Arizona commission approves Turf Paradise race meet

Turf Paradise news release and HRN staff
Photo: Turf Paradise

By a unanimous 4-0 vote, the Arizona Racing Commission approved by a Turf Paradise’s request for a race meet in 2024. The track announced that it will host a 57-day live meet, running from Jan. 29 through May 4.

“I decided to postpone my retirement because of the many stake holders here in Arizona that want racing to continue,” track owner Jerry Simms said.

A signed contract between Turf Paradise and the Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association listed a four-day a week live schedule, Monday through Thursday. Horses will be allowed into the stable area Dec. 18 with training beginning Dec. 26.

A group led by Richard Moore and Frank Nickens agreed to buy the Phoenix track in September after Simms said he would close the facility after a previous deal with a California real estate company collapsed. Nickens told Daily Racing Form that they planned to spend $50 million on improvements to the track and the backside.

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