Arizona HBPA: Turf Paradise to Reopen Jan. 29

According to a social media post by the Arizona Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, racing will resume at Turf Paradise Jan. 29 for a meet that will continue until May 4, based on approval by the Arizona Racing Commission.

In a post on Facebook and tweeted on X by Turf Paradise, the Arizona HBPA added, "Horsemen can arrive in their stalls December 18th with the track opening for training on the 26th." The post was signed by Lloyd Yother, the organization's president, and Leroy Gessman, a consultant.

In response to the readiness of the track surface for racing early next year, the Arizona HBPA replied that surveying and preparations are underway to have it comply with Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority regulations.

In its post on X, Turf Paradise thanked horsemen and racing fans and noted, "We will have more to say on this (Nov. 30) but racing is returning to Turf Paradise in January 2024!"

We will have more to say on this tomorrow but racing is returning to Turf Paradise in January 2024! A huge thanks to the horsemen and of course, to you, the horseplayer, the racing fan. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/E5rc3zHnHl

— Turf Paradise (@turf_paradise) November 30, 2023

The Phoenix track generally races during the fall through early May but did not open as usual this November. Jerry Simms, who has owned Turf Paradise since 2000, has sought to sell the property.

In September, Simms suggested racing could resume at Turf Paradise contingent on selling the property to new buyer. That buyer was announced as Richard Moore and the Turf Paradise Land Trust, with Frank Nickens acting as visionary.

The Arizona HBPA posted it is hopeful an emergency commission meeting could occur next week.