Arbitrator Orders Turf Paradise Lockout Lifted; Permit Suspension Leaves Uncertainty

Turf Paradise is expected to reopen to horsemen for stall preparation Monday morning, October 19, following an arbitrator’s ruling ordering the lockout lifted. However, a separate suspension of Hartunian’s permit has left the track’s situation unresolved.

In an October 16 notice to horsemen, Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Leroy Gessmann and President Bob Budoff reported receiving two separate notices that afternoon concerning the track.

The first advised that the Department of Gaming had suspended Hartunian’s permit, with a hearing scheduled for November 19. A subsequent notice from the assigned arbitrator ruled in Hartunian’s favor and ordered the lockout imposed by Simms lifted.

According to the AZHBPA, the department appears to have suspended the permit without knowing the arbitrator had already ordered the lockout lifted. The association also stated that the permit suspension does not affect Hartunian’s property rights.

Hartunian informed the association that horsemen would be allowed onto the grounds Monday morning to prepare stalls. Additional guidance from the new staff is expected Monday regarding when horses may begin arriving at the barns.

The announced access is for stall preparation and does not establish a date for horses to return.

The AZHBPA cautioned that legal proceedings remain ongoing and the situation remains uncertain. Horsemen entering the grounds were advised that access would be at their own risk.

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