Arizona Horsemen Schedule October 23 Meeting as Turf Paradise Works Toward November 27 Opening

The Arizona Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (AZHBPA) has scheduled a general membership meeting for Friday, October 23, as uncertainty continues surrounding management, licensing, and preparations for the upcoming Turf Paradise race meet.

The meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. in the Turf Paradise track kitchen area, where horsemen will receive updates on the ongoing issues affecting the Phoenix racetrack and its scheduled November 27 opening.

In an October 17 notice to members, AZHBPA Executive Director Leroy Gessmann, President Bob Budoff, and the association's elected Board of Directors announced plans to invite Gary Hartunian to address horsemen regarding his new management team and specific plans for the upcoming racing season.

Representatives from the Arizona Department of Gaming and the Arizona Racing Commission are also being invited to explain outstanding permit and licensing issues that could affect the meet.

The announcement follows a series of developments involving Hartunian and Turf Paradise owner Jerry Simms.

As previously reported by StallioneSearch, an arbitrator ruled in Hartunian's favor on October 16 and ordered Simms to lift the lockout that had prevented Hartunian's management team from accessing the property.

However, the Arizona Department of Gaming separately suspended Hartunian's permit, with a hearing scheduled for November 19, just eight days before the planned opening of the racing season.

Despite the unresolved licensing issues, Hartunian has informed the horsemen's association that access to the grounds will be permitted beginning Monday, October 19, for stall preparation. A timetable for horses to return to the barns has not yet been announced.

The AZHBPA emphasized that its goal remains to open the Turf Paradise meet on November 27 and complete the scheduled season through May 2, 2027, without interruption.

"This is important," the association stated in its notice to members. "Our goal is to start the meet on time on November 27 and have it run to May 2, 2027 to conclusion without interruption."

Association officials said information presented at the October 23 meeting will help horsemen make informed business and personal decisions regarding participation in the upcoming meet, including decisions affecting their clients.

The meeting could provide horsemen with a clearer picture of whether the remaining legal and regulatory issues can be resolved in time for the scheduled opening.

For now, the November 27 opening remains the association's stated objective, while the status of Hartunian's permit and the ongoing legal proceedings continue to raise questions about preparations for the racing season.

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