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Coconino County cancels July horse
races after loss of Yavapai
May 28, 2011 - Due to the loss of Yavapai Downs as a partner in producing the event, an increase in operating costs, and the elimination of state support for county racing in Arizona and Coconino County, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors voted Friday to cancel its county fair's annual horse races in early July. The supervisors met in a special session to shut down the 2011 races, which were scheduled to occur over the July 4th weekend in Flagstaff. Coconino County officials say that over the past several years, the county has lost revenue from the event. In 2010, the county entered into an agreement with Yavapai Downs to co-produce the races in Flagstaff. Through the agreement, the county recovered a majority, though not all, of its costs associated with the event, county officials say. Yavapai Downs was also the main provider of key services and staff, as well as equipment used in the Coconino County horse races. County officials say, however, that the county has yet to be reimbursed by Yavapai Downs for shared expenses and revenue from the July 2010 event. This year, Coconino County renewed the co-production agreement with Yavapai Downs, anticipating payment from 2010 and a successful Fourth of July horse race meet in Flagstaff. But once county officials learned the Downs closed this week, that agreement evaporated. Vincent Francia, general manager of the Turf Paradise racetrack in Phoenix, said he had offered to operate the horse meet in Flagstaff for the county, but the county politely declined because of timing and financial constraints. "The Coconino County Fair Board thanked us for the offer and will consider it for 2012," Francia said. "I think everything that has happened over the past few days was just overwhelming to them." The cost of Coconino County producing the horse races without Yavapai Downs is prohibitive and would require substantial subsidy, county officials said. County officials added that they will reimburse anyone who bought box seat tickets to the Flagstaff races. Those who bought tickets should call the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department at 928-679-8000 for a refund. For more information, call Coconino County Recreation and Events Manager Cynthia Nemeth at 928-679-8005. |
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