PHOENIX — It's the end of an era — Turf Paradise will not continue live racing or simulcasting starting next month.
There is hope that racing will continue in the future, but for now, the future is unclear.
Turf Paradise has been home to a thoroughbred and quarter-horse racetrack for nearly 70 years. It's a track that's full of history that started back in 1956.
“When you take a look at Turf Paradise when it first opened, in the photographs, all you see is 'Turf Paradise,'" said Vincent Francia, the general manager of Turf Paradise.
Francia tells ABC15 this place will be closing, for now, adding, “The owner, Jerry Simms, is now at a time where he wants to retire and spend time with his family and it brings live racing to an end here at the race course.”
The course has hosted thousands of races.
“When the race meet is in session here from November to May, we funnel $90 million into the local economy,” said Francia.
Back in April, ABC15 confirmed a California-based company by the name of CT Realty was under contract to purchase the race track and its 252-acre site for redevelopment.
However, we learned that the deal did not go through. Francia says on September 15, they made the decision not to continue and there are two remaining race owners looking at the race track.
RELATED: Redevelopment plans submitted for Turf Paradise racetrack in north Phoenix
As of now, Turf Paradise is still for sale.
“Is there hope for those who love coming here to continue to come here and see those races? Of all things you can say about racing, it is built on hope springs eternal, so yes there is hope,” Francia said.
Turf Paradise is located at 19th Avenue and Bell Road in north Phoenix.
