Gary Hartunian, the majority owner of Skyfall 7, the entity that permits the operation of the race meets at Turf Paradise, claimed that stadium property owner Jerry Simms and Tom Ludt, who recently resigned as general manager of the Phoenix, Ariz., track, were part of a “coordinated effort” that led Hartunian and with the hired workers from the 10th park facility that closed many of the closures. off-site betting locations throughout Arizona that were included in the deal for Hartunian’s company to lease the track for two years with an option to renew for up to three years.
In a statement released on Monday evening, Hartunian said the organized effort was designed to “sabotage his company’s operations” ahead of the 2026-’27 meet, which is scheduled to begin on Nov. 27.
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The statement alleges that “agents acting for property owner Jerry Simms took possession of the premises, forcing a security guard to turn over property keys, threatening and inciting guards, then removing all Skyfall 7 employees, and barring Hartunian and management from accessing the facility.”
Leroy Gessman, executive director of the Arizona Horses Benevolent and Protective Association, told his board in an email that Simms “exercised his right under the lease to close Skyfall 7 off the property.” Simms declined to comment when reached by The Paulik Report.
The action came two days after James Padish, president of the Arizona Racing Commission, said during a regularly scheduled monthly interim meeting that several key personnel, including longtime assistant general manager Dave Johnson, had joined Ludt in resigning their positions. Hartunian was unaware of the reports, telling the commission that Johnson had elevated Ludt to his old position.
“According to Mr. Hartunian,” the statement read, “these departures are not only personal decisions, but part of a larger effort to conduct park operations at Turf Park just weeks before the opening of the course season.”
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Hartunian’s statement said he had new management in place the following day and was ready to begin work on October 13, but did not name specific personnel. Hartunian said in a statement that he would “evaluate all available legal remedies” but declined to comment when reached by Pauline’s statement.
“There is no conspiracy,” said Ludt, who resigned in early October due to what he called “philosophical differences” with Hartunian. “I didn’t know anything about the lockout before it happened on Saturday. It’s wrong with Jerry Simms and many traders, and I have serious concerns that anyone has a chance to start a decent race. The truth will come out in this process. It attacks and hurts the riders. The only line is we gave him a written proposal to buy him to run to meet.”
The following is Hartunian’s full statement posted Monday evening:
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gary Hartunian Condemns the Coordinated Lockout on the Lawn Alleging Deliberately Efforts to Disrupt Upcoming Racing Season
Skyfall 7 provokes several owner’s sudden seizure of circus operations, raises concerns about interference with critical infrastructure, and provokes controversial financial allegations by property owner Jerry Simms.
PHOENIX, ARZONA – October 12, 2026 – Gary Hartunian, majority owner of Skyfall 7 LLC, licensed operator of the Turf Paradise racetrack, talks about the following series of extraordinary events that culminated in the sudden lockout of his management team and employees from the historic Phoenix racetrack over the weekend.
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Mr. Hartunian alleges that the lockout followed a coordinated effort by the previous administration of the people who resigned last week and owned their properties to the operations of their company and to prevent the coming season of the 2026-2027 course as planned.
The events were followed by a series of abrupt management resignations, including former general manager Tom Ludt and assistant general manager Dave Johnson, among other senior personnel. Some of the departures were revealed on October 8 by the Arizona Racing Commission, a meeting without Mr. Hartunian’s prior knowledge.
According to Mr. Hartunian, these resignations were not individual decisions, but part of a larger effort to stabilize park operations at Turf Park, just weeks before the season opened.
On Friday, October 9, Mr. Hartunian immediately prepared a new course management staff for the operation team and they were ready on Tuesday, November 8, with HISA coming to inspect all the upgrades to the area’s facilities on October 16, and 1,700 horses coming to start on Saturday, October 17.
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The situation came to a head on Saturday, October 10, when agents acting for property owner Jerry Simms seized the premises, forcing the security guard to hand over key items through threats and intimidation, then removing all Skyfall 7 employees, and barring Hartunian and his management from accessing the facility.
Mr. Hartunian disputes the basis of these actions and states that the lockout occurred without sufficient notice or opportunity to address the legitimate reasons for excluding the company from its assets.
Allegations of Invasion of Critical Racetrack Operations
Of particular concern are Mr. Hartunian’s allegations that each of the park’s administrative offices entered the grounds through a lockout with information technology personnel and blocked critical networking, communications and simulating infrastructure.
Hartunian believes these actions are designed to reduce the ability to conduct traffic and potentially endanger the course of the event. It seeks a full account of the condition of the equipment, the individuals involved and the scope of any resulting damage.
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Mr. Hartunian further alleges that efforts were made to discourage veterinarians expected to serve during the upcoming career from accepting or continuing that assignment by creating an additional operational barrier immediately prior to the meeting.
“These events raise serious questions about whether some individuals should be involved in the decision-making process,” Hartunianus said. “We have invested enormous resources, time, and energy into restoring the park’s turf. To have those efforts come to a sudden lockout and apparent interference with essential operations is deeply disturbing.”
Significance of the developer in the restoration of the park’s turf
The discussion comes months after the substantial financial investment and physical improvements undertaken by Hartunian and Skyfall 7 to revive the park’s turf.
During his tenure, Hartunian directed extensive repairs, renovations and improvements to the stadium, warehouse facilities and surrounding grounds. The property has undergone a comprehensive cleaning and restoration effort aimed at improving the overall experience for riders, operators, racers, fans, and the public.
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Additionally, a new culinary program, including new kitchens and upgraded kitchen operations, was introduced to elevate the food and hospitality experience for next season.
“The goal from Day in the Park is to restore the turf to a standard that the Arizona racing community can be proud of,” Hartunian said. “We have made significant improvements to the facility, which we believe will be the future. The circles and grounds are in excellent condition, and we were preparing to deliver a dramatically improved experience for all involved.”
Hartunian called Financial Disputes and gives Outstanding Property Issues
Mr. Hartunian also strongly disputes allegations suggesting Skyfall 7 cannot meet its rental obligations.
According to Hartunian, the existing lease agreement establishes a minimum annual base annual rent fully paid and all applicable taxes based on the lease being current and never delinquent.
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He claims that suggestions of insolvency are misleading and do not accurately represent his company’s contractual obligations.
Moreover, Hartunianus asserts that he is very affirmative $3.2 million in property owner Jerry Simmsarising from alleged property damage, necessary repairs, and municipal and state penalties and damages related to the conditions of the Skyfall 7 operating facility.
Hartunian contends that these property-related obligations were not sufficiently disclosed when the parties entered into their agreement and that his company incurred substantial costs in appealing the deficiencies.
“It is extremely troubling to hear the allegations questioning our financial obligations while investing substantial funds to repair long-term problems at this facility,” Hartunian said. “I believe the facts, the lease agreement, and the financial histories will tell a very different story.”
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Commitment to Arizona Horse Racing and Future Turf Paradise
Despite the current controversy, Mr. Hartunian remains committed to protecting the interests of the racing community and maintaining progress in Turf Paradise.
It evaluates all legal remedies available to protect the contractual and operational rights of Skyfall 7, addresses the circumstances surrounding the lockout, and obtains an independent account of any damage or interference that affects the stage of operations, so that this can be resolved quickly before the incident occurs.
Hartunian emphasized the consequences beyond disagreement between business partners. Uncertainty affects circus employees, horse owners, trainers, drivers, traders, and countless other people who depend on a successful career.
“This is about much more than just a race,” Hartunian concluded. “It’s about protecting the investment we’ve made, the people who depend on this facility, and the entire community including the local inn, restaurant, and the future of horse racing in Arizona. We will not allow our commitment to Turf Paradise and the racing community to be undermined without standing up in our right and demanding accountability.”
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Mr. Hartunian is committed to pursuing an appropriate resolution, restoring stable operations, and ensuring that substantial improvements are made to Turf Paradise to benefit the Arizona racing community.
This story was first published by Paulick Report on Oct. 13 2026, when first in the church News section Add the Paulck Report as Preferred Source by clicking here.