HORSE RACING PHOENIX, ARIZONA, TURF PARADISE
Turf Paradise is a thoroughbred and quarter horse racetrack in the North Mountain section of Phoenix, Arizona in the United States
Why are horses dying at Arizona’s Turf Paradise race track? | Cronkite News
Race horses at Turf Paradise in Phoenix are dying at an alarming rate, more than at other tracks across the state.
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Video by Matt Lively/Cronkite News
Super Saturday at Turf Paradise Feb 10
Three Stakes Races & Budweiser Classic
Plus A Bulldog Fashion Show And A Jockey Meet& Greet
Super Saturday February 10
(PHOENIX) The biggest day in Arizona horseracing just got bigger. February 10th is Super Saturday and will feature some of the best thoroughbred horses in the southwest.in addition to three stakes races and the Budweiser Classic, the day also features a Bulldog Fashion Show and a special meet& greet with the Turf Paradise Jockey Colony.
Grandstand admission is just $3. Kids 16 and under get in for free. The first 4,500 paid admissions will get a free T-shirt.
Super Saturday includes these stakes races.
The $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup
The $30,000 Turf Paradise Handicap
The $30,000 Sun City Handicap
In addition to live and local horseracing local bulldogs and their pet parents will be showcasing the latest in canine fashion at the pavilion tent.
Fans will have the opportunity to meet the jockeys at Turf through a meet and greet from 11am to noon on the track apron.
The day also features:
Live Music
A Kids Fun Park with bounce house inflatables, pony rides and face painting
$3 bottled beer
A BBQ Tent
Free T-shirts for first 4500 paid admissions
A full card of live horse racing
The season includes
Special Fiesta Sundays throughout the season featuring Mexican food and music
Wiener Dog Races March 3rd
Camel and Ostrich Races March 17th
Kentucky Derby Party May 5th
Turf Paradise is Arizona’s first sports franchise, and has operated continuously at the same location at 19th Ave and Bell. It offers one of the longest racing seasons in the United States thanks to Arizona’s great weather. Through Off Track Betting networks its races are viewed at OTB locations all over the United States and worldwide.
Super Saturday at Turf Paradise February 11
Three Stakes Races & Budweiser Classic
More Than $145,000 In Purse Money
Super Saturday February 11
(PHOENIX) It’s the biggest day in Arizona horseracing. February 11th will feature some of the best thoroughbred horses in the southwest for Super Saturday at Turf Paradise. Grandstand admission is just $3. Kids 16 and under get in for free. The first 4,000 paid admissions will get a free T-shirt.
Three stakes races and the Budweiser Classic will draw top competitors from all over the southwest with the purse money for all four races totaling more than $145,000. There is also going to be a meet and greet with Turf Paradise’s female riders. Horseracing is one of the few professional sports in which men and women compete together.
The day features:
Live Music
A Kids Fun Park with bounce house inflatables, pony rides and face painting
$3 bottled beer
A BBQ Tent
Free T-shirts while supplies last
A full card of live horse racing
Super Saturday also includes these stakes races.
The $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup
The $30,000 Turf Paradise Handicap
The $30,000 Sun City Handicap
Turf Paradise General Manager Vincent Francia said, “Super Saturday offers the best of both worlds; some of the top horses in the southwest competing for more than $150,000 in four races. Plus we have a full day of affordable family fun.”
Monday February 20th is Presidents’ Day/ Dollar Day at Turf Paradise. General admission is $1. So are sodas, ice cream, hotdogs, popcorn, and programs. Draft beer is just $2
In addition to offering live local racing through May 7th the season also includes
Special Fiesta Sundays throughout the season featuring Mexican food and music
Wiener Dog Races March 11th
Camel and Ostrich Races March 25th
Kentucky Derby Party May 6th
Turf Paradise is Arizona’s first sports franchise, and has operated continuously at the same location at 19th Ave and Bell. It offers one of the longest racing seasons in the United States thanks to Arizona’s great weather. Through Off Track Betting networks its races are viewed at OTB locations all over the United States and worldwide.
Turf Paradise Throws Birthday Party January 16th Marking 60 Years In AZ
Iconic Track Celebrates Six decades of Horseracing
(PHOENIX) In 1956 Elvis Presley had his first hit with Heartbreak Hotel, Park Central opened as Arizona’s first mall, and gas was 22 cents a gallon.
When Turf Paradise opened its doors in 1956, the area surrounding 19th Ave. and Bell Road was dirt roads and desert.
Today north Phoenix has literally grown up around the iconic track which celebrates its 60th anniversary with a birthday party January 16th that includes, free umbrellas while supplies last, a kids fun park, $3 bottled beer, the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile stakes race, and of course free birthday cake.
Turf Paradise is Arizona’s first sports franchise, and has operated continuously at the same location at 19th Ave and Bell. That tradition continues to this day. It offers one of the longest racing seasons in the United States thanks to Arizona’s great weather. Through Off Track Betting networks its races are viewed at OTB locations all over the United States and worldwide.
On January 16th Turf’s fans will gather at the track to commemorate six decades in Arizona. Grandstand admission is just $2. The gates open at 11am and the first post time is 12:40pm. A full card of live horse racing includes the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile named after the late Phoenix Suns coach who was a horseracing fan and a regular at the track.
Turf Paradise General Manager Vince Francia said, “After 60 years in Arizona it’s safe to say we’re more than just a fad. As loyal fans and those new to horseracing continue to come to Turf Paradise, we expect to be around for at least another 60 years.”
Camel and Ostrich Racing March 28 at Turf Paradise
Camels and Ostriches: The Bad Boys of Racing Return To Turf Paradise March 28th
Plus a special Appearance by the Llama Drama Llamas
(Phoenix) Camel and ostrich racing returns to Turf Paradise, Saturday March 28st.
For those who have never seen camels or ostriches race they seem to have a will of their own. It’s safe to say they are not as well-behaved as the race horses. Here are some video highlights.
Making a special appearance this year are the famous ‘Llama Drama’ llamas Kahkneeta and Laney. These world famous llamas won’t be racing but they will be at Turf Paradise from 11am to 3pm on March 28th to meet their ever growing fan base. As seen on TV all over the world, the llamas that recently went on the loose in Sun City have agreed to come to Turf Paradise and cheer on their camel cousins.
Last year more than 7,000 fans came to the Phoenix racetrack to watch the camel and ostrich races.
In addition to some of the strangest racing to grace our track the day also features:
• Live music
• $2 Draft Beer
• A Kids Fun Park with Bounce Inflatables, a Petting Zoo and Face Painting
• A full card of traditional racing with horses and, of course, you can bet on them!
Grandstand admission is $2 and kids 16 and under getting in for free.
Camel racing is not as easy as it looks. The sport is popular in the Middle East, Australia and Africa.
Ostrich racing is more difficult than camel racing. The sport is popular in Africa.
The event is sponsored by the Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.
Turf Paradise General Manager Vincent Francia said, “Camels and ostriches race in their own unique way, and don’t always follow instructions. Hopefully, the horses won’t pick up any bad habits.”
Turf Paradise opened its doors January 7, 1956, making Valley history as the first organized professional sports franchise in Arizona.
For more information on Turf Paradise including our racing schedule and where to find Off Track Betting locations, log on to turfparadise.com
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Turf Paradise Celebrates 61 Years In Phoenix
Turf Paradise Throws Birthday Party January 14th
Free T-Shirts. Live Music. $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile
(PHOENIX) Turf Paradise is celebrating its 61st anniversary with a party January 14th that includes live local horseracing, free long sleeve t-shirts, live music, food and drink specials (including $3 aluminum bottled beer), a kids fun park, and free birthday cake. Grandstand admission is just $3.
Turf Paradise opened its doors at 19th Ave and Bell in 1956. Back then the track was located in what was considered a remote part of Phoenix dominated by dirt roads and desert. Since then north Phoenix has literally grown up around the track and Turf Paradise has continually been ranked among the Top 5 sports attendance attractions. A recent study found that Turf Paradise generates an annual economic impact of $91 million to the state of Arizona.
A big part of the anniversary celebration is the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile stakes race. The late Phoenix Suns coach was an avid racing fan and a regular at the track.
The celebration continues as Turf Paradise hosts Dollar Day on MLK Day January 16th. Grandstand admission, popcorn, sodas, programs, ice cream, and hot dogs are just $1. There will also be live music.
On both days the gates open at 11am and the first post time is 12:40pm.
Turf Paradise General Manager Vince Francia said, “After six decades, we’re just getting started. Thanks to all our longtime fans and the new fans who continue discover the sport of kings.”
The season also includes:
• Special Fiesta Sundays throughout the season featuring Mexican food and music
• Super Saturday February 11th
• Wiener Dog Races March 11th
• Camel and Ostrich Races March 25th
• Kentucky Derby Party May 6th
Who: Turf Paradise
What: 61st Anniversary Party
When: Saturday, January 14. Gates open at 11a.m.
Where: Turf Paradise 1501 West Bell Road
Why: To celebrate 61st seasons of horseracing in Arizona
How Much: Grandstand admission is just $3
More Info: Call (602) 942-1101/ Online turfparadise.com
Wienermania March 3 at Turf Paradise
Paw Power Meets Horsepower As The Wiener Dog Races Return To Turf Paradise Saturday March 3 for Winners and Wieners: Wiener Mania
(PHOENIX) It’s the ultimate dog and pony show! Winners and Wieners: Wiener Mania, the largest Wiener Dog race in Arizona, returns Turf Paradise Saturday March 3rd. The day will also feature a full card of live horseracing.
Sponsored by Arizona Adopt a Greyhound, the Wiener Dogs will be racing from 11:30am to 5pm.
Prior to the races there will be a Parade of Wieners where all of the dogs entered to race will parade on the main track. The day also features a canine fashion show in wiener dogs display their fashion sense as they stroll on the “Dogwalk.”
And while you can’t bet on the Wiener dogs you can bet on the horse races and Turf Paradise will have a full card of racing on Wiener Mania.
The day also features live music and food and drink specials, a family fun park, including $3 beer and $2 hot dogs. Grandstand admission is just $3.
Wiener Dog owners who want to race their pooch can follow this link to enter.
Here are some video highlights of last year’s Wiener Dog races.
In addition to offering live local racing through May 6th the season also includes
Special Fiesta Sundays on the last Sunday of the month featuring Mexican food and music
Camel and Ostrich Races March 17th
Kentucky Derby Party May 5th
Turf Paradise General Manager Vince Francia said, “The Wiener dogs may not break any speed records at the track but they sure are a fan favorite. The day represents the ultimate combination of paw power and horsepower.”
Turf Paradise is Arizona’s first sports franchise, and has operated continuously at the same location at 19th Ave and Bell. It offers one of the longest racing seasons in the United States thanks to Arizona’s great weather. Through Off Track Betting networks its races are viewed at OTB locations all over the United States and worldwide.
Hip Ninety Three Wins the Queen of the Green Stakes
Plus an interview with Jockey Andrew Ramgeet
Turf Paradise celebrates 62 seasons in Arizona
It'll be one of the busiest days of the year for Turf Paradise tomorrow, as the state's first sports franchise celebrates 62 seasons in Arizona. Fans can expect giveaways, special stake races, a kids fun park and food trucks. For more info: turfparadise.com
Sun Devil Sprint
FIGHT TO GLORY
Sun Devil Sprint
Turf Paradise Phoenix, AZ
January 19, 2019
Race #05
Purse $25,000
5-1/2 Furlongs 1:04.53
Charles Garvey, Owner
Robertino Diodoro, Trainer
David Lopez, Jockey
Wiener Mania March 11 at Turf Paradise
Wiener Dog Races Return To Turf Paradise March 11
Paw Power Meets Horsepower
(PHOENIX) They may not be as fast as the horses, but they’re sure fun to watch. The largest Wiener Dog race in Arizona returns Turf Paradise March 11 in the ultimate display of paw power.
Wiener Mania returns to Turf Paradise Saturday March 11th. Sponsored by Arizona Adopt a Greyhound. The Wiener Dogs will be racing from 11:30am to 4:15pm in what has become the biggest Arizona race in the Wiener Dog circuit.
There will also be a full card of live horse racing along with live music and food and drink specials, including $3 beer and $2 hot dogs. And while you can’t bet on the Wiener Dog races, you can still bet on the horses.
Right before the races there will be a Parade of Wieners for the racing dogs. There is also a Wiener Dog fashion show in which hundreds of Wiener Dogs strut their stuff on the “dog walk.” The dogs don’t want us to call it a ‘catwalk.’
Wiener Dog owners who want to race their pooch can follow this link to enter.
Here are some video highlights of last year’s Wiener Dog races.
One of the horse races on March 11th will be named in honor of Kari Young who served as Director of Arizona Adopt A Greyhound for nearly 17 years until she passed away in December.
In addition to offering live local racing through May 7th the season also includes:
Special Fiesta Sundays throughout the season featuring Mexican food and music
Camel and Ostrich Races March 25th
Kentucky Derby Party May 6th
Turf Paradise General Manager Vince Francia said, “The Wiener Dog races at Turf Paradise have become so popular, we just hope the horses don’t get jealous.”
Francia added, “We also want to recognize the efforts of Kari Young who passed away in December. She made the Wiener Dog races the success they are today. We are honored to host these races as Kari’s husband and friends continue her great work for Arizona Adopt A Greyhound.”
Turf Paradise is Arizona’s first sports franchise, and has operated continuously at the same location at 19th Ave and Bell. It offers one of the longest racing seasons in the United States thanks to Arizona’s great weather. Through Off Track Betting networks its races are viewed at OTB locations all over the United States and worldwide.
Opening Day is October 18 at Turf Paradise
(PHOENIX) The long wait is almost over as Turf Paradise starts its 59th season on October 18th ushering in another great season of horseracing where fans can watch and bet on live, local horseracing during the meet which runs to May 5th.
This year fans have a new way to wager. Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) will be in place opening day. ADW permits betting on horse races by phone. The new state law gives Turf Paradise the tools to be more competitive as 37 other states already have ADW.
The additional wagering option means that Turf Paradise will be offering record purses for the horsemen in the upcoming meet in order to attract some of the top horses, trainers, and jockeys.
Turf Paradise General Manager Vincent Francia said, “Phone betting is customer convenience for when they can’t get to the track or an OTB. It will increase revenue and equally important, it pours more money into the purse structure for our horsemen”.
In addition to a full card of horse racing there will be live music, a family fun park and free t-shirts for the first 4,000 paid admissions. Grandstand admission is just $2. The first post time for opening day is 12:55 p.m.
Last year more than 280,000 attended the meet, about 9,000 more than the previous year at a time when tracks across the country are struggling to break even in terms of attendance.
Turf Paradise employs 480 people and an additional 1,000 are employed at the stables.
Turf Paradise opened its doors in 1956 and has operated at the same location (15th Avenue and Bell) ever since making it Arizona’s first sports franchise. Learn more at turfparadise.com
Who: Turf Paradise
What: Opening Day at Turf Paradise
When: October 18th Gates open at 11a.m.
Where: Turf Paradise 1501 West Bell Road
Why: To start the 59th season of horseracing in Arizona
How Much: Grandstand admission is just $2
Sun Devil Sprint Stakes 2018
FIGHT TO GLORY
Sun Devil Sprint
Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona
January 20, 2018
Race #04
Purse $25,000
5-1/2 Furlongs 1:02.94
Charles Garvey, Owner
Robertino Diodoro, Trainer
Daniel Vergara, Jockey
Zebras Join Camels & Ostriches for One-of-a-Kind Race Day March 26
Zebras Race For The First Time At Turf Paradise
They Join Camels and Ostriches March 26
(Phoenix) They are the ‘bad boys’ of racing, camels and ostriches, and this year they’re getting some company.
Alternative racing returns to Turf Paradise, Saturday March 26th featuring camel racing, ostrich racing and for the first time zebra racing.
Camel racing is popular in the Middle East, Australia and Africa. Ostrich racing is more difficult than camel racing. The sport is popular in Africa. Zebra racing is very difficult as well, as the animals are much more difficult to train compared to horses.
Here are some highlights from last year’s camel and ostrich racing at Turf Paradise.
The day also features a full card of live horse racing. And while you can’t wager on camels, ostriches or zebras; you can still wager, watch, and win with the horses.
In addition to some of the strangest racing to grace our track the day also features:
• Live Music
• $3 bottled Beer
• A Kids Fun Park with Bounce Inflatables, a Petting Zoo and Face Painting
• A full card of traditional racing with horses and, of course, you can bet on them!
Grandstand admission is $2 and kids 16 and under getting in for free.
The event is sponsored by the Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.
Turf Paradise General Manager Vincent Francia said, “This is the first time we have ever raced zebras at Turf Paradise. Let’s hope they earn their stripes as the newest addition to alternative racing day.”
In addition to offering live local racing through May 8th, the season also includes a Kentucky Derby Party May 7th
Turf Paradise is Arizona’s first sports franchise, and has operated continuously at the same location at 19th Ave and Bell since 1956. It offers one of the longest racing seasons in the United States thanks to Arizona’s great weather. Through Off Track Betting networks its races are viewed at OTB locations all over the United States and worldwide.
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Gallyn Mitchell back in the saddle at Turf Paradise
A broken back and a heart attack can't stop jockey Gallyn Mitchell who returns to Turf Paradise. Gallyn was also recently inducted into the Washington State Jockey's Hall of Fame
Camels and Ostriches and Zebras Oh My!. March 25 at Turf Paradise
(Phoenix) The ‘bad boys’ of racing, camels ostriches, and zebras return to Turf Paradise for a day of racing like no other. Alternative racing returns to Turf Paradise, Saturday March 25th featuring camel racing, ostrich racing and zebra racing.
And we also have a full card of live horse racing. While you can’t bet on the camel, ostrich and zebra racing, you can still bet on the horses. Camel racing is popular in the Middle East, Australia and Africa. Ostrich racing, while more difficult than camel racing, is still run in Africa as is Zebra racing.
And while camels, ostriches, and zebras can race, they don’t always cooperate with the riders. Here are some highlights from last year.
In addition to one of a kind racing the day also features:
• Live Music
• $3 bottled Beer
• A Kids Fun Park with Bounce Inflatables
• A full card of traditional racing with horses and, of course, you can bet on them!
Grandstand admission is $3 and kids 16 and under getting in for free.
The event is sponsored by the Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.
Turf Paradise General Manager Vincent Francia said, “While camels, ostriches, and zebras can be competitive, they’re not always cooperative. Let’s hope the horses don’t pick up any bad habits.”
In addition to offering live local racing through May 7th, the season also includes a Kentucky Derby Party May 6th
Turf Paradise is Arizona’s first sports franchise, and has operated continuously at the same location at 19th Ave and Bell since 1956. It offers one of the longest racing seasons in the United States thanks to Arizona’s great weather. Through Off Track Betting networks its races are viewed at OTB locations all over the United States and worldwide.
Arizona Breeders' Day Showcased the Best of State's Thoroughbred Talent
Phoenix -- State bred horses were in the spotlight on Saturday's Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders' Day, featuring five stakes races on a nine-race card at Turf Paradise.
Arizona Breed Day began with the $35,000 Joanne Dye Stakes and a front-running 1 ¾ length victory by Don Schnell's owned and trained Aware ($4.60) ridden by Scott Stevens. Idling finished second with Fascinating Dixie third in the field if six 3-year-old fillies.
Aware covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.68 for his third win in four starts and his first stakes victory. Aware's earnings stand at $38,937.
Heavily favored (1-5) Red Zeus ($2.40) impressed by cruising to a 5 ¼ length victory with Kelly Bridges up for trainer Dan McFarlane in the $35,000 Dwight D. Patterson Handicap. Silvanus was a clear second with FD Icy third in the compact field of five older horses.
Owned by Peggy Hopwood, the multiple stakes winning Red Zeus raced the 1 1/16 over firm turf in 1:43.56. Red Zeus has won seven of 24 starts for earnings of $202,511.
Arrowhead Racing's Frisky Risky ($19.60) pulled a mild upset in the $35.000 Sandra Hall Grand Canyon Handicap, defeating Rockin Home by 1 ¼ lengths with Jamaican Memories third in the field of eight older horses.
Trained by Kaylyn Kato and ridden by Akifumi Kato, Frisky Ricky covered the 6-furlongs in 1:09.23. The 8-year-old Frisky Ricky has now won 10 of 69 lifetime starts for earnings of $166,724.
Under new owner-trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, Tempe ($7.20) dominated a field of seven fillies and mares to win the $35,000 Ann Owens Distaff Handicap by 5 ¼ lengths over Tribal Gal with Lady Jila third.
Ridden by Scott Stevens, Tempe covered the 6-furlongs in 1:09.62 for her eighth victory in 15 starts for earnings of $114,114.
In the $59,584 Gene Fleming Breeders' Derby, favored J P Rocker ($4.20) stalked the pace with Juan Rivera up, drew clear with an eighth of a mile remaining and had enough left to withstand by a nose the late challenge of longshot G Faikir. Lawly's Goal finished third in the field of nine 3-year-olds.
Page Springs Wins Princess of Palms Stakes
Jockey:Ann Von Rosen. Trainer Dan McFarlane. Owner Sawyer Cattle Company
Super Saturday Stakes Winners at Turf Paradise: Absolutely Cool, Ronda Rocks. AZ Ridge
Absolutely Cool finally got his revenge, defeating defending champion L.A. Weekend in the $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Saturday at Turf Paradise. Following four close defeats by L.A. Weekend, including last year's Gold Cup, Absolutely Cool ($31.00) wore his arch nemesis down in the final yards with Valiant Flame finishing third in the field of nine older horses.
Finally! exclaimed owner Karl Krieg.
Revenge really is so sweet, said trainer Valorie Lund.
He just wasn't going to get beat by him today, said jockey Rocco Bowen.
Absolutely Cool and Bowen bided their time in mid-pack while L.A. Weekend blistered the opening half-mile in :43.62. With less than 70 yards to the wire, Absolutely Cool drew on even terms with that one and then drew away to a two-length victory.
Absolutely Cool covered the 6-furlongs in 1:08.54 for his seventh win in 26 efforts for earnings over $205,103.
$35,000 Sun City Handicap
Ronda Rocks ($17.20) and Gallyn Mitchell took advantage of 4-5 favorite Ricspretentiousgal's poor start and went on to post a wire-to-wire half-length victory over Vonn Nez with Warrensmymysterydice third in the Sun City Handicap. Rickspretentiousgal finished fourth in the field of eight fillies and mares.
Owned and trained by Frank Lucarelli, Ronda Rocks covered the one mile over firm turf in 1:36.98.
$35,000 Turf Paradise Handicap
Even-money favorite Az Ridge ($4.00) with Kelly Bridges up was a neck best in a three-horse photo finish with Mysterious Soul second and Red Zeus a neck back in third among the field of seven older horses in the Turf Paradise Handicap. Owned by Sawyer Cattle Company and trained by Dan McFarlane, Az Ridge covered the 1 1/16 miles over the turf in 1:42.76.