Trained by Miguel Silva, Rare Sunset covered the 1 1/16 miles over firm turf in 1:41.89

 

January 14, 2012

Saratoga Boot Gets Nod in Three-Way Photo to Win Fitzsimmons Mile

In a three-horse battle, 14-1 longshot Saratoga Boot got his nose in front at the wire to win the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Saturday at Turf Paradise, as the track celebrated its 56th anniversary.

Ridden smartly by Anne Van Rosen and trained by Mike Chambers for owner Gary Hughes, Saratoga Boot ($31.60) rallied from sixth and prevailed in a lead-changing stretch fight to nose out 7-5 favorite Leroy’s Dynameaux who had a neck in front of Fast Track in a photo finish. Last year’s Fitzsimmons Mile winner, All Saint, finished fourth in the field of 10 older horses.


The winner’s trophy was presented by JoAnn Fitzsimmons, widow of the late coach of the Phoenix Suns, after whom the race is named. Mrs. Fitzsimmons was joined by several former Suns players and host of Cotton’s friends and associates.

“I didn’t know I’d won until the numbers were posted,” said Van Rosen. “I had to wait like everyone else.”

“I really didn’t want to run this horse in this tough field,” said Chambers. “But the owner did. Sometimes owners know best.”

Saratoga Boot, who was scoring his first victory in five outings on turf covered the mile over firm going in 1:34.87. The Arkansas-bred 5-year-old has now won four of 20 outings for $123,182.

January 11, 2012

A closer look
Ten Head Postward in Saturday’s Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile

In what has become this track’s premier turf race a field of ten, divided between California shippers and local hopefuls – including last year’s winner - will contest the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Saturday at Turf Paradise. The stakes is also the occasion for the track’s 56th anniversary.

Named in honor of the late coach of the Phoenix Suns, the Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile will be celebrating its eighth renewal. Fitzsimmons, who had of love of basketball and a passion for horse racing, passed away in 2004. Fitzsimmons widow, JoAnn, along with a host of former Suns’ players and friends, will once again present the winner’s trophy.

In the previous seven runnings of the Fitzsimmons Mile, local horses have the edge, winning the stakes five of seven runnings, with years 2007-2008 going to California shippers.

A closer look at this year’s field of ten.
Locals
Horse: Briartic County
Lifetime record/earnings: 18-6-5-2/$65,026
Trainer/Jockey: Robert Anderson/Richard Hamel
Recent Best Effort: Won 12/18/11
Comment: Won last two starts; one-for-one on local turf

Horse: Hezamazing
Lifetime record/earnings: 33-11-9-4/$202,847
Trainer/Jockey: Rick Houghton/Mike Ziegler
Recent Best Effort: Won Hank Mills Stakes, 12/17/11
Comment: Competitive stakes horse, primarily on dirt

Horse: All Saint
Lifetime record/earnings: 29-7-3-2/$250,116
Trainer/Jockey: Wilton Whitehouse/Mike Iammarino
Recent Best Effort: Second Walter Cluer Stakes, 10/29/11
Comment: Front-runner, won Fitzsimmons Mile 2011

California Shippers
Horse: Songfoya
Lifetime record/earnings: 15-3-1-1/$55,040
Trainer/Jockey: Randy Rarick/Wilson Dieguez
Recent Best Effort: Victory prep over local turf course 12/26/11
Comment: Races primarily in southern California

Horse: Leroy’s Dynameaux
Lifetime record/earnings: 17-3-2-4/$208,752
Trainer/Jockey: Mark Glatt/Stephan Heiler
Recent Best Effort: 3rd Santa Anita’s Lure Stakes, 11/5/11
Comment: Faced tougher California; strictly turf horse

Horse: Saratoga Boot
Lifetime record/earnings: 19-3-2-4
Trainer/Jockey: Mike Chambers/Anne Von Rosen
Recent Best Effort: Victory prep over local turf course, 12/10/11
Comment: Campaigns at Golden Gate

Horse: Life Is a Rock
Lifetime record/earnings: 19-5-2-6/$144,206
Trainer/Jockey: Robertino Diodoro/Jorge Carreno
Recent Best Effort: 2nd at Golden Gate, 12/29/11
Comment: Golden Gate shipper gets leading rider

Horse: Earnednevergiven
Lifetime record/earnings: 34/8-7-6/$419,710
Trainer/Jockey: Robertino Diodoro/Kelly Bridges
Recent Best Effort: 3rd, Santa Anita, 11/3/11
Comment: Leading earner, best turf record

Horse: Fast Track
Lifetime record/earnings: 9-2-0-3/$30,940
Trainer/Jockey: Molly Pearson/Adolfo Morales
Recent Best Effort: 3rd Golden Gate, 12/10/11
Comment: California based, but broke maiden at Turf, 10/30/11

Horse: Mr. Candy Bar
Lifetime record/earnings: 15-2-2-2/$77,260
Trainer/Jockey: OJ Jauregui/Scott Stevens
Recent Best Effort: 3rd, Golden Gate, 11/17/11
Comment: All in-money-efforts on turf
 

January 7, 2012

Snuggs and Kisses
Kachina Handicap
Turf Paradise Phoenix
1/7/2012
Purse $35,000.00
One Mile 1:37.13
L. Barrett Bernard, Owner
Dennis T. Sowers, Trainer
Juan Rivera, Jockey
Hard Seven (2nd)
Catch Lorraine (3rd)
$7.60 $4.20 $2.60
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography
 

January 3, 2012

Snuggs and Kisses Looks for Repeat in Kachina

Snuggs and Kisses will look to duplicate her success last year in this stakes as she heads a field of eight fillies and mares in the $35,000 Kachina Handicap at one mile Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Trained by Dennis Sowers, Snuggs and Kisses will be reunited with Juan Rivera who guided her to victory in last year’s Kachina as a 6-1 outsider. Since that time, Snuggs and Kisses has added three allowance wins to her resume, two at Churchill Downs and one at Keeneland
 

December 31, 2011

Beer Meister Shows Winning Form in Return to Races

Showing an affinity for his hometrack, Beer Meister rallied from next-to-last to first to win the $35,000 Luke Kruytbosch Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Ridden by Glenn Corbett for trainer Manny Ortiz, Beer Meister ($5.60) bided his time at the back of the pack until circling the field at the head of the stretch and then easily drew away to win by 2 ¾ lengths over Goldfire with the favored Wegner third in the field of eight 3-year-olds.

Coming off a 7 ½ month layoff, Beer Meister, who had won the Turf Paradise Derby in February, and who is owned by Linda Egger and William Burns, covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.54. Beer Meister, whose three lifetime victories have taken place locally, now has $93,420 in earnings.

December 31, 2011

Hawks Three Chicks
Cave Creek Stakes
Turf Paradise Phoenix
12/31/2011
Purse $6,900.00
350 Yards :17.74
Cruz Xavier Velazquez Grijalva, Owner
Jose Botello, Trainer
Rodolfo Arvizu, Jockey
Opportunity Runaway (2nd)
Fly Me High (3rd)
$6.60 $3.60 $3.60
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography

December 30, 2011

New Track Record

All About Larry
New Track Record - Previous :44.67
Best of Breeds Stakes
Turf Paradise Phoenix
12/30/2011
Purse $8,300.00
870 Yards :44.30
Diane Heath, Owner
Tom W. Bartol, Trainer
Jorge Carreno, Jockey
Actually (2nd)
Captain Crunk (3rd)
$11.00 $4.40 $2.80


 

December 26, 2011

Taylors Deal, Lasso From El Paso Win Juvenile Stakes

Taylors Deal and Lasso From El Paso followed near identical routes to victory by going wire-to-wire in their respective juvenile stakes Monday at Turf Paradise.

The Sandi Gann-trained Taylors Deal ($8.80) seized the lead under Richard Hamel shortly after the quarter-mile split and held several challenges at bay while going on to post a 2 ¾ length victory under a vigorous hand-ride over a game Let’s Get Crackin with Born Force third in field of eight juveniles in the $35,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes.

Owned by North American Thoroughbred Horse Company, Taylors Deal covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.22.

Meanwhile, California shipper and favorite Lasso From El Paso ($3.80) with David Lopez up, made every pole a winning one, defeating Racing for Gold by 4 ¾ lengths with Wine Thief third in the $35,000 Arizona Juvenile Fillies Stakes.

Owned by Eric Kruljac and Frank and Karen Kewkowitz and trained by Kruljac, Lasso From El Paso covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.62

December 18, 2011

December 17, 2011

Hezamazing Upsets Hank Mills Handicap

Benefiting from a hot pace, Hezamazing posted a mild upset in the $35,000 Hank Mills, Sr. Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Ridden smartly by Mike Ziegler, Hezamazing ($22.20) overcame trouble while rallying from fourth to score a nose victory over Forest Mouse with Rule by Force rallying from last to finish third in the field of six three-year-olds and older.

The 2-5 favorite Atta Boy Roy, with Glenn Corbett finished fifth, after engaging in a speed duel with Mr. Shadar, clicking off the first half-mile in :44.95 and the six furlongs in 1:09.84.

Hezamazing covered the one mile in 1:35.69 for owner Carlyle Rollins and trainer Rick Houghton. The 6-year-old Hezamazing has won 11 of 33 efforts for earning of $202,847.


 

December 13, 2011

Live racing was cancelled at Turf Paradise for Tuesday, December 13 due to track conditions.
Live racing is scheduled to resume Friday, December 16.

December 10, 2011

Got an Itch Scores Again, Takes City of Phoenix

Showing versatility, Got an Itch switched surfaces and still got the victory, winning the $35,000 City of Phoenix stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise

Got an Itch ($16.20), whose previous two wins came over the grass, took to the dirt with Adolfo Morales aboard, to be a length in front of Catch Lorraine with Tornado Betty third in the field of nine fillies and mares. Even-money favorite Hard Seven finished fifth, failing to mount a serious challenge.

Owned by Just for Fun Farms and trained by Molly Pearson, the 4-year-old Got an Itch covered the 6-furlongs in 1:09.93, scoring her seventh win in 21 outings for earnings of $194,424.

 

December 4, 2011

December 3, 2011

Danzing Tribal Waltzes to Front Running Victory in Caballos del Sol

While the Robertino Diodoro-trained Earnednevergiven failed as the 6-5 favorite, stablemate Danzing Tribal went wire to wire to win the $35,000 Caballos del Sol Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Gunned to the front by Stephan Heiler, Danzing Tribal ($13.80), who was notching his third consecutive win while moving up in class, was a half-length in front of Absolutely Cool with Trip the General third in the field of seven colts and geldings. California shipper Earnednevergiven ran evenly in fourth throughout the 6-furlong race.

Danzing Tribal covered the distance in 1:09.3 for owner Stateside Racing. It was the fifth win from 18 outings for Danzing Tribal, who now has earnings of $102,340.

Meanwhile, the Omar Lorta-trained Skyline Version ($26.80), with Porfino Cano, upset the $40,422 AQRA Derby (G3). A Mere Corona was a nose behind the winner with Blues Man Won another half-length back in third in the field of nine 3-year-old Quarter Horses.

Owned by Y/N Horse Stables, Skyline Version raced the 400 yards in :19.65.
 

November 26, 2011

Hot On Top Brings Page Springs’ Win Streak to an End

Hot On Top’s revenge brought Page Springs’ undefeated streak to an end by winning the $49,508 Arizona Breeders’ Futurity Saturday at Turf Paradise.
In fact, 1-9 Page Springs, who boasted a perfect 5-for-5 record and who had opened up a nine length lead, tired badly to finish fourth in the field of 12 state bred, 2-year-old fillies. Hindu Kush finished second three-quarters of a length in front of Lynx Lake who edged out Page Springs for the show.
Hot On Top ($16.60), thrice defeated by Page Springs, covered the 6-furlongs in 1:11.25, under Jake Barton for trainer Molly Pearson.
Meanwhile, trainer Kevin Eikleberry and son Ry, teamed up for a popular victory with A Political Time ($5.40) in the $54,279 Arizona Breeders’ Futurity for colts and geldings. Cleator was second and Nobyjo third in the field of 12 juveniles.
A Political Time, who rallied in the final 50 yards, raced the 6-furlongs in 1:12.43,

November 22, 2011

Undefeated Page Springs Heads 12 Juveniles in Az Breeders’ Futurity

The precocious, brilliantly fast and undefeated Page Springs heads a field of 12 two-year-olds in Saturday’s $35,000 Arizona Breeders’ Futurity at Turf Paradise.

Page Springs has won five consecutive races, three of them stakes, by a combined winning margin of 42 lengths. Trained by Dan McFarlane, Page Springs will be ridden by Glenn Corbett.


 

November 19, 2011

Forest Mouse Prevails in Coady Stakes, Hard Seven Takes Chandler

Forest Mouse, under a well-timed ride by Jake Barton, won the $35,000 Jack Coady, Sr. Stakes, Saturday at Turf Paradise.
The Coady stakes is named after Turf Paradise’s longtime photographer, who served in that capacity for over 50 years, capturing all of the track’s horse racing drama and much of its history since opening day in1956. Prior to working for Turf Paradise, Coady plied his profession at the Arizona Republic and the then Phoenix Gazette. Coady died in 2008.
Several generations of the Coady clan made the trophy presentation to winning owner/trainer Mark Jensen.
As the 9-5 second choice, Forest Mouse ($5.80) was the better of a three-way rush to the finish, winning by one length over 3-2 favorite Ribat, who was head in front of Wicked Landlord, who was third in the field of eight 3-year-old colts and geldings.
Forest Mouse raced the one mile over firm turf in 1:36.51.
Meanwhile, 7-5 favorite, Hard Seven ($4.80), under Glenn Corbett tracked the pacesetting Mundy until easily drawing away to a two-length length victory in the $35,000 Chandler Stakes. Victory With Class finished third in the field of seven 3-year-old fillies.
Hard Seven covered the one mile over the turf in 1:36.28 for trainer Dan McFarlane.

November 6, 2011

October 23, 2011

Sheza Princess Belle
Desert Classic Derby
Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona
10/23/2011
Purse $24,462.50
350 Yards :17.45
Eloy Mendoza, Owner
Eloy Mendoza, Trainer
Michael Iammarino, Jockey
Lifes Been Good (2nd)
Skyline Version (3rd)
$8.20 $3.20 $3.20
 

October 16, 2011

Az Ridge
ATBA Fall Sales Stakes
Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona
10/16/2011
Purse $59,756.00
6 Furlongs 1:11.41
Sawyer Cattle Company, Owner
Dan McFarlane, Trainer
Glenn Corbett, Jockey
A Political Time (2nd)
Wildcat Energy (3rd)
$2.80 $2.20 $2.10
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography
 

October 16, 2011

Undefeated Page Springs, Az Ridge Give Owner, Trainer, Jockey Sweep of ATBA Sales Stakes

As noteworthy as it is that an owner, trainer and jockey would sweep both divisions of Sunday’s ATBA Fall Sales Stakes at Turf Paradise, it was undefeated Page Springs’ fifth consecutive victory that will be remembered.
Even track announcer Michael Chamberlain gasped in amazement when he exclaimed that the Arizona bred, 2-year-old Page Springs had just sped the first quarter-mile in :20.4 en route to winning the $98,230 ATBA fillies division.
Page Springs ($2.10) and Glenn Corbett’s final clocking for the 6-furlong stakes was 1:10.99.
“I said after her last victory, this filly is scary fast,” said Corbett. “I’ve never been on any horse that has gone that fast in the first quarter mile. She was four lengths in front just two strides out of the gate.”
Owned by Sawyer Cattle Company and trained by Dan McFarlane, Page Springs, a daughter of Rocky Bar, was 3 ½ lengths in front of Hot on Top, ridden by Jake Barton. Hindu Kush was another five lengths back in third in the field of 11 juvenile fillies.
“I could outride Corbett if I could just get close enough to him on that horse,” joked Barton.
Two races later, Page Springs’ stablemate Az Ridge ($2.80) brought the connections back to the winner’s circle with a gutsy nose-photo victory over A Political Time in the $72,781 ATBA colts and geldings division. A Wildcat Energy was another 6 ½ lengths back in third in the field of 12 juveniles.
Az Ridge covered the 6-fuongs in 1:11.41.
 

October 15, 2011

Page Springs Goes for Five in a Row

Her jockey Glenn Corbett describes her as “scary fast”.
She is that. The she is Page Springs, an Arizona bred 2-year-old filly, who is undefeated in four starts.
“She was racing the wind in her last victory,” Corbett said, of Page Springs’ nearly 15-length romp, October 1. “I had her under wraps. There’s no telling how fast she is.”
Owned by Phoenix-based Sawyer Cattle Company and trained by Dan McFarlane, Page Springs won her previous four outings, leaving 35 rivals in her wake, by a combined total of 37 lengths.
This Sunday at Turf Paradise, Page Springs will be odds on to make it a perfect 5-for-5 in the $59,144 Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Fall Sales Stakes against 10 other state bred juvenile fillies. The closest any of these homebred fillies have come to Page Springs is 4 ½ lengths, and that was in the first quarter mile of the ATBA Spring Sales Stakes; a 5-furlong race Page Springs went on to win by seven lengths.
Sunday’s card also offers the $59,756 ATBA Sales Stakes for colt and geldings. Page Springs’ stablemate, Az Ridge, also owned-trained by the Sawyer Cattle Company-McFarlane combo, will be the one to beat.
In addition there are three Quarter Horses stakes, including the $60,000 Bank of America Racing Challenge (G3)
 

October 2, 2011

Click images to enlarge

October 1, 2011

Rule by Force Captures Opening Day’s Bienvenidos Stakes

Under a patient ride by Jorge Carreno, Rule by Force came from mid-pack to collar favored Bonboni at the wire to win the $35,000 Bienvenidos Stakes Saturday as Turf Paradise opened its 56th season of racing.

Trained by Robertino Diodoro for owner Peter Giannakopoulos, Rule by Force ($29.40) who was scoring his 13th victory in 35 starts, covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.95. Bonboni, with Glenn Corbett up, held second 1 ½ lengths ahead of Trip the General, who finished third in the field of 11 older horses.

Though Rule by Force took the opening day feature, undefeated 2-year-old filly Page Springs ($2.10) stole the show, winning her ATBA stakes trial by 14 ¾ lengths. Ridden by Corbett, the Arizona bred Page Springs, who is a perfect four-for-four, is owned by Phoenix-based Sawyer Cattle Company and trained by Dan McFarlane.

“She’s scary fast,” said Corbett, who won three of four trials Saturday, “And she’s not even totally fit yet.”

Page Springs will go next as the probable favorite in the ATBA Filly Stakes, October 16.
 

September 28, 2011

Turf Paradise Opens 56th Season Saturday, October 1

With horsemen’s purses boosted and the “hope springs eternal” mantra that accompanies each new race meet, Turf Paradise will open its 56th racing season Saturday, October 1.

A 157-day meet will run from October 1-May 6, with live racing conducted on a five day a week schedule, Friday-Tuesday. First race will be 12:30 pm.

Overnight purses, comprising the horsemen’s daily purse structure, have been raised 10%, while stakes races have been boosted 26%. Two stakes, the Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile and the Turf Paradise Derby, have been raised to $75,000 each from $50,000. An additional 34 stakes have been raised to $35,000 from $25,000.

“Nothing like the opening of a race meet,” said Turf Paradise general manager Vincent Francia. “All things are possible, from hitting a big bet to having the big horse to go to the Kentucky Derby.”

Saturday’s opening day live feature, the $35,000 Bienvenidos stakes, attracted a field of 11 for the 6 ½ furlong test, including 15-race winner Swiss Ski. Simulcasts include six graded stakes from Belmont Park, including the $750,000 Jockey Gold Cup.


If You Go…
Location: 19th Ave & Bell Rd.
General Parking: Free. Valet: $5
Grandstand: $2
Clubhouse/Turf Club: $4
Major Stakes: Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile (Jan. 14),
Phoenix Gold Cup (Feb. 18), Turf Paradise Derby (Feb. 25)
Major Simulcasts: Breeders’ Cup (Nov. 4-5), Kentucky Derby (May 5)
Phone: (602) 942-1101

 

Turf Paradise Celebrates 56th Season

Welcome back race fans.
A brand- new season is upon us with a 157-day meet that will run from October 1 thru May 6, 2012. Live racing will be conducted 5-days a week, primarily Friday thru Tuesday. Post time will be 12:30 pm. Simulcasting only well be featured Wednesday and Thursday. Early bird wagering begins daily at 9:00 am.
The first day of racing on October 1 will feature a free Opening of the Meet Tee shirt to the first 3,500 fans. There will be live music and a free family fun park for the kids, featuring multiple inflatables, pony rides and face painters.
The feature race opening day will be the $35,000 Bienvenidos Stakes. An extra-added bonus will be simulcasts of six Graded stakes from Belmont Park’s, including the $750,000 Jockey Gold Cup (G1)..
Best of racing luck in the 56th season of Turf Paradise.


Purses, ‘Fitzsimmons Mile’ Stake Raised for Turf Paradise’s New Season

Horsemen will get the best kind of “Welcome Back to Turf Paradise” as the track announced a 10% hike in overnight purses and a 26% increase in stakes purses for the upcoming race meet.
The Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile, named after the late coach and executive of the Phoenix Suns and the Turf Paradise Derby have each been raised from $50,000 to $75,000. In addition, 32 other stakes have been boosted from $25,000 to $35,000.
The Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile will be run at eight furlongs over the turf on January 14. The Turf Paradise Derby, at 1 1/16 miles, will be run February 25.
“We’ve experienced an influx of wagering revenue this summer due to the in-state OTB system being operated by us,” said track general manager Vincent Francia. “We continue to pass along the benefits to our horsemen for the upcoming meet.” Turf Paradise took over the OTB system May 30 when Yavapai Downs was unable to open their summer meet.
A total of 206 trainers representing 2,010 horses and hailing from 21 states and four Canadian provinces are expected for the upcoming meet.


Trackside Tiki Bar – The Place to Be

Turf’s executive Chef, Gareth Jones – a man of many talents - committed himself to a summer project: making sure the Tiki bar is really tiki. And it sure is.
The newly renovated trackside structure, already popular with the grandstand horse-playing set, is decorated in bamboo and thatch, giving you the feeling that you’re sipping a delicious Mai Tai on the beaches of Tahiti, while in fact you’re directly across from the finish line at Turf Paradise. The Tiki Bar, which comes complete with a yet-to-be-named parrot, seats 16 people on a first come, first served basis. So, do arrive early to claim your spot in Paradise to dream about the island of your choice. Now, just how sweet is that Mai Ta?


Terrace Café - Al Fresco

How would you like to be seated in a casual, friendly setting high above the race track, right on the finish line, that also happens to offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains plus a refreshing peek of that luxuriously saturated-blue Arizona sky?
We have the place for you.
New this season is Terrace Café. Located on the Turf Club level with its own private, stylishly decorated shaded outside balcony, the setting offers the social intimacy of a French café, the visuals of a Monet painting and the passion and excitement of a Hemingway novel. No, we are not exaggerating. But try it for yourself with your closest friend or friends and see for yourself.
Offering special menus for groups of 20-50 people, or choose from the ala carte Turf Club menu for walk-in reservations. Whether you’re sipping a Pinot Noir or nursing a Cosmopolitan or pampering yourself with a slice of Bourbon pecan pie, you’re already a winner. And you haven’t even made your first bet.


October Promotions

Beginning with October 1 opening day Tee shirt give-a-way, we then move to Monday, Columbus Day, October 10 for $1 Day, featuring $1 Grandstand admission, hot dogs, soda, popcorn, ice cream bars and $2 draft beer.
Then on Saturday, October 15 it’s the Rockabilly Car show.
On Saturday, October 22 come ready to taste test the Suds at Beer Festival. Many of Arizona’s micro-brewed beers will be your to savor.

November Ushers in the $26 Million Breeders’ Cup Championship
The two-day $26 million Breeders’ Cup will be simulcast from Churchill Downs on Friday, November 4 and Saturday’ November 5. Six championship races comprise Friday’s card to be followed by 8 more BC races on Saturday, including the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup day offers buffets in both the Clubhouse and Turf Club. Reservations are being taken now.


50 Cent Pick Five Offers Low Takeout

The popular 50 cent Pick 5 bet just became more popular, offering only a 15% takeout for the upcoming meet. The Pick 5, scheduled on live race days, will comprise races 5 thru 9. Seventy-five percent of the pool will carry forward, with 25% being paid out to the best of 5.


Advertising Opportunities Available
If you have a business message you wish to get out, advertising opportunities are available in the Turf Paradise racing program and on the back of the overnight. Contact Serena Simms at (602) 375-6403.


Group Accommodations
If you have a group of 15 or more friends or neighbors who would like to enjoy a day at the races, then we have a plan for you. Our Group Sales Department has multiple options, from Clubhouse to Turf Club to Directors’ Suite. The Group Department is located in the glass-enclosed office, just off the main lobby. Phone (602) 375-6478.


 

September 1, 2011

Purses, ‘Fitzsimmons Mile’ Stake Raised for Turf Paradise’s New Season

Horsemen will get the best kind of “Welcome Back to Turf Paradise” as the track announced a 10% hike in overnight purses and a 26% increase in stakes purses for the upcoming race meet.

A 157-day meet will run from October 1 thru May 6, 2012. Live racing will be conducted 5-days a week, primarily Friday thru Tuesday.

The Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile, named after the late coach and executive of the Phoenix Suns and the Turf Paradise Derby have each been raised from $50,000 to $75,000. In addition, 32 other stakes have been boosted from $25,000 to $35,000.

The Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile will be run at eight furlongs over the turf on January 14. The Turf Paradise Derby, at 1 1/16 miles, will be run February 25.

“We’ve experienced an influx of wagering revenue this summer due to the in-state OTB system being operated by us,” said track general manager Vincent Francia. “We continue to pass along the benefits to our horsemen for the upcoming meet.” Turf Paradise took over the OTB system May 30 when Yavapai Downs was unable to open their summer meet.

A total of 206 trainers representing 2,010 horses and hailing from 22 states and four Canadian provinces are expected for the upcoming meet.
 

August 10, 2011

Stakes Program Boosted 26% for Upcoming Turf Paradise Meet

The Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile and Turf Paradise Derby lead a list of 38 stakes that received a 26% boost for the upcoming meet at Turf Paradise Race Course.

A 157-day meet is scheduled to run from October 1 through May 6. Live racing will be conducted five days a week, Friday through Tuesday with first post at 12:30 pm.

The Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile and Turf Paradise Derby were raised to $75,000 from $50,000. An additional 27 stakes were raised to $35,000 from $25,000.

The Fitzsimmons Mile, named after the late Phoenix Suns coach and executive, will be run at eight furlongs over the turf on January 14. The Turf Paradise Derby, at 1 1/16 miles, will be run February 25.

The 56th renewal of the $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup, at 6-furlongs, is scheduled for February 18.

2011-2012 stakes schedule
 

June 29, 2011

Turf Paradise to Open Stable Area Early

Turf Paradise will open its stable area to receive horses Friday, August 5, one month earlier than usual, it was announced today by track general manager Vincent Francia.

A 157-day meet will run from October 1 thru May 6, 2012 with live racing on a Friday-Tuesday schedule. Overnight purses have been raised 10% and stakes 26% for the upcoming meet.

“We’re opening the stable area early to help many horsemen still feeling the effects of Yavapai Downs canceling its summer meet,” said Francia. “Both the local H.B.P.A. and Turf Paradise will share the expenses.”

The H.B.P.A. will charge $3 per day per horse for the 32-day period of early opening, from August 5 to September 5. The training track and equine swimming pool will be open. The main track is scheduled to open September 6.
 

June 21, 2011

Purses, Stakes Raised for Turf Paradise’s New Season

Horsemen will get the best kind of “Welcome back to Turf Paradise” as the track announced a 10% hike in overnight purses and a 26% increase in stakes purses for the upcoming race meet.

A 157-day meet will run from October 1 thru May 6, 2012. Live racing will be conducted 5-days a week, primarily Friday thru Tuesday.

Thirty-two stakes have been boosted from $25,000 to $35,000 each. In addition, the Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile and the Turf Paradise Derby have been raised from $50,000 to $75,000.

“We are experiencing an influx of wagering revenue since the in-state OTB system is now being operated by us,” said track general manager Vincent Francia. “We are passing along the benefits to our horsemen for the upcoming meet.” Turf Paradise took over the OTB system when Yavapai Downs was unable to open their summer meet.