Turf Paradise Faces Management Uncertainty Ahead Of Nov. 27 Meet

Turf Paradise is facing a leadership change less than two months before its scheduled November 27 opening, following the departure of president and general manager Tom Ludt, according to an article written by Horse Racing Nation.

Ludt told the publication he resigned over philosophical and ethical disagreements with majority owner Gary Hartunian. A source cited by Horse Racing Nation disputed that account, saying Hartunian had fired Ludt.

Hartunian founded Skyfall 7, which operates Turf Paradise under a two-year lease with longtime track owner Jerry Simms. The company also manages 36 off-track betting locations across Arizona.

Emergency meetings involving management, horsemen, ownership representatives and attorneys followed Ludt’s departure. Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association executive director Leroy Gessmann told Horse Racing Nation that Hartunian assured participants the upcoming meet would proceed.

Gessmann remains confident racing will begin on schedule but expressed concern about the timing of the management change. Horses are scheduled to enter the stable area October 19, with training beginning October 26.

Leadership vacancies remain a concern. Gessmann said the track lacked both a general manager to replace Ludt and a track superintendent following Dylon Álvarez’s departure earlier this year.

The uncertainty follows substantial improvements under Skyfall 7, including repairs to barns and plumbing, renovations throughout the property and upgrades to the dirt and turf courses.

The upcoming season has already been reduced from 104 to 80 racing days. Ludt previously told the Arizona Racing Commission that reduced funding and limited handle growth prompted the shorter schedule, allowing the track to maintain purses comparable to last season.

Long-term questions also remain. Simms wants to sell the 213-acre property, while Hartunian has expressed interest in purchasing enough land to preserve racing. The two had not agreed on a price, according to reporting cited by Horse Racing Nation, and Skyfall 7’s lease expires next year.

Despite those concerns, preparations continue toward the November 27 opener at the Phoenix racetrack, which first opened in 1956.

Source: Horse Racing Nation.

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