Arizona Racing Officials Clarify Turf Paradise Permit Status Following Arbitration Order

The Arizona Department of Gaming has issued a notice to racing licensees clarifying the regulatory status of Turf Paradise Racetrack following an arbitration order that restored access to the property and allowed horses to return to the Phoenix racing facility.

Despite the recent developments, state racing officials emphasized that Turf Paradise's Teletrack Permit remains suspended and that regaining access to the racetrack does not automatically authorize the resumption of regulated racing or pari-mutuel wagering activities.

According to the Arizona Division of Racing, regulatory action was taken October 16 against Skyfall 7, LLC, doing business as Turf Paradise, following restrictions on property access and the loss of key licensed personnel.

However, the Department emphasized that no regulatory action has been taken against Skyfall's Commercial Live Racing Permit, which remains in effect.

The distinction is significant as Turf Paradise continues working through operational and regulatory issues that have created uncertainty for horsemen, racing participants, and others dependent on Arizona's racing industry.

In its notice, the Department acknowledged that the permittee has regained access to the racetrack following an arbitration order and that horses have since been brought onto the property.

Nevertheless, regulators cautioned that restoring access to the facility does not necessarily mean all requirements for conducting racing and wagering activities have been satisfied.

"Property access and regulatory compliance are separate matters," the Department stated in its notice.

Officials explained that the arbitration order does not affect the suspension of the Teletrack Permit. All activities authorized under that permit remain suspended until the Arizona Racing Commission conducts its scheduled hearing on November 19, 2026.

State Officials Evaluating Racing Operations

The Department said it is actively evaluating conditions at Turf Paradise and determining whether Skyfall is meeting applicable safety and regulatory requirements associated with its Commercial Live Racing Permit and Teletrack Permit.

Those evaluations include determining whether the facility has the necessary licensed personnel and operational and safety conditions to conduct regulated racing activities.

The Department emphasized that protecting the health, safety, and welfare of racing participants and the wagering public remains a priority.

Should the ongoing evaluations identify additional regulatory concerns, those findings will be presented to the Arizona Racing Commission for consideration and possible action.

The Department also made clear that Skyfall, as the permit holder, remains responsible for complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and permit conditions.

November 19 Hearing Remains Key Date

The Arizona Racing Commission's November 19 hearing represents the next significant regulatory milestone in the ongoing Turf Paradise situation.

While the Commercial Live Racing Permit remains valid, the Department has not indicated that restoration of property access alone satisfies the requirements necessary to resume racing operations.

Any changes affecting approved racing dates, operational timelines, or permit conditions must be reviewed through established administrative procedures and official Racing Commission proceedings.

The Department acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Turf Paradise and the effect recent developments have had on Arizona's racing community.

Officials said they remain prepared to work with the permittee through established regulatory processes while maintaining their responsibility to protect racing participants, the public, and the integrity of the state's racing and wagering industry.

The latest notice underscores that, although access to Turf Paradise has been restored and horses have returned to the grounds, significant regulatory questions remain unresolved.

Additional information concerning Turf Paradise's permit status and regulatory proceedings is available through the Arizona Department of Gaming.

Notices and agendas for upcoming Arizona Racing Commission meetings can be found HERE.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Stay Ahead of the Quarter Horse Racing Industry with StallioneSearch.com!

Get the latest Quarter Horse racing news, stakes results, industry developments, and breeding updates delivered directly to your inbox.

CLICK HERE to sign up for the FREE StallioneSearch.com Newsletter

StallioneSearch.com — Your Source for Quarter Horse Racing News, Stallion Information, and Industry Updates.