Sky Schaudt/KJZZ

Turf Paradise in Phoenix.

Turf Paradise, the historic horse-racing facility in north Phoenix, is up for sale.

The racetrack’s owner is in contract negotiations with CT Realty, a California-based developer. Managing partner, James “Watty” Watson, says they want to enhance horse racing in Arizona, and find uses for undeveloped parts of the land near 19th Avenue and Bell Road.

For now, Watson says there are stakeholders and red tape to navigate.

The general manager for Turf Paradise says if all goes well, the sale will be finalized in mid-August.

Turf Paradise opened in 1956. In its heyday, the track hosted tens of thousands of patrons who came to watch live horse racing. 

Phil Latzman/KJZZ

Turf Paradise in Phoenix in 2015.

KJZZ's Phil Latzman contributed to this report.