Emerald Downs: Horse Racing takes another West Coast hit; Turf Paradise is done

Bypaulb

Sep 18, 2023

9/18/2023

West Coast horse racing has taken multiple hits over the past few months and years. It now appears to be official, Turf Paradise in Phoenix will shutter and be torn down for industrial and housing development. Track owner Jerry Simms announced he is retiring to spend more time with his family. The press release was brief and is being reported by ABC 15 television in Arizona.

Here is the link to the report from ABC 15

This news on the heels of the announcement that Golden Gate Fields will be closing permanently this year as well. There may be a little good news for Golden Gate as the Stronach group which owns Golden Gate had announced they will close in mid-December may now stay open for the full season into June of 2024.

If that is finalized this will at least give horsemen a little more time to figure out what they are going to do after Golden Gate closes. This will also give Northern Cal race supporters longer to see if they van fill those dates at the various Fairground tracks to keep live racing afloat in the Bay area.