The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has ordered Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Ariz., to make repairs to its rails by the end of March 31 or forfeit the ability to send its signal out-of-state until the repairs are completed, according to a ruling issued by an internal panel of board members at HISA. The ruling said that Turf Paradise had failed to comply with an earlier agreement, which was reached between HISA and the track in February, to repair the rail. HISA had issued a notice of violations to Turf Paradise in January in which the condition of the rail was listed among several alleged deficiencies at the track related to HISA’s safety rules. A committee of board members followed up on the notice of violations during a hearing on March 16 after HISA stewards and employees conducted an examination of Turf Paradise’s rail and “described in detail the hazards presented to jockeys, horses, and other riders on the track by the deteriorated condition of the railing material generally,” the ruling said. The examination was conducted by Jorge Estrada, a HISA steward. :: Bet the races on DRF Bets! Sign up with code WINNING to get a $250 Deposit Match, $10 Free Bet, and FREE DRF Formulator.  “Mr. Estrada noted in particular that the numerous gaps and exposed edges in the railing material could inflict serious harm upon jockeys who might be unhorsed during a race and thrown into or over the railing,” the ruling said. “Additionally, numerous photographs depicting the poor condition of the railing at Turf Paradise were entered into evidence by counsel for the Authority.” Vince Francia, the general manager of Turf Paradise, said on Tuesday that repairs to the rail were well underway even prior to the issuance of the initial notice of violations in January. He said that repair crews were working “literally, night and day” to bring the rail into compliance, and he said that he did not expect live racing or training schedules to be disrupted by the project. “We’re complying, we intend to be in compliance,” Francia said. “We have every intention of getting the work done by the deadline.” Under HISA’s enabling regulation, the authority has the power to rescind a track’s ability to send its signal across state lines if the track is found to be in violation of one of the authority’s rules. Although simulcast handle generally makes up approximately 90 percent of a track’s total wagering, revenue from simulcasting is far smaller than on-track handle. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.