Dear Horsemen:
Turf Paradise is proposing to host a live meet, beginning January 2, thru May 1, 2021, which is Kentucky Derby Day.
We have heard from you, the horsemen, that you need and want live racing in Arizona as soon as possible. We are able to have Turf race-ready for the horsemen by January 2. But there are two conditions that have to be met before Turf will do this.
The first condition is the $2.1 million that was transferred out of the Turf Paradise horsemen’s purse account into an account by the AZHBPA, has to be returned to the horsemen’s purse account at Turf for the race meet.
That money does not belong to the AZBBPA or to Turf Paradise. It belongs to the horsemen who are racing live at Turf. Without that money being transferred back into the horsemen’s purse account, Turf would not be able to host the proposed race meet. It has been publicly stated by AZHBPA President Bob Hutton that, “they (the funds) will be used only for purse money for whatever track that wants to run a live meet!”
The second condition is the horsemen have to form a new group:
That group would then represent the horsemen’s interests in live racing and simulcasting at Turf.
Another and quicker way to accomplish this goal would be for the current board members and their executive director of the AZHBPA to resign their positions, making room for a new board and executive director. Recently the AZHBPA and Turf Paradise agreed to terminate the current contract between us. A new contract will be needed between Turf Paradise and the new horsemen’s group.
Suffice it is to say, both Turf and the AZHBPA have tried to resolve their differences. But with the transfer of Turf Paradise horsemen’s purse money into an account by the AZHBPA, - without advising Turf management - there is no point in further dialogue or negotiations between the two of us.
Time is of the essence. There is a lot that Turf Paradise and the horsemen need to do so that we can open racing on Jan. 2. This also includes Racing Commission approval of the proposed live dates. To get this done everyone is going to have to move quickly. Horsemen, you need to let the AZHBPA know your feelings, by emailing to Mr. Hutton at [email protected] or to Mr. Gessmann at [email protected] Please copy me at [email protected] so we know your level of interest and if we’re going to have enough horses to conduct this proposed meet.
Sincerely,
Vincent Francia
General Manager
Turf Paradise is proposing to host a live meet, beginning January 2, thru May 1, 2021, which is Kentucky Derby Day.
We have heard from you, the horsemen, that you need and want live racing in Arizona as soon as possible. We are able to have Turf race-ready for the horsemen by January 2. But there are two conditions that have to be met before Turf will do this.
The first condition is the $2.1 million that was transferred out of the Turf Paradise horsemen’s purse account into an account by the AZHBPA, has to be returned to the horsemen’s purse account at Turf for the race meet.
That money does not belong to the AZBBPA or to Turf Paradise. It belongs to the horsemen who are racing live at Turf. Without that money being transferred back into the horsemen’s purse account, Turf would not be able to host the proposed race meet. It has been publicly stated by AZHBPA President Bob Hutton that, “they (the funds) will be used only for purse money for whatever track that wants to run a live meet!”
The second condition is the horsemen have to form a new group:
- That group needs to represent a majority of horsemen at Turf Paradise
- This new group would have to elect a board of directors, including a president and officers
- This group would have to create by-laws
That group would then represent the horsemen’s interests in live racing and simulcasting at Turf.
Another and quicker way to accomplish this goal would be for the current board members and their executive director of the AZHBPA to resign their positions, making room for a new board and executive director. Recently the AZHBPA and Turf Paradise agreed to terminate the current contract between us. A new contract will be needed between Turf Paradise and the new horsemen’s group.
Suffice it is to say, both Turf and the AZHBPA have tried to resolve their differences. But with the transfer of Turf Paradise horsemen’s purse money into an account by the AZHBPA, - without advising Turf management - there is no point in further dialogue or negotiations between the two of us.
Time is of the essence. There is a lot that Turf Paradise and the horsemen need to do so that we can open racing on Jan. 2. This also includes Racing Commission approval of the proposed live dates. To get this done everyone is going to have to move quickly. Horsemen, you need to let the AZHBPA know your feelings, by emailing to Mr. Hutton at [email protected] or to Mr. Gessmann at [email protected] Please copy me at [email protected] so we know your level of interest and if we’re going to have enough horses to conduct this proposed meet.
Sincerely,
Vincent Francia
General Manager
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