HISA Recommends Turf Paradise Delay Upcoming Meet

Per a HISA spokesperson: The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, Inc.'s ("HISA") mission is to protect the wellbeing of equine and human athletes, as well as the integrity of Thoroughbred racing. Based on recent reports and assessments from racetrack surface experts, concerns raised by on-site racing participants, and firsthand observations of HISA staff, HISA is not confident that the main track racing surface at Turf Paradise is ready for racing to begin as currently scheduled this Saturday, November 2. Therefore, out of concerns for the safety of horses and riders, HISA has communicated a recommendation to Turf Paradise and the Arizona Department of Gaming to delay the start of the upcoming meet and cease all training and racing activities on the main track racing surface until such time as adequate adjustments and preparations have been made and the track has been retested to verify conformance with industry standards. HISA will continue to monitor the situation and may initiate an enforcement action if necessary. (Editor's Note: Turf Paradise fell out of compliance with HISA in early 2023 over alleged violations of its Racetrack Safety Program rules and lack of payment in HISA assessment fees. It later reached a compliance agreement.)