No Conflict of Interest: Rillito Park Horse Racing Season Secured for 2025

Pima County has canceled the request for proposals (RFP) for a new operator at Rillito Park after discovering potential bias in the bidding process. A member of the Horse Racing Commission, who had inside knowledge, intended to submit a bid, leading to concerns about the fairness of the process.

This decision means there will be no horse racing at Rillito Park for the 2025 February through March season. The county had initially issued the RFP on July 1, with responses due by August 1, aiming to find a new operator for the track in Tucson. However, the process was deemed compromised when it was found that members associated with the Pima County Fair Horse Racing Commission had an unfair advantage.

Terri Spencer, the county’s procurement director, emphasized the need to “preserve the integrity of the competitive procurement process” by canceling the RFP. Detailed in a memo to County Administrator Jan Lesher, Spencer outlined how Timothy Kelly, a member of the commission, had access to confidential information. Kelly had participated in drafting the RFP and had an early copy of the scope of work, which gave him and his foundation an undue advantage.

Lesher also noted in a memo to the Board of Supervisors that Rillito Racetrack does not meet the standards set by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. The track may need a new rail system, and recent storms have significantly damaged the site, destroying about half of the temporary barns.

Once the county thoroughly assesses the required repairs and renovations, a new RFP will be issued. This evaluation process, coupled with the extent of necessary updates, confirms that racing activities will be halted for the 2025 season.

Kelly, who had been appointed to the commission in 2017, stated he was unaware of his foundation’s intention to bid. However, his involvement raised enough concern to warrant the cancellation of the RFP. The county had issued the RFP due to previous operator Rillito Racing, Inc.’s failure to provide required financial audits for several years.

Meanwhile, the commission may request that the Board of Supervisors officially designate specific county fair horse racing days in 2025. It may also contract with another Arizona racetrack, as it did with Turf Paradise in 2024, to ensure the continuation of horse racing activities in some capacity.