Yother's letter is in response to Turf Paradise officials announcing last week that the track won't open as usual in November as the sale of the property is imminent.

“I have had a few days to evaluate Turf Paradise and Arizona Downs' announced decisions to not hold race meets in 2023 or 2024,” Yother wrote. “However, I am here to make sure everyone in Arizona is well aware that horse racing in our state is not dead, and I plan to fight like hell to make sure of that!

Yother highlighted that the decision to close Turf Paradise not only affects the horsemen, but also the entire equine industry within Arizona.

“The horsemen and horsewomen throughout Arizona will especially be negatively impacted, but also all who earn their living through the equine industry here in our great state,” Yother wrote. “Owners, trainers, grooms, hot-walkers, our breeding farms and staff, veterinarians, farriers, feed and tack stores, hay straw and alfalfa producers will experience a substantial negative economic impact.”

Yother also gave a glimpse of hope and indicated there were ongoing discussions with some as-of-yet unnamed organizations in an effort to keep racing going in The Grand Canyon State.

“While some discussions cannot be made public yet, I can tell you there are several entities interested in negotiating with Arizona horsemen to establish a race meet at an existing track or even possibly building a new facility,” he said. “There are still many avenues to consider that will save Arizona horse racing. There are even options that include the possibility of running a late race meet in 2023 or possibly early in 2024. If these don't pan out, our board will continue to exhaust every means available to bring horse racing back to Arizona in the very near future.”

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The contest at the Prescott Valley, Ariz., track is open to those who sign up on race day and are in attendance for the day's final race. Just before that race, a golf strip will be stretched across the Winner's Circle, with a bucket placed 100 yards away. Ten fans will be randomly selected from that day's entries – nine will get one shot with a pitching wedge to get a golf ball into that bucket for $10,000. Then, one lucky fan will take a shot for $100,000.

The contest will take place at races on June 30, July 28 and August 25.

“Together with our partners at Insurance Office of America, we thought it would be a lot of fun to offer this amazing opportunity to our fans,” said general manager Mike Weiss. “It's always a great day to come out and enjoy an afternoon at the track, but it's a really great day when you can enjoy an afternoon at the track and walk home with $100,000.”

Arizona Downs has partnered with the Arizona Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association to develop the most attractive race program in track history. Live racing is offered every Tuesday and Wednesday through September – 32 dates in all. The track is being managed by Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E), a trailblazer in the gaming, racing and entertainment industry. Among the properties they own and operate is Colonial Downs, a Virginia thoroughbred track that had been shuttered for six years and now serves as a thriving, revenue-generating entertainment destination.

For more information, please visit www.arizonadowns.com.

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In an email to Arizona HBPA members on Thursday, the organization's president, Bob Hutton wrote: “Due to the current events at Turf Paradise which have seen an unacceptable rise in horse injuries and euthanizations, the HBPA is strongly encouraging that our horsemen consider the current track conditions and uptick in injuries before you enter horses for races. We are calling for an independent third party to analyze soil samples at Turf Paradise and certify that the track is safe to run on before we can in good faith recommend anyone continue to participate in the race meet.”

Vincent Francia, the track's general manager, posting on an Arizona horse racing Facebook page Wednesday night, acknowledged the spike in injuries as the meet is winding down to a close on May 1.

“Every race meet, near the end of the meet like we are now, we experience a rash of breakdowns,” Francia wrote. “We've never been able to determine with certainty why that is. Is it the track? Are some horses over-raced and tired? Is it something we're missing?

“Right now we're experiencing strong late-afternoon winds which dry the surface of the track.” Francia continued. “It's moist underneath however which is the way it should be. Are these drying winds contributing to the problem? Again we don't know for sure. We have two water trucks that soak the main track between races. Do we need to apply more water due to these drying winds? We're looking at that too.

“Are some of our horses tired from their campaign? I haven't had time to review the pp's of of these recent fatalities. I will do so beginning tomorrow morning. The point is, the solutions to taking corrective action begin with the fact that you have horses that race over a track and you have a track that horses race over. Sounds simplistic but that's where the corrective measures begin. You start with what's in front of you.”

Francia said the main track would be closed for training on Thursday and that the addition of 250 tons of “#10 Mesh Sand” would take all day Saturday.

Turf Paradise was scheduled to race Friday afternoon.

In his letter to members, Hutton urged horsemen to get more involved by attending virtual meetings of the Arizona Racing Commission.

“For those that are unfamiliar with the governance of a track's safety standards and the enforcement that those metrics are met, this falls under the Arizona Department of Racing,” Hutton wrote. “The HBPA can make requests, observations and suggestions, but we do not have the authority to set policy or enforce protocols. Horsemen are not without a voice, however, and we encourage you to use it. All horsemen have the opportunity to attend the commission meetings, and we strongly encourage you to participate. Due to COVID-19 protocols, they are now virtual meetings that can be attended on your phone or computer.”

Francia said a question he has been asked by many trainers is when racing can return to the Arizona track's turf course.

“We will look at the effects of this action Monday,” Francia posted. “Realistically I don't think that's enough time to get the results we want. And we want to get this right. On Friday, April 23rd, we have a stakes race on the turf, so we'll be on it then, and we'll see how it plays. Following the stakes we have four dark days to continue our turf corrections. Then we enter the last four days of the race meet. I think Wednesday, April 28, we can get back on the turf and race it to the end of the meet. If the timetable changes I'll advise.

“I apologize for the inconveniences these matters have caused,” Francia added, “but the challenges are being met to keep both horses and riders safe. We have 11 days of the meet left. Let's get to the finish together.”

The post Turf Paradise Adding Materials To Racing Surface After Arizona HBPA Notifies Members Of Safety Concerns appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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“Arizona horse racing has faced numerous challenges in recent years and the COVID-19 pandemic placed additional strain on the industry,” said Tom Auther, managing member of JACOR, the owner of Arizona Downs. “We are pleased to partner with P2E who has the knowledge and expertise to help revitalize Arizona horse racing.”

P2E is the owner and operator of the Colonial Downs Group, consisting of the Colonial Downs Racetrack and five Rosie's Gaming Emporiums throughout Virginia powered by historic horse racing technology.

Arizona Downs and the Arizona Horseman's Benevolent and Protective Association (AZHBPA) have reached agreement on a live racing contract and the terms of the 2021 race meet. The 2021 racing program offers the most attractive race meet in Arizona Downs history. The meet consists of 32 race days at a daily average of $70,000 per day beginning June 1 through Sept. 15.  Live racing occurs Tuesdays and Wednesdays with the first race post scheduled for 2:30PM (MST)/ 4:30PM (EST).

“P2E developed a proven formula in Virginia that resurrected the horse racing in the state after a six-year hiatus,” said Bob Hutton, President of the AZHBPA. “Our association did our due-diligence and received high praise from our colleagues in Virginia about P2E. We are looking forward to the summer meet.”

P2E is a trailblazer in the gaming, racing and entertainment industry with multiple gaming and entertainment destinations across the county and more developments planned in the near future.  The company focuses on introducing a modern approach to horse racing and implementing these successful concepts across the country.

“The cornerstone of our success is based on service, quality, community and the people who make it work,” said Aaron Gomes, COO of P2E.  “We apply this to all we do, and we are pleased to share with Arizona Downs and Arizona horsemen guidance that has made our Virginia operations successful.”

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Senate Bill 1794, introduced by Sen. David Gowan, would authorize historic horse racing and stands to generate up to $140 million in new tax revenues, while also providing desperately needed support for the state's horse racing industry and supporting local businesses. The bill is set to be heard in a Senate committee on Tuesday.

Horse racing has been a key economic driver in Arizona for decades – creating thousands of jobs, supporting hundreds of local businesses and generating millions of dollars in state and local tax revenues. But since 2004, Arizona has seen parimutuel handles drop by $55 million a year, purses drop by $5 million a year and live racing attendance has dropped 45 percent.

Senate Bill 1794 would modernize Arizona wagering laws, while limiting the number of HHR terminals to just 15% of tribal gaming positions – minimizing any impact on those revenues. HHR also relies on parimutuel wagering, which was legal in Arizona before tribal gaming compacts began, so their authorization would not violate those state agreements.

“The modernization effort led by Senator Gowan will save the horse racing industry in Arizona and help keep horsemen in our state,” said Bob Hutton, President of the Arizona Horseman's Benevolent & Protective Association. “Implementing historic horse racing will provide much-needed support to the various industry partners that are involved in each race day, attract high quality horses, and revitalize the horse racing experience throughout Arizona.”

If passed, the measure would generate between $100 million and $140 million in new state tax revenues, create 4,000 new jobs and lead to more than $300 million in capital investments in Arizona Downs, a shuttered horse racing track north of Phoenix. In addition, daily purses would increase from $80,000 to $300,000, positioning Arizona to be an industry leader on the west coast.

“By modernizing Arizona's horse racing industry, we are well-positioned to become the premier destination for horse racing on the West Coast,” Sen. Gowan said. “Arizona has an ideal climate for hosting year-round horse races and attracting fans, horses, breeders, trainers and others looking to escape the hostile environment in California.”

Historic Horse Racing allows players to bet on previously run horse races. Gameplay begins when the player deposits a wager and then picks the winners of three randomly chosen races in the projected order of finish. Identifying information including the location, date, and names of the horses and jockeys are not shown, but the player can view handicapping information like the jockeys' and trainers' win percentage. After the wager is placed, the player can watch an animated re-enactment of the selected past race results.
To learn more about the legislative efforts, visit www.savearizonahorseracing.com.

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The Arizona Racing Commission was to meet in special session Oct. 30 to approve the dates after a disagreement in the wording of the agreement between the two parties led to a 24-hour delay in submitting the plan to the ARC. The Commission will also consider contracts for simulcasting of next weekend’s Breeders’ Cup programs at Keeneland. The request for the approval of the 84-day meeting will now be scheduled for the next regularly scheduled meeting of the ARC Nov. 12.

“Many thanks to Arizona Racing Director Rudy Casillas for hosting the forum for dialogue between the two parties,” said Turf Paradise’s General Manager Vincent Francia. “An equal amount of thanks to AZHBPA President Bob Hutton and track owner Jerry Simms for committing to dialogue until everything was resolved. Now, it’s time to race. “There’s a lot to do in a short time, but we’ll be ready.”

Racing will take place five days a week from Monday to Friday with post time at 12:30 p.m. local time. The lone exception is Kentucky Derby day May 1. Horsepeople will begin arriving Nov. 19 to prepare their barns, with horses to follow Nov. 25. The first conditions book and stakes schedule can be found at www.turfparadise.com.

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An 11th-hour snafu over wording in the agreement between the two parties caused the 24-hour deadline for submission of agenda items to the Arizona Racing Commission to be missed. The Commission is scheduled to meet in special session on Friday, Oct. 30, to approve the race dates, as well to consider contracts for the upcoming Breeders' Cup simulcasts. The Commission will still meet to approve the contracts. The request for approval of the 84-day meet will now be scheduled for the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Commission on Nov. 12.

“Many thanks to Arizona Racing Director Rudy Casillas for hosting the forum for dialogue between the two parties,” said Turf Paradise's general manager Vincent Francia. “An equal amount of thanks to AZHBPA President Bob Hutton and track owner Jerry Simms for committing to dialogue until everything was resolved. Now, it's time to race.”

The 84-day meet will be conducted on a 5-day a week schedule, Monday thru Friday with post time set for 12:30 p.m. The lone exception to the schedule is Kentucky Derby Day, Saturday, May 1.

Horsemen will arrive Nov. 19 to prepare their stalls; horses will arrive Nov. 25. The first condition book and stakes schedule are published at www.turfparadise.com.

“There's a lot to do in a short time,” said Francia. “But we'll be ready.”

The post Turf Paradise, Arizona HBPA Sign Agreement For 2021 Meet appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The meet will run on a five-day a week schedule, Saturday thru Wednesday. Horsemen can arrive Nov. 19 for stall preparations and then bring horses into the stable area Nov. 25. Training will begin Dec. 2.

Following months of negotiations between the AZHBPA and Turf Paradise management, following a March 14 cancellation of the live meet in progress due to the Coronavirus, the two sides were able to craft a 26-point agreement. The forum for on-going discussions between the two sides was provided by Rudy Casillas, the Director for the Division of Racing, the state's regulatory body for the sport.

In a letter penned by Casillas and addressed to Bob Hutton, President of the AZHBPA and Jerry Simms, the owner of Turf Paradise, he said: “Many thanks to both of you for finally reaching terms to allow for the racing industry to move forward. The Licensees and horseracing patrons will be pleased.”

“The AZHBPA is all about live racing,” said Hutton. “The AZHBPA is enthusiastic to help provide the opportunity for horsemen to race close to home and be with their families. Racing close to home will help eliminate unnecessary travel expenses and financial anxiety for our members.”

“We're happy for our horsemen that they're going to be racing,” said Simms. “Unfortunately we still have to deal with Covid-19, and we will. We thank Rudy Casillas for bringing us together and getting this done.”

The post Turf Paradise, Arizona HBPA Agree To 84-Day Meet In 2021 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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(Read more about the dispute between Turf Paradise and the horsemen in this Sept. 23 column from Ray Paulick.)

Commissioners did ask track officials about rumors the facility has sold off certain equipment and let the track and barn area slide into disrepair. Representatives from Turf Paradise assured the commission that if racing dates were granted, the track would be safe for horses and humans in time for the meet to begin. Turf Paradise general manager Vincent Francia said “none of the essential equipment” like ambulances, water trucks and other maintenance vehicles had been sold.

Turf Paradise representatives also hoped the commission would grant a reduction in the minimum number of live racing dates required to operate OTBs in the state, given the current Arizona and federal-level state of emergency declarations. The commission delayed action on this question and requested more information about the language of existing rules allowing a reduction in minimum live racing dates as it may apply specifically to a pandemic.

For many, the most critical item on Thursday's agenda was consideration by the commission of simulcast agreements between Monarch Content Management and Arizona Downs in Prescott Valley, and Monarch with Turf Paradise. Monarch, owned by The Stronach Group, brokers simulcast contracts on behalf of Stronach tracks Santa Anita, Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream Park, Laurel Park, Pimlico, plus Del Mar, Monmouth Park and Tampa Bay Downs.

Attorney Kory Langhofer, representing Arizona Downs, revealed that the most recent draft of the agreement Monarch sent the track would require money wagered at Arizona Downs OTBs to be held in a separate pool and not commingled into the host track's pools.

“It's going to have a profound effect on the commercial viability of those sites,” Langhofer said.

Langhofer also suggested he understood the copy of the contract offered to Turf Paradise by Monarch did not have this restriction, instead allowing money wagered at those facilities to go into the host track's pools as is customary.

“It hasn't been approved and my client won't approve it because it's unreasonable,” said Langhofer, who urged the commission not to approve the contract between Monarch and Turf Paradise either. He was unsure whether Monarch imposed similar restrictions on operators in other states.

Arizona has a law on the books, similar to one in California, requiring that if a company sells simulcast signals to one track in the state, it must sell to all. Attorneys for Turf Paradise, which is apparently in favor of Arizona Downs OTBs being restricted this way, pointed out that the law doesn't say anything about what the pool arrangements should be. Language in the rule that contracts can't be “anti-competitive and deceptive” refer to the rates charged for signals, not to the specific constructs of a deal. Scot Claus, an attorney for Monarch, accused Arizona Downs of repeatedly defaulting on its contracts with Monarch and said that out-of-state tracks sending their signal into Arizona cannot be forced to take wagers into their pools.

Ultimately, the commission voted unanimously to hold a special hearing to consider the Monarch contracts, with instructions that attorneys for each party should file briefs of no longer than 25 pages before the next racing commission meeting. The next regularly scheduled commission meeting is Nov. 12, 2020.

The post New Twist In Arizona Racing Saga Tabled As Commission Requests Hearing On Monarch Contracts appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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In return, the track expects the Arizona Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (AZHBPA) to refund the $2.1 million the organization took from the Turf Paradise horsemen's account after AZHBPA asserted it was the rightful owner of the money.

A spokesman for AHBPA told the TDN the second request is not a dealbreaker, but the first one could be problematic. The horsemen's group believes it controls money allocated to the horsemen's purse account, according to a prior arbitrated settlement. The track believes the money should be controlled by a group of horsemen who run specifically at Turf Paradise, not the statewide horsemen's group.

The Paulick Report's Ray Paulick provided his perspective on the ongoing disputes between the state's primary track and its horsemen's group in this op/ed last week.

Read more about the latest developments at Thoroughbred Daily News

The post Turf Paradise Submits Proposal For 84-Day Winter Meet — With Conditions appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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