Turf Paradise owner says track could get a new operator soon

Turf Paradise could have a new operator soon as a California horse owner and businessman plans to lease the track. 

The news came during a special meeting of the Arizona Racing Commission on Thursday and was reported earlier by Paulick Report.

The plan calls for real-estate developer Gary Hartunian to lease the track for two years then build a new track on a different site. The lease could be extended if a new track is not completed in time. Industry veteran Tom Ludt, former chairman of the Breeders' Cup and former president of Santa Anita, plans to seek approval to become general manager of Turf Paradise. Ludt also is president of horse operations for the National Thoroughbred League.

"My whole deal is to try to get racing to continue," Jerry Simms, owner of the Phoenix, Ariz., track, said during the meeting. "And because I have a very good buyer that’s going to come in, operate there for a period of time and then build a new racetrack on a different piece of property, I think it’s a very big plus for racing."

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 attempts to find a new operator have not succeeded.

Simms received conditional approval for a three-year permit to operate a race meet, according to the report. It is contingent on completing required repairs by Oct. 1. Simms has made progress in doing repair work and committeed to complete the improvements.

"I will not let you down," Simms told the commission. "We did not come this far, doing all we've done, to not finish. Thank you for your confidence, I appreciate the approval, and I will not let you down."

The permit was required so Simms could send stall aplications in time to fill stables for a meet that is expected to begin in November. He also needed the permit to proceed with negotiations to lease the track to Hartunian.

Simms said longtime general manager Vincent Francia will retain that post when the meet opens because plans for a new operator and manager would require approval.

Asked whether he planned to leave the National Thoroughbred League to take the job with Turf Paradise, Ludt told Horse Racing Nation in a text message, “Don’t have any plans to. Deal still pending.”