Phoenix racetrack to end live racing, which means its OTB sites will close

By Associated Press Posted on September 18, 2023

FILE -The finish line of the horse racing track at Turf Paradise is seen, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Phoenix. Turf Paradise, a race track that has been a staple of horse racing in Arizona for decades, announced Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, it will cease live racing. There will be no live racing or simulcasting from the north Phoenix race track starting Oct. 1. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

PHOENIX (AP) — Turf Paradise, a racetrack that has been a staple of horse racing in Arizona for decades, announced Monday it will cease live racing.

Jerry Simms, the longtime owner, announced he is retiring to spend more time with family.

There will be no live racing or simulcasting from the north Phoenix racetrack starting Oct. 1.

This also means the 37 Off Track Betting sites Turf Paradise runs, which make up more than half of OTB sites statewide, will close. OTB sites televise live races and simulcasts from other racetracks nationwide for wagering. They are inside bars and restaurants. But live racing is a requirement for operating off-track betting facilities.

Turf Paradise opened in January 1956. Simms has been at the helm since 2000.