TO: Jerry Simms, Vince Francia
FROM: The Arizona HBPA Board
DATE July 30, 2021
Dear Sirs,
Now that we have agreed on dates and a race schedule, the HBPA Board has some requests for items to be included in the new contract:
1. Track Safety is our Number One concern. The condition that both tracks were in last year will be unacceptable for the upcoming meet. We would like Mic Petersen to examine both tracks. And we expect Turf Paradise’s Track Superintendent to follow his suggestions to maintain a safe track. Too many horses last year were euthanized or injured to the point they could no longer race. Last year’s tracks conditions will be unacceptable this year.
2. The meet will be run in its entirety, unless the commission rules it is not safe to run. We can use the same language as the last agreement.
3. If Turf Paradise sells the track before the end of the meet, Turf agrees to complete the meet and Horsemen can remain training on the backside until May 15, 2022. There will be NO COST to Horsemen or the HBPA.
4. The managing company for simulcasting has to be switched to NYRA. If you continue to use Monarch we will not be sharing in any costs.
5. Roads need to be regraded and resurfaced not patched as has been done in the past. We need new surfaces for the horse’s safety.
6. Barns in L Row need to be demolished and a plan to start new construction of L Row barns need to be in place.
7. Restrooms need to be upgraded, kept clean and operable. HBPA will again pay for 50% of cleaning service of the restrooms only, not the maintenance shed.
8. A reasonable time frame for work orders to be completed. Work orders to be completed within 72 hours unless waiting for materials.
9. With the recent rains helping make the turf track beautiful, it also sparked the weeds into full growth mode and the leaky roofs on the barns were exposed. We expect weeds to be trimmed and the leaky roofs fixed.
10. The entrance of the facility and the facility itself will be kept in neat, clean and safe condition all season long.
11. Grandstand, Clubhouse and bottom floor need repaired, cleaned and be opened with food and bar service.
12. The track kitchen needs to be opened and operating, or a full-time food truck brought in for backside workers.
13. An agreement must be in place with the Jockey Guild.
14. Track vets need to be hired; Dr. Jones is unacceptable. HBPA will pay 50% as long as it is not Dr. Jones.
15. There needs to be three out riders on the main track at all times! For the safety of the equine and human athletes.
16. Paddock Farrier on duty during the races.
17. Paddock Judge needs to inspect the shoes on all horses for the turf races, to protect our beautiful turf course.
18. There should be three clockers in the mornings. Let’s protect the integrity of the sport.
19. We would like to see security pick it up a little bit, be more active with patrolling the backside. The past couple of years we have seen a spike in theft of items on the backside.
20. The rail in the shoots need to be fixed and placed at the correct height standard, and add the proper amount of sand. Wheels need to be placed on the top of each post.
21. The bridle path needs to be re-established and material added.
22. Starting Gate is in need of repair. The starting gate needs properly repaired or replaced.
23. More trash dumpsters and a more frequent pickup schedule.
24. Establish opening dates that work with AZ Downs closing dates.
25. If Turf Paradise obtains a Sports Betting license, they will negotiate in good faith on an income split.
As we approach the 60 day mark for opening the backside and 90 day mark for first day of racing. We need to finalize things and get started preparing for opening the backside. President Hutton and Director Gessmann are available anytime to begin discussions.
FROM: The Arizona HBPA Board
DATE July 30, 2021
Dear Sirs,
Now that we have agreed on dates and a race schedule, the HBPA Board has some requests for items to be included in the new contract:
1. Track Safety is our Number One concern. The condition that both tracks were in last year will be unacceptable for the upcoming meet. We would like Mic Petersen to examine both tracks. And we expect Turf Paradise’s Track Superintendent to follow his suggestions to maintain a safe track. Too many horses last year were euthanized or injured to the point they could no longer race. Last year’s tracks conditions will be unacceptable this year.
2. The meet will be run in its entirety, unless the commission rules it is not safe to run. We can use the same language as the last agreement.
3. If Turf Paradise sells the track before the end of the meet, Turf agrees to complete the meet and Horsemen can remain training on the backside until May 15, 2022. There will be NO COST to Horsemen or the HBPA.
4. The managing company for simulcasting has to be switched to NYRA. If you continue to use Monarch we will not be sharing in any costs.
5. Roads need to be regraded and resurfaced not patched as has been done in the past. We need new surfaces for the horse’s safety.
6. Barns in L Row need to be demolished and a plan to start new construction of L Row barns need to be in place.
7. Restrooms need to be upgraded, kept clean and operable. HBPA will again pay for 50% of cleaning service of the restrooms only, not the maintenance shed.
8. A reasonable time frame for work orders to be completed. Work orders to be completed within 72 hours unless waiting for materials.
9. With the recent rains helping make the turf track beautiful, it also sparked the weeds into full growth mode and the leaky roofs on the barns were exposed. We expect weeds to be trimmed and the leaky roofs fixed.
10. The entrance of the facility and the facility itself will be kept in neat, clean and safe condition all season long.
11. Grandstand, Clubhouse and bottom floor need repaired, cleaned and be opened with food and bar service.
12. The track kitchen needs to be opened and operating, or a full-time food truck brought in for backside workers.
13. An agreement must be in place with the Jockey Guild.
14. Track vets need to be hired; Dr. Jones is unacceptable. HBPA will pay 50% as long as it is not Dr. Jones.
15. There needs to be three out riders on the main track at all times! For the safety of the equine and human athletes.
16. Paddock Farrier on duty during the races.
17. Paddock Judge needs to inspect the shoes on all horses for the turf races, to protect our beautiful turf course.
18. There should be three clockers in the mornings. Let’s protect the integrity of the sport.
19. We would like to see security pick it up a little bit, be more active with patrolling the backside. The past couple of years we have seen a spike in theft of items on the backside.
20. The rail in the shoots need to be fixed and placed at the correct height standard, and add the proper amount of sand. Wheels need to be placed on the top of each post.
21. The bridle path needs to be re-established and material added.
22. Starting Gate is in need of repair. The starting gate needs properly repaired or replaced.
23. More trash dumpsters and a more frequent pickup schedule.
24. Establish opening dates that work with AZ Downs closing dates.
25. If Turf Paradise obtains a Sports Betting license, they will negotiate in good faith on an income split.
As we approach the 60 day mark for opening the backside and 90 day mark for first day of racing. We need to finalize things and get started preparing for opening the backside. President Hutton and Director Gessmann are available anytime to begin discussions.
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