There was a mix of a little of everything as favorites and upsetters shared the five stakes laurels on Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders’ Day Saturday at Turf Paradise.
 
Stakes Recaps
 
$38,400 Joanne Dye Oaks
Trainer Kevin Eikleberry kicked off the by finishing one-two-three with Let Me Fly ($3.80) Star Sundae and Diva’s Diva. Ridden by Ry Eikleberry, the 3-year-daughter of Ez Dreamer covered the 7 ½ furlongs over firm turf in 1:32.29 for owners Lloyd Yother, William Matthews, Marvin Fleming and Eikleberry.
 
$50,000 Gene Fleming Derby
Scooting free from a quartet of horses inside the sixteenth pole, Tawnja Elison’s Todo Es Toro ($12.40) with Jose Leon up got the black-type win for trainer Jack McCartney. The 3-year-old son of Line of David raced the 1 1/16 miles in 1:46.28. Bold Flame was second and Keyson third.
 
$30,000 Dwight D. Patterson
In a nose bobber, Beat the Heat ($13.80) and Scott Stevens got the nod over 3-5 favorite Thegloryisallmine with Yo Y Me third. Owned and bred by Triple AAA Ranch and trained by Lymon Perren, the 4-year-old son of Uh Oh Bango covered the 1 1/16 miles over the lawn in 1:42.81.
 
$30,000 Lyman & Bradley Rollins Handicap
The same owner-trainer-jockey consortium that won the Joanne Dye to start the day did an encore with 2-5 favorite Fortified Effort ($2.80) with 25-1 shot Midnight Officer finishing second and the pacesetting JP Rocker third. A 4-year-old son of Ez Effort, Fortified Effort raced the 6-furlongs on 1:10.3.
 
 
$30,000 Ann Owens Distaff Handicap
Notching her third consecutive win, Raging Lady ($6.60) with leading rider Francisco Arrieta up for owners Jesus Torres and trainer Fernando Gamez, put forth a game effort to hold safe the closing duet of Littleststerdon’tu and Sierrita. The 5-year-old mare covered the 6-furlongs in 1:10.3.

Over $210,000 in purse money will be up for grabs on Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders’ Day Saturday at Turf Paradise.
 
The annual celebration of the state’s thoroughbred breeding industry includes five stakes among the nine race agenda. Post time is 1:25 pm.
 
The five stakes include: $30,000 Joanne Dye Breeders’ Oaks, 7 ½ furlongs (turf); $50,000 Gene Fleming Breeders’ Derby, 1 1/16; $30,000 Dwight D. Patterson Handicap, 1 1/16; $30,000 Lyman & Bradley Rollins Handicap, 6 furlongs and the $30,000 Ann Owens Distaff Handicap, 6 furlongs.

The Lutheran Church of the Master in Phoenix is once again holding its annual Easter Sunrise Service at Turf Paradise on Sunday April 21. It is a tradition that began 57 years ago and continues to this day.

When the church opened in 1962, its building didn’t have enough room to accommodate an Easter service.  The church asked Turf Paradise, which opened in 1956, if it could serve as the location.  Turf Paradise agreed and a Phoenix tradition was born.
 
The service begins at 6am in the third floor grandstand providing parishioners a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the track.

The service is open to all faiths. Pastor Randy Wahl will be officiating. Turf Paradise is located at 1501 West Bell Road in Phoenix.


Turf Paradise General Manager Vince Francia stated, “This is a one of a kind Easter service with a truly unique backdrop. Turf Paradise is honored to once again be hosting this service.”
The service takes place in the outdoor third floor grandstand overlooking the beautifully landscaped track, with its lagoon and palm trees, and the surrounding mountains providing an inspiring backdrop.

There is no live racing on Easter Sunday.

Turf Paradise opened its doors in 1956 and has operated at the same location (19th Avenue and Bell) ever since making it Arizona’s first sports franchise.   

There is only one Kentucky Derby Party in Arizona where you can watch, wager, and win on the Kentucky Derby broadcast AND live local horseracing.  

The biggest and best Kentucky Derby party is Saturday May 4 at Turf Paradise.  The first 5,000 paid admissions get a free Kentucky Derby commemorative glass.

It’s a full on Kentucky Derby Party with an over the top fashion contest, food and drink specials including Mint Juleps, live music, a kids fun park with bounce house inflatables, and a special performance by the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.  
 
For those who can’t make it to the track, there are more than 50 Off Track Betting sites where you can bet on the Derby and live racing at Turf Paradise.
 
Grandstand admission is just $5, and kids 16 and under get in free for grandstand only. Grandstand seating is on a first come first serve basis.
 
For a look at highlights from last year’s Kentucky Derby Party click here.
 
The gates open 7:15am. The first Turf Paradise live post is 11:30am. The Kentucky Derby is approximately 3:46pm.  Those times are subject to change without notice, please check our Kentucky Derby Page for the most current times. General self-parking at Turf Paradise is FREE. Valet parking is available for $15.
 
For those wanting to kick it up a notch, there are all day buffets in the air conditioned comfort of Turf’s Directors’ Suite, Turf Club, and Club House. Reservations are required. Details are on our Kentucky Derby Page.  A reserved seating customers will receive a free Derby commemorative glass while supplies last.

RESERVATIONS ARE ACCEPTED BEGINNING APRIL 1ST

"Top of the Park" Directors Suite Buffet $90     
Reservations:  602-375-6478

Turf Club All Day Buffet $90
Reservations: 602-375-6472

Turf Terrace Ballroom & Attached Patio $90
Includes all day buffet.
Reservations: 602-375-6478
 
Clubhouse All Day Buffet $69
Clubhouse Reservations: 602-375-6470

Blue Moon Pavilion Buffet $60
Price includes a continental breakfast and a BBQ lunch buffet.
Reservations: 602-375-6478
 
Party on the Rail $210 for a table of six or $35 per individual
Prime outdoor seating/Includes BBQ Combo Meal. Reservations:  602-375-6412

Tickets are also on sale now for a trackside experience in luxury tents. Tickets are on sale NOW for the all new Bulleit Bourbon Derby DayClub which includes admission to air-cooled tents featuring betting terminals, big-screen TV’s and a DJ. There are also VIP options. For information or to buy tickets for the Derby DayClub click here.
 
Turf Paradise General Manager Vince Francia said, “From the Director’s Suite to the Grandstand bleachers, we offer plenty of options and price levels to watch, wager and win at our Kentucky Derby Party celebrating the greatest two minutes in sports.”

Turf Paradise opened its doors in in 1956 and has been at 19th Ave. and Bell Road ever since making it Arizona’s first sports franchise.