Turf Paradise Faces Staff Exodus and Financial Scrutiny
A wave of resignations has rocked Turf Paradise, prompting serious concerns from the Arizona Racing Commission regarding the track's operational stability and financial practices. The latest departure, that of General Manager David Johnson, came as a surprise to owner Gary Hartunian, who defiantly addressed the commission amidst allegations of missing funds from the track's purse account and broader anxieties about the upcoming racing season.
The situation at Turf Paradise reached a critical point during a recent Arizona Racing Commission meeting. Operator Gary Hartunian, owner of Skyfall 7, the company managing Turf Paradise, appeared before the commission facing a barrage of questions regarding a series of high-level resignations. Notably, David Johnson, who had only recently been promoted to general manager after working at the track since 1997, tendered his resignation just hours before Hartunian's testimony. Johnson cited "philosophical and ethical differences" as his reasons for leaving, following in the footsteps of former General Manager Tom Ludt, who resigned the previous week. Hartunian, however, seemed unaware of Johnson's departure, a revelation that underscored the communication breakdown within the organization.
Further exacerbating the commission's concerns were serious financial allegations. Leroy Gessmann, executive director of the Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, informed the commission that a significant sum, amounting to several hundred thousand dollars, was missing from the track's purse fund. While Hartunian had reportedly returned $360,000, an outstanding balance of $182,000 remained, prompting legal action from the Horsemen’s Association. Hartunian, in a somewhat rambling and defiant exchange with commission chairperson James Padish, downplayed the severity of the situation, insisting that the track was in good hands and that new personnel would quickly be found to fill the vacant positions.
Despite Hartunian's assurances, the sheer number of recent resignations has cast a long shadow over Turf Paradise's ability to operate effectively. In addition to Johnson, sources indicate that chief financial officer Patty Chakour, accounts-payable manager Jessie Gerdus, and building-maintenance director Sal Velasco also resigned, along with unidentified members of the track crew. This exodus of experienced staff, occurring just weeks before the scheduled opening of the racing meet on November 27, led Juan Carlos Estrada, assistant racing director of the Arizona Department of Gaming, to express major concerns about the season proceeding as planned. Hartunian attributed the negative press and discontent to "disgruntled ex-employees," suggesting they were attempting to undermine the track's operations.
Amidst the turmoil, Hartunian maintained that the physical facilities of Turf Paradise, including the dirt and turf surfaces, were in excellent condition and ready for the arrival of horses. He also stated that he had replaced the food-and-beverage concessionaire. However, Gessmann highlighted critical staffing shortages, including the absence of a general manager, track superintendent, and track veterinarians, which he warned could deter trainers from bringing their valuable horses to Turf Paradise. The financial implications of moving horses, particularly with high diesel fuel costs, made trainers hesitant to commit if the meet's continuity was in doubt, citing a past negative experience at Arizona Downs.
The Arizona Racing Commission, led by Chairman Padish, concluded the meeting without taking formal action but made it clear that they would continue to closely monitor the situation. Padish emphasized the commission's primary goal of promoting and continuing live racing in Arizona while upholding its statutory responsibilities. He indicated that more stringent questions would be posed in future meetings, particularly given the unsettling developments leading up to the upcoming racing season.