Following a meeting between Turf Paradise management and the Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the organizations announced in a joint statement Nov. 3. that live racing could begin Nov. 11, when track maintenance issues that delayed opening day are expected to be resolved.
The Phoenix, Ariz., track was scheduled to begin its meeting Nov. 2, but the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority recommended to track management and the Arizona Department of Gaming to delay the start of the meet and cease all training and racing activities.
The HISA recommendation, which was released Oct. 31, was based on, “recent reports and assessments from racetrack surface experts, concerns raised by on-site racing participants, and firsthand observations of HISA staff.”
A HISA inspection team is expected to arrive at Turf Paradise Nov. 4, and both Turf Paradise management and the Arizona HBPA anticipate having the track ready for testing the morning of Nov. 5. Training on the main track could resume as soon as Nov. 6, according to the release.
Arizona HBPA President Lloyd Yother said: “The horsemen and Turf Paradise management are working hand and hand with HISA and the Arizona Racing Commission to ensure we have a safe meet.”
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Turf Paradise General Manager Vince Francia said: “Sincere thanks to our track maintenance crews, the horsemen, and everyone involved in getting us ready to start another great season of racing.”
The two stakes races that had been scheduled for Nov. 2 have been rescheduled to Nov. 13 and 14.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
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