Turf Paradise will no longer offer live racing or simulcasting beginning Oct. 1. Jerry Simms, the owner of the Phoenix-based track, announced Monday that after 23 years of operating the race track, he is retiring to spend more time with his family.
Turf Paradise also maintains 37 Off Track Betting sites throughout Arizona, which televise the live product and simulcasts from other race tracks across America for the purpose of wagering. In order for the OTB sites to operate, live racing is required. Since Turf Paradise will not be running a live race meet and the contract with the Arizona Horsemen Benevolent and Protective Association (AZHBPA) terminates Sept. 30 of this year, the OTBs will have to close effective Oct. 1.
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