May 15, 2013

Derby Winner Orb Tries for Preakness Jewel This Saturday

Kentucky Derby winner Orb goes for the second jewel of racing's Triple Crown when heading a field of nine in the $1,000,000 Preakness Stakes simulcast this Saturday from Pimlico to Turf Paradise and to all 60 in-state OTBs.

At Turf Paradise, doors will open at 7:30 am to accommodate the first simulcast from Pimlico at 7:45 am. The Preakness itself is scheduled to run at 3:20 pm.

There is no admission charge to any level. However, a Preakness all-day buffet is offered in the Turf Club and Players' Club for $25.

It's been 35 years since the last Triple Crown winner, Affirmed, in 1978.

May 7, 2013

Flexiplus Wins Hasta la Vista, Wagering Up As Turf Paradise Meet Ends

Flexiplus won the $35,000 Hasta la Vista Handicap bringing to a close the 57th racing season which showed increases in total wagering Tuesday at Turf Paradise.
Total handle all sources wagering was up 4% to $266,206,903. Also, out-of-state handle was up 8% to $149,858,054. And in-state OTB handle was up 1% to $88,932,348.
Ridden by Aldofo Morales, Flexiplus ($10.00) was three-quarters of a length in front of even-money favorite Porfido with Layover in Seattle third in a three-horse photo-finish in the field of 12.
Owned by Martin Yeroshack and trained by Rob Atras, Flexiplus covered the 1 7/8 miles of horse racing's longest turf race in 3:14.91.
Trainer Molly Pearson, who saddled six of the 11 entrants in the $59,127 ATBA Spring Sales Stakes for 2-year-olds, swept the top three spots with winner Lazy Daisy May ($27.00), a filly, who was nose in front of Winning Vision, also a filly with 4-5 favorite Whiz Hit third.

Ridden by Giovanni Franco, Lazy Daisy May, an Arizona bred daughter of Rocky Bar, covered the five furlongs in:58.01.
Franco also won his first leading rider's title with 110 wins. Scott Stevens, who's won the title six times, finished second with 95 victories.
Miguel Silva defended his owners-trainer's title with 69 wins and 82 victories respectively. Trainer Robertino Diodoro was second with 70 wins
The Rick Wiest owned, Diodoro-trained Phoenix Gold Cup winner L.A. Weekend was voted Horse and Sprinter of the Meet. The owner-trainer duo also took the award for Claimer of the meet with Conclave.
Diodoro, who led all trainers in stakes wins with nine, also took the 3-year-old filly title with Agent Scully and Older Mare with Jaws n' Paws.

May 6, 2013

Hasta la Vista Handicap Brings Turf Paradise Meet to a Close Tuesday

Horse racing's longest turf race, the 1 7/8 mile Hasta la Vista Handicap brings Turf Paradise's 57th racing season to a close Tuesday (May 7).

Closing day will offer Free Grandstand, Clubhouse and Turf Club admission. In addition, any Pick 5 or Pick 6 carryover pools must be paid out closing day.

The $35,000 Hasta la Vista, which will go as the ninth and final race Tuesday, attracted a full field of 12 headed by California-based marathon specialist Porfido.

April 30, 2014

Kentucky Derby Simulcast Saturday at Turf Paradise

America’s most famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby, will be simulcast Saturday (May 4) at Turf Paradise and to all of its 60 in-state Off Track Betting Sites.

At Turf Paradise, gates will open at 7:15 am, with the first live race at 11:30 am and the Kentucky Derby at approximately 3:24 pm. Twenty 3-year-olds are expected to go postward at Churchill Downs, in this, the 139th Run for the Roses.

Tuesday (May 7) is closing day at Turf Paradise with first post at 1:00 pm. The final race of the season will be horse racing’s longest turf race, the $35,000 Hasta La Vista Handicap, at 1 7/8 miles.

Kentucky Derby Day at Turf Paradise
If you go…
Location: 19th Ave & Bell Rd
Phone: (602) 942-1101
Gates Open: 7:15 am
First Simulcast: 7:30 am
First Live Race: 11:30 am
Ky Derby: 3:24 pm
Grandstand: $5
Clubhouse/Turf Club: Reservations only

April 30, 2013

Turf Paradise Quarter Horse Awards 2012-13

Quarter Horse Trainer of the meet    Matt Fales

Quarter Horse Owner of the meet    Ralph & Carolyn Fales

Quarter Horse Jockey of the meet    Martin Bourdieu

Countdown To The Kentucky Derby

Youth And Experience Ride Side By Side At Turf Paradise

Horse racing is one of the few sports where the athletes can be as young as teenagers or beyond their 5oth birthday. At this year's Kentucky Derby there will be a few jockeys sporting some gray hair and a few in their 20's.
That age range is on full display at Turf Paradise where the Kentucky Derby will be celebrated Saturday May 4th with a full card of live and local horse racing, hat and fashion contests, live music, and a family fun park. Grandstand admission is just $5.

The jockey with the best record this season at Turf is just 21. Geovanni Franco came to Turf Paradise last year. He started racing four years ago in Mexico City. His uncle shoed horses and that got him interested in horses and eventually the races. He says the hardest part about racing is the potential for accidents, but fortunately he has not fallen off a horse or broken any bones. He credits trainer Miguel Silva for bringing him to Turf Paradise for this second season. Franco plans to ride as long as he can. He says there is nothing else he would rather do.
Scott Stevens is 52 and he has the second best record at Turf this season. On six occasions, he finished the season here with the top record. He stays in shape but he realizes it's not practical to ride every race. "I like what I do. I used to ride every race but now I am a little more selective," Stevens said. After decades of riding he has a simple philosophy about winning, "The wisdom that comes with experience; not getting in the horse's way."
Ricardo Gonzales is the youngest jockey at Turf Paradise. The 17-year old started riding at Turf Paradise on February 15th and he won his first race February 22nd. He went to jockey school in California and he galloped horses in Mexico City before coming to Phoenix.
Jockey Dennis Collins recently turned 50 and he is among a select group of jockeys with 2,000 wins. He achieved the milestone at Turf Paradise on March 4, 2013. Dennis has been riding since 1986. He has been riding at Turf Paradise since 2007. Collins has no plans to retire, "I want to keep riding 'till God tells me to stop."
The season goes to May 7, 2013 with live racing Fridays through Tuesdays. 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.

For the latest updates check out our Derby Page

April 27, 2013

Red Zeus Wins Derby on Arizona Breeders' Day

Red Zeus captured the $56,126 Gene Fleming Breeders' Derby on Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders' Day Saturday at Turf Paradise.
In the second of nine races dedicated exclusively to Arizona breds, Dick and Peggy Hopwood's favored Red Zeus ($3.40) got up in the final strides to post a three-quarter length victory over Claypool with Lewiston third in the Breeders' Derby field of six.
With Kelly Bridges aboard for trainer Dan McFarlane, Red Zeus covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.65.
Red Zeus, winner of the Arizona Stallion Stakes and who with the Derby win notched a double by earlier winning the Breeders' Futurity, has won three of 13 efforts for earnings of $95,791.
Claypool, Lewiston and fourth place finisher Douglass are owned-trained by Don Schnell.

$35,000 Sandra Hall Grand Canyon Handicap

Doing what he does best Espresso Springs ($5.00) with Scott Stevens up challenged rivals to catch him – and none could – as he sped alone on the lead to a 4 ¼ length victory over Frisky Ricky with favored Jamaican Memories third in the field of seven older horses for owner Rick Wise and Geri Gowdy.
Trained by Wise, Espresso Springs sped the six furlongs in 1:07.82 for his ninth win in 36 outings and earnings of $196,490.

$35,000 Joanne Dye Stakes

Though last out of the gate, John Pendergast's favored Tribal Gal ($2.60) seized the lead and went wire-to-wire, winning by 6 ¼ lengths over Unwritten Law and Tempe in the field of six 3-year-old fillies.
Trained by Kory Owens and ridden by Juan Rivera, Tribal Gal covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:14.76.

$35,000 Dwight Patterson Handicap

FD Icy did something new: he went to the lead. Winless in seven previous turf tries, FD Icy ($19.80) and Michael Iammarino sprang an 5 ¼ length upset by going gate-to-wire, winning over favored Bullitone with last year's Patterson winner Salado Tribe third in the field of eight older horses.
Owned by Roys Mansur and trained by Chad Story, FD Icy covered the 1 1/16 miles over firm turf in 1:43.05, for his sixth win in 30 starts for lifetime earnings of $69,373.

$35,000 Ann Owens Distaff Handicap

Saving the best of the Az bred stakes races to last, super 47-1longshot Hindu Kush, shooting star speed ball and favorite Page Springs and late-closing Luxuriance hit the wire in a three-horse photo. The result: Marvin Fleming's Hindu Kush got the head bobbing nod over the other two in that order in the field of eight fillies and mares.
Ridden by Dennis Collins and trained Bill Brashears, Hindu Kush ($96.80) stopped the teletimer in 1:08.84 for the 6-furlongs.
Hindu Kush was winning for the fifth time in 25 starts and now has earnings of $106,701.

April 26, 2013

Cuz I Say So AQRA President's Open Spring Derby

Purse $34,960
350 Yards   :17.70
Jesus Javier Borboa, Owner
Matthew M. Fales, Trainer
Joe Ruiz, Jockey
Quick To Boogie (2nd)
Diablos Cartel (3rd)
$13.80 $6.20 $5.00
Order of Finish - 5, 10, 7

April 26, 2013

Phone Tag AQRA President's Open Spring Futurity

Purse $44,275
300 Yards  :15.97
Martha F. Wells, Owner
Matthew M. Fales, Trainer
Martin Bourdieu, Jockey
Jess so Happens (2nd)
Caracortada (3rd)
$23.20 $4.60 $6.80
Order of Finish - 5, 8, 9

April 21, 2013

Just Thoughts - Turf Paradise Maiden Stake

Purse $13,300
350 Yards :17.83
Justin Flores, Owner
Eloy Mendoza, Trainer
Emilio Tapia, Jockey
Mr Ease 123 (2nd)
Pancho Pantera (3rd)
$7.00 $3.40 $3.20
Order of Finish - 8, 3, 9, 10

April 21, 2013

Jc Dashin Casanova - Maiden Stakes Consolation

Purse $4,900
350 Yards :18.20
Gerald Cheatham & Gerald Cheatham, Jr., Owners
Gerardo Ochoa-Pena, Trainer
Rick Oliver, Jockey
Kool Kooge (2nd)
Primavera Dos (3rd)
$9.80 $3.80 $3.80
Order of Finish - 7, 4, 2, 6

April 20, 2013

Valiant Valor - Turf Paradise Jackpot

Purse $21,000
300 Yards  :15.59
Ramiro Najera-Barrios, Owner
Eliazar Salas, Trainer
Raul Valenzuela, Jockey
Three Wagons (2nd)
Una Noche Mas (3rd)
$8.80 $5.00 $5.20
Order of Finish - 5, 3, 6, 2

April 6, 2013

Sommelier Smarty

Purse $28,050
1-1/2 Miles-Turf  2:33.77
Steve & Rob Henson, Owners
Robert Henson, Trainer
Jake Barton, Jockey
Fox in the House (2nd)
Toccet's Charm (3rd)
$6.00 $3.60 $2.80
Order of Finish - 3, 7, 2,

April 6, 2013

Red Zeus - Arizona Stallion Stakes

Purse $40,310
7-1/2 Furlongs-Turf  1:31.07
Dick & Peggy Hopwood, Owners
Dan L. McFarlane, Trainer
Kelly Bridges, Jockey
Hana (2nd)
Listen You Fool (3rd)
$2.10 $2.10 $2.10
Order of Finish - 1, 2, 6, 4
Please Give Photo Credit To:  / Coady Photography

April 6, 2013

Why Not Be Perfect
Wildcat Handicap

Purse $35,000
1-3/8 Miles-Turf 2:18.61
J.C. Racing Stable, Owner
Jeff Metz, Trainer
Anne Sanguinetti, Jockey
Flexiplus (2nd)
Bullittone (3rd)
$2.80 $2.20 $2.20
Order of Finish - 5, 6, 2, 7
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography

April 3, 2013

Turf Marathoners in the Spotlight Saturday

Picking the winner of Saturday's $35,000 Wildcat Handicap at Turf Paradise will not be easy since none of the nine entrants has won at the seldom run distance of 1 3/8 miles on the turf.

The Wildcat, now in its 22nd running, is the prep race for closing day's traditional final race of the meet, the Hasta la Vista Handicap. At 1 7/8 miles the Hasta la Vista is America's longest turf race.

Among the nine entrants only the venerable Grandpa Roy has raced the 1 3/8. The 9-year-old's best effort from twice taking on the distance was a third place finish. For the other eight entrants this will be their first time at the marathon distance.

Looking at the breeding of a few of the entrants may help narrow the selection process. In other words, which horses are bred to sustain the effort required to run that far and be there at the finish line.

Grandpa Roy is by Exploit who was sired by Storm Cat. Both of these horses were winning sprinting and at longer distances. However, their average success rates at winning are just less than one mile. That's three-eighths of a mile shorter than the Wildcat's 1 3/8 mile. To note, Grandpa Roy did finish sixth in the Wildcat last year.

The highweight in the race is Why Not Be Perfect at 124 pounds. The son of Whywhywhy is conceding from six to ten pounds to his eight rivals. A versatile horse, successful at sprinting and routing, Whywhywhy is by Mr. Greely, who has a similar pattern.

Perhaps the two best bred horses for the 1 3/8 distance are Layover in Seattle and K Js Maddog. Both horses not only have strong grass credentials but are also bred on the sire and dam sides for longer distances.

April 1, 2013

Chambers Wins Four in a Row at Turf Paradise

Trainer Mike Chambers owned the Turf Paradise winner's circle by winning four races in a row on Monday's nine race card.

Chambers won races four through eight – all favorites – with Moses On the Mesa ($2.80), Hava Cigar ($2.60) and Skyspy ($5.00). Anne Van Rosen was aboard the first three winners. Chambers then captured the eighth race with Glee ($3.80) with David Lopez up.

March 23, 2013

L.A. Weekend Wins Coyote Handicap in Near Record Time

L.A Weekend sizzled in winning the $35,000 Coyote Handicap in near track record time Saturday at Turf Paradise.

The favored L.A. Weekend ($3.20), winner of the $75,000 Phoenix Gold last month, covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:13.61, just six one-hundredths of a second off the track record of 1:13.55 set by the brilliant sprinter Lost in the Fog as a 2-year-old in 2004.

Ridden by Giovanni Franco and trained by Robertino Diodoro, L.A. Weekend engaged in a speed duel with Streakin' Mohican until that one gave way at the head of the lane. Absolutely Cool gave chase along with the late rallying First Strike but they were no match for the winner who posted a 6 ¼ length victory.

Owned by Rick Wiest, L.A. Weekend has now won seven of 15 races for $249,215 in earnings.

March 16, 2013

Trainer Diodoro Runs One-Two in Scottsdale, Mark Upsets Tempe Handicap

While trainer Robertino Diodoro swept the top two positions in the $35,000 Scottsdale Handicap, Mark upset the $35,000 Tempe Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.

In a razor-thin photo finish the Diodoro-trained Acarpian ($7.60) nosed out favored stablemate Agent Scully to win the Scottsdale Handicap. It was another 1 ¾ lengths back to Le Facteur Wow in the field of 11 three-year-old fillies.

Ridden by Giovanni Franco for owner Darryl Paranica, Acarpian covered the one mile over firm turf in 1:39.47.

In the earlier run Tempe Handicap, Mark ($21.80) with David Lopez up for trainer Mike Anderson, prevailed by a head over I Stand Alone with Dontmesswithkitten third in the field of ten 3-year-olds.

Owned by Linda Sentes and Terry Clyde, Mark ran the one mile over the grass in 1:38.27.

March 12, 2013

Tempe, Scottsdale Handicaps Highlight St. Patty's Weekend Racing at Turf Paradise

Trainer Dan McFarlane will test his Irish luck with horses in each of the $35,000 Tempe and $35,000 Scottsdale Handicaps Saturday at Turf Paradise.

The track swings into a two-day St. Patty's Day celebration with Saturday's double stakes, free shoulder-bag cooler and free family fun park for the kids. St. Patty's Day Sunday is $1 day, featuring one-dollar grandstand admission, racing programs, hot dogs, soda, ice cream, and popcorn. Traditional corned beef and cabbage will be served along with Irish-green beer, with draft beer both days at $2.

The Tempe, for 3-year-olds, drew a field of 10 while the Scottsdale for 3-year-old fillies, attracted a full field of 12. Both stakes will be run at one mile on the turf.

"Actually I'm Scotch-Irish," said McFarlane. "So I get the luck of both worlds."

McFarlane will have his work cut out for him with Hard Nine in the Tempe. The Rock Hard Ten colt broke his maiden at first asking, then finished fifth in his lone turf try and then failed to menace in the Turf Paradise Derby. However, a bullet work on March 5 – 5-furlongs in :57.1 – may signal that McFarlane has unlocked this colt's potential.

McFarlane will saddle two fillies in the Scottsdale in Mame's Flame and Pine Ridge, with the latter being the stronger of the two with a recent allowance win on the turf.
But leading stakes trainer Robertino Diodoro also has two entered in Acarpian and three-time winner Agent Scully, a 6 ¾ length winner of the Arizona Oaks. Both fillies have turf victories.

March 11, 2013

Conclave Wins Nine in a Row

Showing no signs of slowing down, Conclave won his ninth consecutive race, Monday at Turf Paradise.

Ridden by Nate Smith for trainer Robertino Diodoro, Conclave sped to the lead and never looked back, posting a two-length victory as the 6-5 favorite over Koricancha with Supercabras a nose back in third in field of seven.

Primarily a low-priced claimer, Conclave's win skein, which started August 1, 2012, has covered three different tracks and as many trainers. The 9-year-old Conclave was winning his sixth straight race locally and his 24th out of 55 efforts for earnings of $278,677.

Jaws N' Paws Mesa Handicap

Purse $35,000
6-1/2 Furlongs  1:17.34
Stateside Racing, Owner
Robertino Diodoro, Trainer
Geovanni Franco, Jockey
E Z Kitty (2nd)
Love Makor (3rd)
$4.60 $2.60 $2.40
Order of Finish - 1, 8, 5
 Please Give Photo Credit To:  / Coady Photography
Coady Photography @ Turf Paradise Race Course

(602)-375-6479
Turf@CoadyPhotography.com

Turf Paradise Gets An Early Hop On Easter With An Easter Saturday Brunch March 30th

Turf Paradise will be celebrating Easter a day early with two great events the Saturday before Easter. Turf Paradise is serving a Champagne Easter Brunch in the Turf Club Saturday March 30th from 11 am to 4 pm.  And because kids love horses about as much as they love the Easter Bunny, Turf Paradise is also offering the Easter Bunny Fun Park in the grandstand playground area starting at 12 noon.

In addition to a day of live horse racing, the Easter Bunny Fun Park also features:

Easter egg hunts (12pm for kids 5 and under and 12:30pm for kids 6 and over)
Face painting (1pm to 3pm)
Bounce house inflatables (1pm to 4pm)
A petting zoo (1pm to 3pm)
A photo Op with the Easter Bunny  (1pm to 3pm)

Grandstand admission is just $2 for adults and kids 16 and under get in free.
For those who want to kick it up a notch, the Champagne Easter Brunch is $38 for adults and $20 for kids 12 & under. That includes admission & seat charge. For reservations call 602-375-6472.
It’s an ideal way to spend the day before Easter as the whole family can enjoy a gourmet brunch, live horse racing, and family fun. For veteran horse players, it’s a great meal in an ideal setting to watch and wager on live and simulcast horse racing.

Turf Paradise General Manager Vincent Francia said, “This early celebration gives families the opportunity to spend the day together inside our Turf Club and outside playing and watching live horse racing.”  
The Brunch Includes:
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs, ham and cheese omelets
Smoked bacon, country link sausage
Seasoned breakfast potatoes
Blueberry pancakes, Belgium waffles with toppings
Biscuits and sausage gravy
Assorted muffins and breakfast pastries
Lunch
Carved roast beef and turkey
Chicken Piccata
Baked salmon with a white wine shrimp sauce
Roasted pork loin with a mushroom sauce
Au gratin potatoes
Buttered green beans with almonds
Mixed green salad
Paradise pasta salad, country potato salad, fresh Cole slaw, tomato basil mozzarella salad
Cucumber salad, Mediterranean salad, chilled asparagus, deviled eggs
Penne pasta
Cheese tortellini
Sauces, marinara and Alfredo
Garlic toast
Deserts
Country bread pudding, caramel apple cobbler
Assorted cookies and brownies
Assorted pies and cakes
Kids Favorites
Chicken tenders
Macaroni and cheese
Tater tots
Buttered corn cobbetts   
The season goes to May 7, 2013 with live racing Fridays through Tuesdays. 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.

March 4, 2012

Justcallheraggie
"2000th Career Victory for Jockey Dennis Collins"

Congratulations to Jockey Dennis Collins for his 2000th win. He achieved the milestone at Turf Paradise on March 4, 2013. Dennis has been riding since 1986. He has been riding at Turf Paradise since 2007. “Truthfully, it was just like any other race. It just took a long time to get to it. It’s an accomplishment. Every rider would like to win that many races. It took me quite some time to get there,” Collins said.
Collins, who recently turned 50, has no plans to retire, “I want to keep riding ‘till God tells me to stop.”

February 23, 2013

Persuasive Paul Wins Turf Paradise Derby

Persuasive Paul and Joe Steiner made it look easy as they posted a 3 ¾ length victory to win the $75,000 Turf Paradise Derby Saturday.
Drawing clear at the eighth pole, the 2-1 favorite Persuasive Paul ($6.60) glided away from Brokered with Tiz Fitting third in the field of nine 3-year-olds. The top three finishers shipped-in from California.
"He's was very relaxed out there," said Steiner. "When I asked he accelerated. It was worth the trip."
Owned by John Fuller and trained by Doug O'Neill, Persuasive Paul covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.16 for his first stakes win and earning of $93,490.
In the $35,000 Arizona Oaks, Agent Scully ($19.00) with Nate Smith up for trainer Robertino Diodoro was 6 ¾ lengths clear of runnerup Le Facteur Wow with Swiss Engagement third in the field of nine 3-year-old fillies.
It was third win in seven starts for the Jim McFaden-owned Agent Scully who covered the one mile in 1:38.95.

February 19, 2013

Canadians Ride Into Turf Paradise And Give The Valley An Economic Shot In The Arm

They arrive every year. Horseracing trainers and owners from Canada find Turf Paradise a good fit as the Phoenix racetrack's season is just getting started while the seasons at many of Canada's tracks are winding down.

The numbers are stunning. 160 racehorse owners from Canada have horses at Turf Paradise. About half of them set up seasonal residences in the Phoenix area. There are 24 Canadian trainers at Turf Paradise this season responsible for 325 horses.

Trainer Phil Hall comes back year after year. "The horses fit pretty well here. You can't beat the weather. I won my first race here 23 years ago," Hall said. And he brings more fellow Canadians here as well. "I was thinking about buying a home here. I've had my family come down and friends. There's a lot more Canadians here this year."

Trainer Jared Brown is based in Winnipeg, but he spends his winters at Turf Paradise. Like most of the other trainers he spends a considerable amount of money in the Phoenix area covering expenses such as grain, hay, and housing. During a typical season Brown says he spends at least $75,000. But he is not complaining. "The biggest thing is the weather and the timing is perfect with Winnipeg closing (for the season)," Brown said. He says the Canadians all know each other and he enjoys being with them as they gather in Arizona.

Robertino Diodoro is a mainstay at Turf Paradise. The Canadian trainer has been bringing horses here for about nine years. This year he has 48 horses at the Phoenix track. During the season, which runs from October to early May, he will likely spend $160,000 locally. And he says many of the owners are spending locally as well. A number of the owners he works with have bought homes in the Phoenix area. Diodoro said, "It's a great city. You have golf, basketball, hockey and spring training. The owners enjoy the lifestyle."

If the average trainer spends $75,000 a season, that adds up to $1.8 million that gets injected into the local economy. Assuming the average owner spends at least $4,000 a month in living expenses; that adds up to $320,000 for some 80 owners who set up a local residence. A conservative estimate would put the amount the Turf Paradise Canadians inject into the local economy at well more than $2 million a year.

Turf Paradise General Manager Vince Francia said, "We are very pleased to welcome so many Canadians to our great community. We are also happy that this effort increases our tourism base and puts millions of dollars into the local economy. We are proud to entertain our customers with live horseracing and in the process help Valley cities by increasing sales tax revenues."

The season goes to May 7, 2013 with live racing Fridays through Tuesdays. 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.

February 19, 2013

Turf Paradise Derby, Arizona Oaks This Saturday

Aspiring three-year-olds will be in the spotlight in the $75,000 Turf Paradise Derby and $35,000 Arizona Oaks this Saturday at the Phoenix oval.

The Derby will be run at 1 1/16 miles while the Oaks will be at one mile.

Two California shippers will vie for attention in the Derby's field of nine. The Doug O'Neil-trained Persuasive Paul and Golden Gate import Brokered for Craig Dollase are sure to battle for favoritism.

In the nine-horse Oaks field, Set on Ready, winner of the Arizona Juvenile Fillies and runner-up Hyena get the top bill.

February 16, 2013

L.A. Weekend Wins "Heartbreaking" Phoenix Gold Cup

It was a bittersweet victory for trainer Robertino Diodoro as his L.A. Weekend won the $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup while his other entrant, Derive, who won this race last year, broke down Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Track veterinarian Dr. Jack Muller confirmed later that Derive had torn his suspensory ligaments and fractured both sesamoids in his left front ankle. Derive, who was last year's local Horse of the Meet, was euthanized.
"This is the toughest time I've ever had walking into the winner's circle,"
said Diordoro, after receiving the Gold Cup for L.A. Weekend "This is not the way it's supposed to be. This is heartbreaking."
Ridden by Geovanni Franco, L.A. Weekend took the lead from the start and held off the late challenge of Absolutely Cool by a length. Memo to Mya rallied from last to finish third in the field of eight sprinters.
Owned by Rick Wiest, who also owns Derive, L.A. Weekend covered the 6-furlongs in 1:08.35.
Meanwhile, Why Not Be Perfect ($5.80) benefited from a perfect trip under Anne Sanguinetti to win the Turf Paradise Handicap by 5 ¼ lengths with Major Magic finishing second and Goldfire third in the field of six.
Trained by Jeff Metz, Why Not Be Perfect covered the 1 1/16 miles over firm turf in 1:42.29.
In the Sun City Handicap, pace-setting favorite E Z Kitty ($3.80) claimed a photo-finish nose decision over Smarty B with Street Savy third in a field of seven fillies and mares.
Trained by Mike Chambers. E Z Kitty covered the one mile over turf in 1:37.73.

February 12, 2013

Derive Defends Title in Phoenix Gold Cup on "Super Saturday"

Last year's Horse of the Meet, Derive, will defend his title in the $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup this Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Billed as "Super Saturday" because of a trio of stakes, the 6-furlong Phoenix Gold Cup, which is celebrating its 57th renewal, will be complemented by the $35,000 Turf Paradise Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on the turf and the $35,000 Sun City Handicap at one mile on the grass.
Trained by Robertino Diodoro, Derive ran off five straight wins last year, including a nose victory in the Phoenix Gold Cup. Gifted with both speed and tenacity, Derive will have his title defense work cut out for him as three other determined front-running types are in the field of nine.
Streakin' Mohican, Safe Trip and L.A. Weekend will contest Derive for the lead.
Steakin' Mohican comes off a wire-to-wire win in the Swift Stakes. Trained by Bill Brashears, Streakin' Mohican has won ten of 36 starts for $378,923 to lead all entrants in earnings.
Safe Trip has won his last three races for trainer Weston Martin, two of them stakes races at Sunland Park and Zia Park.
L.A. Weekend, also trained by Diodoro, comes off a win at Sunland Park but campaigns primarily in southern California. The 5-year-old son of Tribal Rule will be ridden by leading rider Giovanni Franco.
The horse to benefit most from a speed duel is the closer Absolutely Cool, trained by Valorie Lund. After suffering three defeats to Derive, Absolutely Cool got the better of that one by a nose to win the Caballos del Sol Stakes.
The supporting stakes:
The Turf Paradise Handicap drew a field of six, headed by 18-race winner Green Secret. The 9-year-old gelding by Unbridled's Song followed a local allowance win with a game second in the Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile. His most recent effort was a third in Santa Anita's Super Bowl Party Handicap.
The Sun City Handicap attracted a competitive field of seven fillies and mares. Smarty B is fresh from a victory in the Glendale Handicap; EZ Kitty, third in the Glendale, but victorious in the Kachina and City of Phoenix Handicaps; Racing for Gold was a nose shy in the Glendale; Cell Line Forever second in this race last year. Add to the lineup, Belmont Park shipper Street Savy, a $75,000 maiden claiming winner on the grass at Gulfstream Park.

February 10, 2013

101 Year Old Fan

Robert Cornelius is a longtime horse racing fan and customer at Turf Paradise. In fact he was a Turf Paradise on opening day in 1956. He was in his mid- 40's. Do the math. Robert is 101 and on February 9th he celebrated his birthday at Turf Paradise. Family and friends gathered at the Turf Club to for the birthday party of a true horse racing fan. "I had taken it (horse racing) up as a hobby. And golf don't do it because all you do is drink on the back nine. I can come to the races and do the same thing and once in a while make some money. It made sense to me," Cornelius

February 9, 2013

Atta Boy Roy Retires at Turf Paradise

Crowd pleaser Atta Boy Roy retired after a stellar 36-race career Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Owned by R.E.V. Racing and trained by Valorie Lund, the 8-year-old Atta Boy Roy won 14 of his efforts, including the Grade 2 Churchill Downs Stakes in 2010 while finishing in the money in nine other races. He won five of 14 efforts with four seconds at Turf Paradise.

Starting and finishing his career at Turf Paradise Atta Boy Roy won his first race on April 18, 2008 and finished second in his final start, the Swift Stakes, on February 1 of 2013. In the interim Atta Boy Roy won races at six different race tracks, including Remington Park's $200,000 Sprint Cup, Emerald Downs' Chinook Pass and Governor's Handicap and an allowance race at Santa Anita.

Lund purchased Atta Boy Roy for Roy and Ellie Schaeffer of R.E.V. Racing for $4,500 at the 2005 Washington State Yearling Sale. Atta Boy Roy went on to win $602,276.

"Even as a 2-year-old he showed talent," said Lund. "I told Roy and Ellie this is a once in a lifetime horse. I really didn't do anything. The horse did at all."

Atta Boy Roy will return to Washington for breeding duties at Pabst Blue Ribbon Farm in Renton. He will be bred to Coup de Foudre, dam of multiple stakes winner Absolutely Cool who currently races at Turf Paradise.

Jockey Janine Smith had her first win at Turf Paradise

On her 10th start, Jockey Janine Smith had her first win at Turf Paradise. She has been here for several years as an exercise rider. She started as a jockey here in January. She also raced at “B” tracks in Canada. She got her first win here riding Vikkilee on February 1st. She said, “I’ve always loved horses. I show jumped and pony clubbed and rode any horse I could find growing up. And I’ve always liked to go fast.”
Smith also thanks Miguel Silva for giving her the opportunity to ride. FYI..the water and shaving cream shower depicted in the picture is a tradition on a Jockey’s first win.

February 1, 2013

Streakin' Mohican Swift Stakes

Purse $35,000
5-1/2 Furlongs 1:02.08
Rosette Racing LLC, Owner
Bill Brashears, Trainer
Wilson Dieguez, Jockey
Atta Boy (2nd)
(3rd)
$15.20 $5.20 $2.40
Order of Finish - , , ,
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography

January 29, 2013

Tuesday Cancelled Race Card to be Made up Thursday

Tuesday’s cancelled live card will be made up Thursday, January 31 at Turf Paradise. Regular post time of 12:30 will be in effect.
Tuesday’s cancellation marked the fourth straight day live racing was cancelled due to unsafe track conditions caused by heavy rains.
“The horsemen, jockeys and management we’re all in agreement with this arrangement,” said track general manager Vincent Francia. “We had to scramble to make it happen. But we’re all happy we’ll be back to live racing on Thursday.”

January 28, 2013

Turf Paradise Cancels Monday Racing

For the third straight day live racing was cancelled at Turf Paradise due to track unsafe conditions caused by heavy rains.
Racing is scheduled to resume Tuesday with first post at 12:30 pm.

January 26, 2013

Jockeys Cancel Saturday Races at Turf Paradise

Citing unsafe track conditions jockeys refused to ride, causing the cancellation on Saturday's nine-race card at Turf Paradise.
Live racing is scheduled to resume Sunday with first post at 12:30 pm.

January 23, 2013

Glendale Handicap, Swift Stakes Featured Saturday at Turf Paradise

Two very competitive stakes, the $35,000 Glendale Handicap and $35,000 Swift Stakes top the nine-race card on Saturday at Turf Paradise.
The Glendale Handicap, for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on the turf, attracted a compact field of six.
The Swift Stakes, for 4-year-olds and older at 5 ½ furlongs, lured a field of seven.
In the Glendale Handicap, two northern California shippers will go against a sharp quartet of locals.
The French-bred Triveni trained by California-based Simon Callaghan sampled the local turf December 23 when scampering to 5 ½ length victory over nine allowance rivals.
Cal Bayers has been claimed three times in his last five starts at Golden Gate while winning three of five efforts on the grass at the Glendale distance.
Among the locals, Smart B, Ebony N Ice and Collating Lady are all coming off grass wins in their last starts. Racing for Gold finished third in the Kachina Stakes, January 5.
The key to the Swift Stakes, is last year's winner Derive, a winner of seven of nine locally and last season's Horse of the Meet. The Robertino Diodoro-trained son of Cozzene finished second in his last two efforts as the prohibitive favorite, tiring in final sixteenth of races at 6 ½ and six furlongs respectively. However, the Swift Stakes' 5 ½ furlong distance may improve the front-runners' chances.
Atta Boy Roy, a 14-race winner, kept head-to-head pressure on Derive in the Caballos del Sol Stakes which set up the race for the late-closing Absolutely Cool who is back in the Swift Stakes.

January 12, 2013

Tiz Gianni Collars Green Secret to Win Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile

Tiz Gianni's late burst of speed was just enough to collar pacesetter Green Secret and win the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Ridden by Jake Barton to southern California-based trainer John Shirreffs' instructions, Tiz Gianni ($10.80) surged from the pack to catch the front-running 2-1 favorite, Green Secret, in the final 10 yards and win by a neck. Why Frank finished third, another 5 ½ length back in the field of 10.
"Mr. Shirreffs' told me to take a long cross on him (Tiz Gianni), let him relax and he'd fire for me," said Barton. "Man, did he accelerate after Green Secret when we got clear".
Mike Chambers, who saddled Tiz Gianni for Shirreffs, agreed.
"He's a late-kicking, nice horse," said Chambers, who had two of his own horses in the race – Gleam of Hope (4th) and Saratoga Boot (8th).
Named after the late coach and executive of the Phoenix Suns, the Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile trophy was presented by Cotton's widow, JoAnn Fitzsimmons, and a host of Cotton's friends.
Owned by Desert Sun Stables, Tiz Gianni, a 5-year-old son of 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo, covered the one mile over firm turf in 1:36.85 for his fourth victory in 14 efforts for earnings now of $161,925.

January 9, 2013

A Field of 11 to Line Up for Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile

A field of 11 horses is scheduled to contest the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile as Turf Paradise celebrates its 57th birthday Saturday.

The track, located at 19th Avenue and Bell Road, first opened January 7, 1956. At the time the track was the only structure for miles, surrounded by desert. Bell Road, now a major commercial east-west thoroughfare, was a dirt road. Paved roads coming north from downtown Phoenix ended at Cactus Road.

The Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile, named after the late coach and executive of the Phoenix Suns who was also an avid horse player, will be run at eight furlongs on the turf. The trophy will be presented by Cotton's widow, JoAnn Fitzsimmons.

Eighteen-race winner Green Secret heads the local hopefuls while Why Not Be Perfect tops horses shipping in from California.

January 5, 2013

E Z Kitty Kachina Handicap

Purse $35,000
One Mile  1:35.86
Mike Chambers, John Xitco & Dan Agnew, Owners
Mike Chambers, Trainer
Scott Stevens, Jockey
Carrie Rose (2nd)
Racing for Gold (3rd)
$3.40 $2.20 $2.10
Please Give Photo Credit To:  / Coady Photography

Homecoming for Guest Announcer

Turf Paradise had a guest announcer January 4th. Jonathan Horowitz is the track announcer for Zia Park in New Mexico and Arapahoe Park outside Denver. He called two races (the 6th and the 7th) at Turf.
He was in town for the Fiesta Bowl. Jonathan called his first race at Turf Paradise when he was 14 as a guest announcer back in February of 2000. As a teen he practiced at the track while sitting in the stands. The track announcer at the time overheard Jonathon and management decided to let him call a race.

Horowitz continued to practice and after getting his master's Degree last year became a professional announcer in Colorado and New Mexico. Jonathon is pictured here with current track announcer Michael Chamberlain.

December 31, 2012

AZ Ridge
Luke Kruytbosch

Purse $35,000
1-1/16 Miles  1:42.77
Sawyer Cattle Company, Owner
Dan L. McFarlane, Trainer
Kelly Bridges, Jockey
Why Frank (2nd)
Mysterious Soul (3rd)
$5.60 $4.00 $3.60
Please Give Photo Credit To:  / Coady Photography

December 29, 2012

Glenco Kid
Lost In The Fog Juvenile Stakes

Purse $35,000
6-1/2 Furlongs 1:16.82
North American Thoroughbred Corp. & Mark Dedomenico, Owners
Sandi Gann, Trainer
Richard Hamel, Jockey
Hazardous (2nd)
Red Zeus (3rd)
$11.60 $4.60 $3.80

December 29, 2012

Set'n On Ready, Glenco Kid Prevail in Juvenile Stakes

Set'n On Ready and Glenco Kid moved to the head of their two-year old divisions as each won their respective juvenile stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Set'n On Ready ($17.00) with Juan Ochoa up, inched up along the rail from mid-pack to win the $35,000 Arizona Juvenile Fillies by 2 ¼ lengths with favored and troubled-tripper Hyena second and Mo's Teresa third in the field of 11 two-year-old fillies.
Owned by Tom Ramsey and trained by Molly Pearson, Set'n On Ready covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.52 for her third win in nine efforts for earnings of $55,407.
Meanwhile, in the $35,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes, Glenco Kid ($11.60) and Richard Hamel seemingly came from out of the clouds to be half-length best over favored Hazardous with Red Zeus third in the field of 11 juvenile colts and geldings.
Owned by Mark Dedomenico and North American Thoroughbred Racing and trained by Sandi Gann, Glenco Kid raced the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.82. It was Glenco Kid's third victory in six efforts with earnings now of $94,730.

Purse $35,000
6-1/2 Furlongs 1:17.52
Tom E. Ramsey, Owner
Molly Pearson, Trainer
Juan Ochoa, Jockey
Hyena (2nd)
Mo's Teresa (3rd)
$17.00 $6.20 $4.20
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography

December 28, 2012

Two-Year-Olds in Spotlight Saturday at Turf Paradise

Aspiring two-year-olds will be front and center in the $35,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes and $35,000 Arizona Juvenile Fillies Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Each stakes attracted a field of 11 and both will be run at 6 ½ furlongs.
The Lost in the Fog Stakes, for colts and geldings, is headed by three-time winners Oso Caty and Gadsden Purchase.
Oso Caty broke his maiden in his first start at Canterbury Downs and has since won two allowance races at Turf Paradise.
Gadsden Purchase, also a three-time winner and never out of the money in six efforts, won the ATBA Sales Stakes in May then finished second in the Fall edition of that stakes in October.
In the Arizona Juvenile Fillies Stakes, two-time winner Hyena appears the one to beat. Recently claimed by Sandi Gann in November at Hollywood Park, Hyena broke her maiden at first asking at that track and then won her next start, a $50,000 claiming test, at Del Mar in August.

Terrell Me a Story Best of Breeds Stakes

Purse $8,300
870 Yards :44.91
Terry D. Clyde, Owner
Mike Anderson, Trainer
Jake Barton, Jockey
A Splash of Hell (2nd)
Frisky Ricky (3rd)
$8.20 $3.80 $2.60
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography

Coady Photography @ Turf Paradise Race Course

Whiskey
Turf Paradise Quarter Horse Championship

Purse $18,000
440 Yards  :21.70
Nadia L. Zavala, Owner
Ramon C. Fontes, Jr., Trainer
Rodolfo Arvizu, Jockey
Downtown Richard (2nd)
Flying High Again (3rd)
$8.20 $4.60 $3.60
Please Give Photo Credit To:  / Coady Photography

Coady Photography @ Turf Paradise Race Course

December 23, 2012

Sheez My Lucky Charm Dashing All The Way Stakes

Purse $11,000
100 Yards  :6.60
Erik Garcia Ornelas, Owner
Jose Serrano, Trainer
Raul Valenzuela, Jockey
Ninel (2nd)
One Tin Stoli (3rd)
$55.60 $22.20 $14.20
Please Give Photo Credit To:  / Coady Photography

Coady Photography @ Turf Paradise Race Course

Turf Paradise Celebrates its Birthday by Making its Fans the Winners

In 1956 the average cost of a home was $11,000, Elvis Presley had his first hit single, and Arizona's first professional sports franchise opened its doors. On Saturday January 12th, we're throwing a birthday party.

The day will feature

·Live music
·A family fun park
·Free Turf Paradise long sleeve shirts for the first 3,500 paid admissions
·$2 domestic draft beer
·Free birthday cake

As always Grandstand admission is just $2.

Turf Paradise is located at 19th Ave. and Bell Road in Phoenix. It has been at the same location since it opened and north Phoenix has essentially grown up around the track.
Like many 57-year-olds, Turf has 'had a little work done' to stay looking good but Turf Paradise remains the iconic race track where veteran fans and those new to the sport gather to watch compelling live, local horse racing.
Turf Paradise General Manager Vince Francia said, "There are very few attractions in the Valley with the same staying power of Turf Paradise. No matter the decade, fans love to watch and wager on horse racing."

The highlight of the day will be The Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile, named after the late coach and executive of the Phoenix Suns. The purse on the race is $75,000. The Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile will be run at eight furlongs over the turf.

The season goes to May 7, 2013 with live racing Fridays through Tuesdays.

December 22, 2012

Harlee Tucker
Margie Bryan ASOA Futurity

Purse $31,825
400 Yards  :19.80
Ralph & Carolyn Fales, Owners
Matthew M. Fales, Trainer
Joe Ruiz, Jockey
Madd Dog (2nd)
Ra Johnnys Crown (3rd)
$7.00 $3.40 $3.20
Please Give Photo Credit To:  / Coady Photography

Coady Photography @ Turf Paradise Race Course

December 22, 2012

Why Not Be Perfect
Hank Mills, Sr. Handicap

Purse $35,000
One Mile 1:35.26
J.C. Racing Stable, Owner
Jeff Metz, Trainer
Anne Sanguinetti, Jockey
Touch the Sun (2nd)
Where's The Remote (3rd)
$10.80 $5.20 $4.40

Saturday, December 22nd

Turf Paradise will be running a 10 race card this Saturday, December 22nd with a Special Early Post Time of 12:00pm.

Turf Paradise Rides to the Rescue of Kids in Need

Turf Paradise is betting on the good will of the community as it seeks to help abused and neglected children. For the third year in a row Turf Paradise is holding its Wine, Women, and Horses event with proceeds benefitting the Child Crisis Center.
The second annual Wine, Women, and Horses event held last year raised more than $30,000.

This year's event is Saturday March 2nd and tickets go on sale January 3rd. You can buy them on line at www.childcrisis.org.

Registration is 11am. The event runs from noon to 4pm and features:
• Lunch
• Goody Bags
• Raffle Prizes
• Hat Contest - 1st, 2nd, 3rd Cash Prizes
• Lots of Horse Racing Action

Sponsored tables are also available by calling 602 375-6403, and we are seeking in-kind contributions as well.

The Child Crisis Center is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect through a wide range of services which include an emergency shelter, adoption and foster care, and a family resource center.

Turf Paradise Director of Corporate Sales Serena Simms said, "As a longtime Phoenix business, Turf understands the need to give back to the community, especially in these difficult economic times."

The season goes to May 7, 2013 with live racing Fridays through Tuesdays. 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.

December 17, 2012

Monday’s live race program was cancelled at Turf Paradise due to track conditions.
Racing is scheduled to resume Tuesday with first post at 12:00 pm.

December 16, 2012

Sunday’s Race Card Cancelled at Turf Paradise

Sunday’s live race card at Turf Paradise was cancelled due to track conditions.
Racing is scheduled to resume Monday, with first post at 12:30 pm.

December 15, 2012

Living racing was cancelled due to track conditions Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Racing is scheduled to resume Sunday at 12:30 pm.

December 9, 2012

Dashaway Eagle
AQRA-Turf Paradise Quarter Horse Futurity

Purse $52,772.oo
400 Yards :20.14
Alejandro Uriel Martinez, Owner
Ramon C. Fontes, Jr., Trainer
Rodolfo Arvizu, Jockey
Tahma Hawk Chop (2nd)
Pc (3rd)
$4.40 $3.60 $2.60
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography
Coady Photography @ Turf Paradise Race Course

December 9, 2012

Corona For Everybody
AQRA-Turf Paradise Quarter Horse Futurity Consolation

Purse $7,600.00
400 Yards :20.35
Cesar J. Dabdoub, Owner
Omar E. Lorta, Trainer
Porfirio Cano, Jockey
Last American Cowboy (2nd)
Its All for Love (3rd)
$8.20 $4.20 $3.20
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography

Coady Photography @ Turf Paradise Race Course

December 9, 2012

General Manager Vincent Francia feeding carrots to Derive following his first defeat at Turf Paradise by a nose in the Caballos Del Sol stakes.

December 8, 2012

Absolutely Cool Denies Derive Perfect Eighth Win

While Gallyn Mitchell and Absolutely Cool sat chilly Derive and Atta Boy Roy blistered early fractions together in the $35,000 Caballos del Sol Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.
It was a strategy that paid off in victory as Absolutely Cool ($10.40) edged Derive by a photo-finish perceptible nose at the wire with Seven Tuff third and a spent Atta Boy Roy fourth in the field of seven sprinters.
Derive, the even money favorite with leading rider Jorge Carreno up for trainer Robertino Diodoro was seeking his eighth win to remain locally undefeated in as many efforts.
Absolutely Cool raced in the second flight of horses, some six lengths behind the dual pacesetters Derive and Atta Boy Roy, who covered the first half-mile in tandem in a blazing :43.69. The duo continued in lock step until the sixteenth pole when Derive pulled away along the rail while Atta Boy Roy faded.
Meanwhile, Absolutely Cool and Mitchell were rolling fast on the outside and claimed the victory from Derive at the wire.
Owned by Karl Krieg, Absolutely Cool covered the 6-furlongs in 1:09.56. The 5-year-old gelding has now won five of 16 races for earnings of $97,348
Absolutely Cool, trained by Valorie Lund as is Atta Boy Roy, was coming off a nine month layoff and had been beaten by Derive in three previous attempts.

December 4, 2012

Derive Goes for Perfect Eight in Saturday's Stakes at Turf Paradise

Derive will try to keep his unblemished local record intact by going for his eighth victory in the $35,000 Caballos del Sol Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.
"Oh, no!" exclaimed Derive's trainer Robertino Diodoro when seeing his horse's post position for the 'Caballos.' "Not the One Hole."
Drawing post position #1 is not the preferred gate for trainers since horses generally have to be sent fast out of the gate to avoid being shut off by flanking horses to the outside. However, Derive won from pp #1when winning the Swift Stakes in January for his fourth consecutive local victory.

December 2, 2012

Harlee Tucker
Margie Bryan ASOA Futurity Trials

Purse $2,800.00
400 Yards :20.20
Ralph & Carolyn Fales, Owners
Matthew M. Fales, Trainer
Jorge Bourdieu, Jockey
Nonitas Scooter (2nd)
YN Makario (3rd)
$2.80 $2.40 $2.10
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography

December 1, 2012

Block N Tackle

AQRA-Turf Paradise Open Quarter Horse Derby
Purse $38,950.00
400 Yards :19.80
Ralph & Carolyn Fales, Owners
Matthew M. Fales, Trainer
Jorge Bourdieu, Jockey
Famous Photo (2nd)
Bringin It On (3rd)
$3.40 $2.60 $2.10

November 25, 2012

Dashaway Eagle ***Fastest Qualifier***
AQRA Turf Paradise Open Futurity Trials

Purse $2,800.00
400 Yards :19.97
Alejandro Uriel Martinez, Owner
Ramon C. Fontes, Jr., Trainer
Rodolfo Arvizu, Jockey
Quick to Boogie (2nd)
Corona Cartel To (3rd)
$5.20 $3.20 $2.40

November 25, 2012

Conclave Wins Sixth Race in a Row at Turf Paradise

Showing that his mind is still on winning races Conclave rang up his sixth straight victory Sunday at Turf Paradise.
Ridden by Nate Smith for trainer Sean Williams, the 6-5 favorite Conclave ($4.40) was 6 ½ lengths clear of Lewkacy with Me Salty third in field of 12, $5,000 claimers.
Conclave, an 8-year-old gelding, scored twice at Les Boise Park to start his win skein, then once at Portland Meadows, followed by three more wins locally.
Owned by Mary Finch, Conclave has now won 21 of 52 starts for earnings of $264,652.

November 24, 2012

Sallyana
Arizona Breeders' Futurity Fillies Division

Purse $50,420.00
6 Furlongs 1:11.53
Triple AAA Ranch, Owner
R. Kory Owens, Trainer
Vicky Baze, Jockey
Red Rachel (2nd)
Rock Those Hips (3rd)
$6.00 $3.80 $2.60

November 24, 2012

Jamaican Memories

Cactus Wren Stakes
Purse $27,500.00
6-1/2 Furlongs 1:15.85
Carol & James Bolin, Owners
David Van Winkle, Trainer
Juan Rivera, Jockey
Frisky Ricky (2nd)
Az Ridge (3rd)
$6.40 $4.00 $2.60

November 24, 2012

Page Springs Shines Among Arizona Breds

Page Springs proved her standing as one of the best Arizona bred fillies in training by winning the Cactus Flower stakes by seven lengths Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Sent off the 1-5 favorite, Page Springs ($2.40) and Anne Van Rosen dominated the competition, winning by seven lengths in a wire-to-wire display of raw speed. Hindu Kush finished second with Showstopper Ella third in the field of six fillies and mares.
Owned by Sawyer Cattle Company and trained by Dan McFarlane, Page Spring a 3-year-old daughter of Rocky Bar, covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.59 and was winning for the seventh time in 13 outings for earnings of $187,986.

Az Breeders' Futurity, colts and geldings Trainer McFarlane went from favorite to longshot in the $45,799 Az Breeders' Futurity but the result was the same. Teaming up this time with Kelly Bridges, the McFarlane-trained Red Zeus ($34.20) made his maiden win memorable for owner Dick and Peggy Hopwood.
The 2-5 favorite Anytime was second and pacesetter Mo Rock third in the field of nine 2-year-old colts and geldings.
Red Zeus covered the 6-furlongs in 1:11.24.

Cactus Wren Stakes
Squeezing through along the rail Juan Rivera and Jamaican Memories ($6.40) posted a four-length victory in the $25,000 Cactus Wren Stakes. Frisky Ricky finished second, a nose in front of Az Ridge who finished third in the field of ten.
Owned by Carol and James Bolin and trained by David Van Winkle, Jamaican Memories covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.85 while winning for the fourth time in 24 efforts for earnings of $93,218.

Az Breeders' Futurity, fillies
Triple AAA Ranch took down the top two spots with two first-timer starters, the favorite and impressive four length winner Sallyana ($6.00) and her stablemate Red Rachel. RockThose Hips finished third in the field of ten 2-year-old fillies.
Ridden by Vicky Baze for trainer Kory Owens, Sallyana covered the six furlongs in 1:11.53. The winner's share of the purse was $25,311.

November 23, 2012

Pistoli "Jiggle Oh Stakes"

Purse $6,700.00
400 Yards :20.31
Gerardo Ochoa-Pena, Owner
Gerardo Ochoa-Pena, Trainer
Joe Ruiz, Jockey
Ra Dashing Beduino (2nd)
Vergelito Moon (3rd)
$2.80 $3.00 $2.40

November 23, 2012

Four Stakes Races on Saturday's Card at Turf Paradise

A quartet of stakes for Arizona bred horses highlights Saturday's racing card at Turf Paradise.

The four stakes are the two $25,000 stakes, the Cactus Flower and Cactus Wren and two $50,00-added Arizons Breeders' Futurities, one for the fillies, the other for the colts and geldings.

While the ultra-fast Page Springs is the one to catch in the Cactus Flower, Arizona Ridge is to beat in the Cactus Wren.
Lewiston will be looking to make it three-in-a-row in The Breeders' Futurity for colts and geldings, well-bred first-time starter 2-year-old Red Rachel will be out to make her first win a stakes victory.

November 17, 2012

Smarty B Takes Chandler, Major Magic Wins Coady Stakes

Two different racing styles accomplished the same goal: victory. As Smarty B rode the rail to win the $35,000 Chandler Stakes and Major Magic swept around the field to victory in the $35,000 Jack Coady, Sr. Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Deftly guided by Vicky Baze, Smarty B ($6.60) hugged the rail from just slightly off the pace, then eased clear in the stretch to win by 1 ¼ lengths over late closing Smokin' Grey with the favored Racing for Gold third in the field of seven 3-year-old fillies in the Chandler Stakes.
"I didn't even use the whip," said Baze. "She's really quite lovely to ride."
Trained by Dan McFarlane for owners Bill Matthews and Filippo Santoro, Smarty B covered the one mile over firm turf in 1:37.97.
It was the fourth victory in eight efforts for the daughter of Smarty Jones whose earnings now stand at $71,719.

Meanwhile in the Jack Coady, Sr, Stakes, leading rider Jorge Carreno and Major Magic ($27.20) came from last at the half-mile pole to circle his 10 rivals and went on to win by 1 ½ lengths with Fable Haven second and Az Ridge third in the field of 3-year-olds
Owned by Simon Hudy and Robertino Diodoro and trained by Diodoro, Major Magic covered the one mile over the turf in 1:37.27 for his fourth victory in 11 starts and earnings of $100,398.

Chandler Stakes
Purse $35,000.00
One Mile-Turf  1:37.97
William Matthews & Filippo Santoro, Owners
Dan L. McFarlane, Trainer
Vicky Baze, Jockey
Smokin' Grey (2nd)
Racing for Gold (3rd)
$6.60 $3.40 $2.10
Please Give Photo Credit To:  / Coady Photography

Jack Coady, Sr. Stakes
Purse $35,000.00
One Mile-Turf  1:37.27
TG Racing, Simon Hudy & Robertino Diodoro, Owners
Robertino Diodoro, Trainer
Jorge Carreno, Jockey
Fable Haven (2nd)
Az Ridge (3rd)
$27.60 $11.60 $8.80
Please Give Photo Credit To:  / Coady Photography

November 17, 2012

Block N Tackle

AQRA-Turf Paradise Open Derby Trials
Purse $2,800.00
400 Yards  :19.94
Ralph & Carolyn Fales, Owners
Matthew M. Fales, Trainer
Jorge Bourdieu, Jockey
Sea Panther Run (2nd)
BV Fly First Class (3rd)
$2.60 $2.20 $2.10
Please Give Photo Credit To:  / Coady Photography

November 16, 2012

PR Waverunner

Turf Paradise Maiden Stake Trials   ***Fastest Qualifier
Purse $2,800.00
300 Yards  :15.92
Juan G. Robles, Owner
Alejandro Perez Sanchez, Trainer
Rodolfo Arvizu, Jockey
Ib Rapid (2nd)
Heza Cowboy Scooter (3rd)
$21.20 $13.40 $6.00
Please Give Photo Credit To:  / Coady Photography

November 13, 2012

Chandler, Coady Stakes Highlight Saturday's Racing Card

The turf will be the surface and the distance one mile for both three-year-old fillies and colts and geldings in the $35,000 Chandler Stakes and $35,000 Jack Coady, Sr. Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.

The Chandler, for 3-year-old fillies, lured a field of seven, including Racing for Gold and Smarty B, who finished one-two respectively in their recent allowance encounter. Joining the competitive group is Double Java Girl, winner of her last three starts, making her first start on the grass and stretching out to a mile.

A full-field of 12 boys entered the Coady Stakes. Four-time winners Boca Boy and Born Force and California shipper Major Magic will vie for the bettors' attention.

Sunday November 11, 2012

La Perrita de Anya

AQRA Futurity
Purse $28,737.50
350 Yards :17.84
Octavio Rodriguez, Owner
Ramon C. Fontes, Jr., Trainer
Rodolfo Arvizu, Jockey
Harlee Tucker (2nd)
Madd Dog (3rd)
$4.60 $4.20 $2.40
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography

Gents Day. Family Fun Day. Dollar Day. An Arizona Tradition: Spend Thanksgiving Weekend At Turf Paradise For Three Days Of Horse Racing Action

What better way to spend the three days after Thanksgiving than to get off the sofa, put down the remote, get out of the house and get to Turf Paradise.
Spending Thanksgiving Day became a tradition at Turf Paradise shortly after it opened in 1956. What started as a novel idea for men to avoid shopping with their spouses has evolved into an institution, and who are we to fight tradition? This year we take it up a notch.
In addition to exciting and compelling horse racing and wagering we have three days of fun events.

Friday, November 23rd:
Friday is Gents Day. Grandstand admission is free for men. While wives and girlfriends spend the day hauling shopping bags full of loofah sponges and aroma-therapy candles, the guys can haul themselves to Turf Paradise for a day of horse racing. We'll also have two dollar beer. The gift shop will be open with a full array of gifts, t-shirts, mugs, and calendars; but no Loofah sponges or aroma-therapy candles.

Saturday, November 24th:
On Saturday the guys can make up for shirking their shopping duties and take the whole family to Turf. In fact if you have any out-of-town guests, take them along. Grandstand admission is $2 a person and kids 12 and under get in for free. The first 3,000 paid admissions get free Whirley Cups. Soda refills with the cup are just $2. There's also live music and a family fun park with bounce house inflatables , pony rides, and face painting. The day also features the Arizona Breeders' Futurities along with the Cactus Wren and Cactus Flower Stakes.

Sunday November 25th:
In case you slept through Friday and Saturday and you find yourself looking for some fun on a budget, we've got you covered with Dollar Day. Grandstand admission is a dollar. So are popcorn, sodas, hot dogs, ice cream, and programs.

Turf Paradise General Manager Vince Francia stated, "Whether you're looking to spend the day watching and wagering on exciting live horse racing, or looking for a way to keep the whole family entertained on a budget, we have you covered. We may not have typical Thanksgiving traditions in Arizona like watching the leaves turn colors and hayrides in the snow, but Arizona does Turf Paradise as a source of entertainment and excitement for more than five decades."

The season goes to May 7, 2013 with live racing Fridays through Tuesdays. 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.

November, 4 2012

Flying High Again

Louie Curtis / Robert Kieckhefer Stakes
Purse $11,500.00
350 Yards :17.83
Jesus Sanchez Llovera, Owner
Gilberto J. Hernandez, Trainer
David Reyes-Frisby, Jockey
Whiskey (2nd)
Buck El Up (3rd)
$3.80 $3.20 $2.40
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography

November 3, 2012

Trainer Lyman Rollins Passes Away at 92

Longtime trainer Lyman Rollins passed away October 26. He was 92 years old.

Born in Cumberland, Wyoming in 1920, Rollins grew up in the cowboy lifestyle. He met and married Lois Bradshaw in 1940. The couple settled in Salt Lake City and worked in the family glass shop.

Following service in the Navy in World War II, Rollins began training race horses full time. It was a career that would consume the rest of his life.

Rollins was at Turf Paradise for the inaugural opening in 1956 and never missed a race meet. As recently as last year, Rollins was in the paddock to supervise preparations of one of his stakes horses.

Among Rollins' many local stakes wins was his record six victories in the Phoenix Gold Cup, the track's premier sprint event. Rollins served on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders' Association. He also received a lifetime achievement award from the State of Arizona Racing Commission and was inducted into the Nebraska Racing Hall of Fame.

Rollins is survived by two sons and two daughters and 27 grandchildren, 78 great- grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Friday Race 5

The Grade 2 Breeders' Cup Marathon- This is always a wacky kind of race because there are so few opportunities for North American horses to run the distance on the dirt. The two horses I think are worth a look in here are the 2010 winner, #10 Eldaafer, who ran at Turf Paradise in February 2012, and #11 Commander, who will have I'll Have Another's jockey aboard, Mario Guiterrez. There is a Turf Paradise connection there since Guiterrez was the winning rider in the 2012 Turf Paradise Derby aboard Taylor's Deal.

Friday Race 8

The Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf- In its short history, this is a race that has produced its share of longshot winners. A horse that potentially could carry on that tradition is 12-1 shot, #6 Lady Of Shamrock, Mike Smith will ride her and it is worth noting that she is 3 for 3 over the turf course at Santa Anita. If you fancy a horse that might get more consideration from the bettors, how about #9 Marketing Mix? She won the Grade 1 Rodeo Drive in September at Santa Anita with Garrett Gomez aboard.

Saturday Race 7

The Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint- When this race is run at Santa Anita, it is always interesting since it is run down the hill and at the extended distance for most of these horses of 6 1/2 furlongs. #9 Bridgetown merits consideration with wins in the last two tries at Saratoga and Keeneland. He is trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velazquez and that's not a bad combination. It is a good idea also to look for a horse with experience running this distance over the Santa Anita turf. For that reason, I like the chances of #11 Mizdirection. While she is a filly taking on the boys, she is a perfect 2 for 2 over the grass at Santa Anita.

Saturday Race 11

The Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Mile- I think this will be the most impressive winner of the weekend. #6 Excelebration has spent the majority of 2012 running behind the all-time great, Frankel, in Europe. He finally got out of the shadow last time out at Ascot in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and I think he will strut his considerable stuff in here. If you insist on searching for a price in here, try #3 Obviously. He has rolled off three wins in a row in Southern California.

Saturday Race 12- The Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Classic- #10 Ron The Greek's last two victories were very eye-catching. He won the Grade 1 Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs in June and the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap in March. His recent workouts have been excellent and he certainly has the capacity to win this race. The longshot to like in this field is #8 Nonios at 20-1. His Sire was 2003 Breeders' Cup Classic winner at Santa Anita, Pleasantly Perfect, and it would be fitting if he were to follow in his father's footsteps.

October 27, 2012

Favorites Capture Turf Paradise Stakes

Horseplayers had it right as favorites Rare Sunset and Gleam of Hope captured their respective stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Rare Sunset ($4.20), who won this race last year, also as the favorite, delivered again with Geovanni Franco up, maintaining a modest lead throughout the $35,000 Queen of the Green to inch away to win by a half-length over longshot Sarah Got Even with Mundy third in the field of seven fillies and mares.

Owned by Canadian Sunshine Stables and trained by Miguel Silva, Rare Sunset covered the one mile over firm turf in 1:36.90. Rare Sunset, a 7-year-old mare, has now won 13 of 42 efforts for lifetime earnings of $212,813.

In the $35,000 Walter Cluer Stakes, Gleam of Hope ($5.40) and Lori Keith pressed the pace and then took command with a sixteenth of mile remaining to score a three-quarter length victory over late-closing Seven Tuff with Saratoga Boot third in the field of nine colts and geldings.

Trained by Mike Chambers for owners Terry Hamilton and Robert Morgan, the 5-year-old Gleam of Hope, who has now won eight of 26 starts for earnings of $456,226, covered the one mile turf test in 1:35.77.

October 27, 2012

Rare Sunset "Queen Of The Green Stakes"

Purse $35,000.00
One Mile-Turf 1:36.90
Canadian Sunshine Stable, Owner
Miguel A. Silva, Trainer
Geovanni Franco, Jockey
Sarah Got Even (2nd)
Mundy (3rd)
$4.20 $2.80 $2.10
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography

October 27, 2012

Gleam of Hope "Walter R. Cluer Memorial Stakes"

Purse $35,000.00
One Mile-Turf 1:35.77
Terry Hamilton or Robert W. Morgan, Owner
Mike Chambers, Trainer
Lori Keith, Jockey
Seven Tuff (2nd)
Saratoga Boot (3rd)
$5.40 $3.60 $2.80
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography

October 22, 2012

Derive Remains Perfect at Turf Paradise

Talk about a horse for the course.

Derive kept his perfect record intact by scoring his seventh local victory in winning the fifth race Monday at Turf Paradise.

Trained by Robertino Diodoro and handled by regular rider Jorge Carreno, Derive ($3.60) was two lengths clear of Rainier Ice with Jamaican Memorie third in the field of six. Derive covered the 6-furlongs in 1:08.79.

Among Derive's seven local wins, which began October 15 of last year, are victories in the Phoenix Gold Cup, Swift Stakes and Coyote Handicap.

Derive's earnings from nine lifetime wins now stands at $245,132.

October 20, 2012

Lewiston, Youbetshewon Win Respective ATBA Sales Stakes

While Lewiston sprung an upset to win the $76,851 ATBA Sales Stakes for colts and geldings Youbetshewon delivered as the favorite in the $91,414 fillies' division Saturday at Turf Paradise

Ridden smartly by Adolfo Morales, Lewiston ($34.20) out gamed 2-5 favorite Gadsden Purchase by three-quarters of a length with Stormdriver third in the field of nine 2-year-olds.

Owned and trained by Don Schnell, Lewiston covered the 6-furlongs in 1:11.28.

Youbetshewon ($3.40) with Jorge Carreno up, went wire-to-wire for owner Dan Brooks and trainer Tim Gleason, coasting to a 7 ¼ length victory with Rock Those Hip second and Swiss Engagement third in the field of nine juvenile fillies.

Youbetshewon covered the 6-furlongs in 1:11.89.

October 14, 2012

ArizonaPatriots Glory
"Bank Of America Racing Challenge Championship (G3)"

Purse $60,000.00
440 Yards :21.32
Richard & Genevieve Herrman, Owners
Hipolito Michel-Valverde
Elliot Bachicha, Jr., Jockey
Pot Ocash (2nd)
What I Want (3rd)
$15.00 $4.80 $3.60
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography

La Cantina Bar

The La Cantina Bar is the latest edition to Turf Paradise. Customers can pull up a stool, enjoy a cold drink, and place a bet, all just a few feet from the track itself.
La Cantina a full service bar close to the action on the track apron with a full complement of mixed drinks including a signature Margarita, as well as beer, and Mexican beer on tap.
La Cantina also features four big screen TV's and a betting machine. It's the ideal way to make the most of Phoenix's great weather while enjoying a cool drink and red hot horse racing. It's open Friday through Tuesday from 12:30pm to the last race.

October 12, 2012

Turf Paradise Phoenix, ArizonaJumpn Fly One Sweet Dash Stakes

Purse $8,100.00 - 250 Yards :13.47 - LEMA Racing Stables, Owner
Gilberto J. Hernandez, Trainer
David Reyes-Frisby, Jockey
Ninel (2nd)
Jess Joyner (3rd)
$6.20 $3.40 $3.00
Please Give Photo Credit To: / Coady Photography

October 9, 2012

JEN PERKINS OF THE Q-RACING ACES COMING TO TURF PARADISE ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14

Jen Perkins will visit Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Arizona on Sunday, October 14 on behalf of the Q-Racing Aces, a fan education program initiated by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). Since 2010, the Q-Racing Aces have traveled to racetracks across the country to promote the sport, provide fan education services for "America's Fastest Athletes".

Perkins has over 20 years in the racing industry as a fan, handicapper, breeder, and owner. In 2010, she graduated from the University of Arizona with a Master's degree in Animal Sciences through the business path of the Race Track Industry Program.
On Sunday afternoon at Turf Paradise, Perkins will join track announcer Michael Chamberlain for his television racing preview show before the races. She will offer her analysis of the Bank of America Challenge regional races, which will offer the final berths to the prestigious 2012 Bank of American Challenge Championships at Prairie Meadows on October 27. Throughout the afternoon Perkins will offer free wagering information, courtesy of AQHA and be on hand to answer any question on racing, wagering or Quarter Horse pedigree.

From the first-time racing fan to experienced handicapper, the Q-Racing Aces enjoy helping patrons have a great day at the races!

For more information on the Q-Racing Aces, visit the American Quarter Horse Association website at aqharacing.com or become a friend on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Q-Racing-Aces.

October 7, 2012

Turf Paradise   Phoenix, Arizona   News Prince
"Turf Paradise Maiden Stake Trials"

Purse $2,800.00
350 Yards   :18.02
Jose Acosta, Owner
Ricardo Saldana, Trainer
Rodolfo Arvizu, Jockey
El Chuyito (2nd)
Fast Words (3rd)
$9.40 $4.40 $3.00

October 5, 2012

Jockey Scott Stevens Escapes Injury in Opening Day Spill

On the eve of birthday Scott Stevens escaped serious injury in a spill during the running of the 8th race on opening day at Turf Paradise.
The incident occurred about the eighth pole when Stevens, a 6-time leading rider at the track, driving Stormdriver along the rail clipped heels with Youbetshewon with Jorge Carreno up when that horse and rider shied from All Our Lass.
Stevens hit the ground hard but quickly was up on his feet.
Stormdriver was not seriously injured.
"Do you believe this?" said Stevens, of Caldwell, Idaho. "I'm going to be 52 tomorrow (Saturday). Some birthday present," the rider continued, displaying a red outline of a horseshoe imprint on his right hip. "And the worst part is, I had plenty of horse and could have won the race"
Speaking of birthdays… Owner Tim Gordon, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, celebrated his 34th birthday in the winner's circle when his First Strike ($13.60) won the featured $35,000 Bienvenidos Stakes.
"This birthday I'll definitely remember," said Gordon.
First Strike, ridden by Jorge Carreno for trainer Robertino Diodoro, was a head in front of Adriatic Moon with Seven Tuff third in the field of 11. First Strike covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.17.

October 4, 2102

Turf Paradise Opens Its 57th Season Friday

Following a five-month hiatus live horse racing returns to Arizona with Turf Paradise opening its 57th racing season tomorrow (Friday).

A 156-day meet will run from October 5 through May 7. Live racing will be conducted five days a week, Friday through Tuesday with first post at 12:30 pm. Simulcasting only will be featured Wednesday and Thursday.

The weekend's feature stakes races are Friday's $35,000 Bienvenido Stakes which attracted a field of 11 for the 6 ½ furlong test and the $35,000 Princess of Palm Stakes, Saturday, featuring six fillies and mares at 6 furlongs.

All 2,100 available stalls have been allotted to over 300 trainers from 16 states and four provinces of Canada.

"The key to this season's success will be to keep our field sizes as full as possible," said track general manager Vincent Francia.

Last meet's leading rider, Jorge Carreno, is back to defend his title. Other in the jockeys' room include six-time leading rider Scott Stevens, two-time leader Glenn Corbett, Wilson Dieguez, Geovanni Franco, Jake Barton Anne Von Rosen and Vicky Baze.

Miguel Silva, who led all trainers last season, is back along with Robertino Diodoro, Dan McFarlane, Mike Chambers, Molly Pearson, Tim Gleason and Joe Toye.

October 3, 2012

Turf Paradise Initiates 'Dr. Tibone Protocol' for Jockeys

Dr. James Tibone, a respected California-based sports medicine physician and orthopedic surgeon has devised a medical protocol to determine a jockey's fitness to ride. The protocol will be adopted by Turf Paradise for the upcoming race meet.

A 156-day race meet will run from October 5-May 7, with live racing conducted five days a week, Friday thru Tuesday.

The protocol is comprised of a pre-participation history questionnaire followed by a physical exam. The protocol is not designed to determine a jockey's state of health but rather his/her fitness to ride.

"The protocol is a pre-race screening for jockeys, like those done annually in other professional and amateur sports," said Dr. Tibone from his office in Los Angeles. "The protocol is being introduced to protect and keep jockeys safe".

Dr. Tibone, who is the Medical Director of the University of Southern California Athletic Department, is also an associate consultant to the Los Angeles Dodgers, LA Lakers, LA Kings, Los Angeles Angels and Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Dr. Tibone was also voted a 2010 "SUPER DOCTOR" by Los Angles Magazine

While the questionnaire is designed to establish a jockey's history of injuries, the physical exam focuses on motor strengths and range of motion tests.

"With someone as qualified as Dr. Tibone, I am confident we are moving in the right direction with this protocol," said Darrell Haire, Western Regional Manager for the Jockey's Guild. "What Turf Paradise is doing is big for the safety of all jockeys"

Each jockey will be required to take the Tibone protocol prior to participating in the Turf Paradise race meet. The protocol will be conducted at the track and administered by Dr. Brian Dedinsky of Phoenix.

"The Arizona Department of Racing applauds the proactive efforts on the part of Turf Paradise to ensure that all riders participating at its race meet are completely healthy and fit to ride", said Bill Walsh, Director of the Arizona Department of Racing. "This can only be in the best interest of all involved".

"We are grateful to Dr. Tibone and pleased to be allied with the Jockeys' Guild and Arizona Department of Racing in this worthwhile endeavor," said track general manager Vincent Francia.

August 28, 2012

Trainers from 16 states and Canada to Compete in Turf Paradise Meet

Over 300 trainers from 16 states and four provinces of Canada have confirmed participation in the upcoming meet at Turf Paradise.

A 156-day meet will run from October 5-May 7. Live racing will be conducted five days a week, primarily Friday through Tuesday with post of 12:30 pm. Simulcasting only is offered Wednesday and Thursday.

Arizona-based horsemen lead all groups with 118 trainers. Next in line is Canada with 30 trainers followed by Washington with 14, Utah with eight and California and Colorado with five each.

The stable area is at capacity with 2,057 horses allotted stalls.

August 23, 2012

Turf Paradise Gets Ready To Ride The Excitement

Turf Paradise invites fans to come back and 'ride the excitement' as its 57th season of racing starts with two days of special events.

On October 5th, the first day of the meet, admission is free for the Grandstand, Turf Club, and Clubhouse. There is also $2 draft beer and the Beinvenidos stakes.

Saturday is the official opening day with:
• Live music
• $2 grandstand admission
• Free Opening Day T-Shirts for the first 3,500 paid admissions
• A Family Fun Park
• Princess of the Palms Stakes
• Quarter Horse Desert Derby Trials

Racing fans returning on opening day will notice a renovated second floor Grandstand and a new bar on the track apron. La Cantina will have a Mexican theme with TVs and shade!

The first month of the meet also features Quarter Horse racing every Sunday.
In November, Turf Paradise will simulcast the richest two-day event in thoroughbred racing, the $21 million World Championship Breeders' Cup.

General Manager Vince Francia stated, "We expect another year of increased attendance as we get ready to welcome back our old friends and greet new fans. When the season ended in May it began a long, lonely dry spell for local horse racing fans. The wait is almost over."

The season begins October 5, 2012 and ends May 7, 2013 with live racing Fridays through Tuesdays. 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.

August 21, 2012

$1.5 Million Stakes Program for Upcoming Turf Paradise Meet

The Phoenix Gold Cup and Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile lead a list of 40 stakes for the upcoming meet at Turf Paradise Race Course.

A 156-day meet is scheduled to run from October 5 through May 7. Live racing will be conducted five days a week, Friday through Tuesday with first post at 12:30 pm.

The 57th renewal of the $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup, at 6-furlongs, is scheduled for February 16. The track's premier event will be complemented by the $35,000 Turf Paradise and $35,000 Sun City Handicaps.

The $75,000 'Fitzsimmons Mile,' named after the late Phoenix Suns coach and executive, will be run at eight furlongs over the turf on January 12.

Dowloadable PDF of the 2012-2013 Stakes Schedule