Report: Gary Hartunian reaches deal to lease Turf Paradise

Horse owner and businessman Gary Hartunian agreed to lease Turf Paradise and its 38 off-track betting parlors from owner Jerry Simms for at least two years, according to Paulick Report.

Industry veteran Tom Ludt, who has been working with Hartunian on the deal, told Paulick Report that the the Arizona Department of Gaming’s Racing Commission must approve a permit application from Hartunian before the agreement becomes official. Ludt said the application was filed on Sept. 29 and that it could be several months until it is approved.

Ludt, who is seeking approval to be general manager of the track, told Paulick Report that the meet is on schedule to start Nov. 10. Ludt said he will assume the general manager role under Simms and that current GM Vincent Franzia will retire.

Hartunian will begin looking for property to build a new race track in the Phoenix area after the final approvals are received, according to the report.

Simms, 79, has owned the track for 25 years. He has said for years he wants to retire and get out of the business, but past attempts to find a new operator have not succeeded.