any provision of State law or regulation."

Additionally, Turf Paradise agreed to "make reasonable and good faith efforts to comply with the orders issued by agents of the Authority, including Authority stewards assigned to Turf Paradise, to enforce voided claims under Rule 2262 and any penalties assessed for riding crop violations, including suspensions and purse redistribution."

In addition, the track promised other changes to comply with the application and enforcement of other HISA rules. Track officials also agreed to pay a $5,000 penalty related to violations and pay its 2022 fees to HISA totaling $155,611 in three monthly installments.

HISA and regulatory officials met with Turf Paradise representatives Wednesday at the track during a card marred by a breakdown in the seventh race. That incident resulted in a spill with two equine fatalities and the cancellation of the day's final race, Francia told Paulick Report.