The southern-belle lovely, Zsaber Mims (center), receives congratulations and the $100 First Place prize from Turf Paradise assistant Marketing Director Amelia Blanco (left) and Horsemen's Bookkeeper Bucky Huff for winning the annual Kentucky Derby Day Best Bonnet contest at the track.

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Vince Guerra and Espresso Springs win the $73,694 ATBA Spring Sales Stakes

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Highland Games
and Miguel Hernandez win the race-meet finale, one mile and seven-eights $50,000 Hasta La Vista Handicap

 

 

Click on image to enlarge

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May 3, 2009

Hasta La Vista Brings Race Meet to Close at Turf Paradise

Highland Games edged out Latino Summer by three-quarters of a length in the $50,000 Hasta La Vista Handicap to bring the 53rd racing season to a close at Turf Paradise.
Ridden by Miguel Hernandez, Highland Games ($7.00) overtook favored Latino Summer in the final 20 yards of the 1 7/8 marathon distance before inching away to victory in the final 20 yards. New Fandan (BRZ) finished third in the field of eight older horses.
Trained by octogenarian Lyman Rollins, Highland games covered the distance over firm turf in 3:11.10.
“I’ve won most of the other stakes at least once,” said Rollins. “This was the first time I raced in this one, and I’ve raced here since the track opened in 1956.” It was the 53rd running of the Hasta la Vista.
Earlier on, the husband and wife, jockey-trainer team of Vince and Jacque Guerra teamed up to win the $73,694 ATBA Spring Sales Stakes with Espresso Springs ($3.80). Signing Sis finished second with Lonesome Creek third in the field of twelve 2-year-olds. Owned by Double Kee, Espresso Springs, now a perfect two-for-two, covered the 5-furlongs in 58.24.
Divisional titles: Ry Eikleberry, 20, won his first riding title with 136 victories. Last meet’s leading conditioner, Keith Bennett, finished in a dead heat with Mike Chambers, with each trainer tied with 72 wins. Dennis Weir won his 14th leading owner’s title with 37 victories.
The track will remain open all summer long, 7-days a week for dark day simulcasting, beginning at 9:00 am. Live racing will resume October 2.

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April 28, 2009

Kentucky Derby Simulcast Saturday at Turf Paradise

The 135th running of the $2 million Kentucky Derby will be simulcast this Saturday, May 2 at Turf Paradise and at all OTBs.
Local rooting interest will be focused on Bob Baffert’s Pioneer of the Nile and Jeff Mullins’ I Want Revenge.
Baffert, of Nogales, Arizona, is a three-time winner of the Kentucky Derby. He won the Run for the Roses with Silver Charm (1997), Real Quiet (1998) and War Emblem in 2002.
Mullins got his start at Turf Paradise, prior to locating his stable in southern California. Mullins won the local trainer’s title three consecutive times, from 1998-2001.
Both I Want Revenge, winner of the Wood Memorial (G1) and Pioneer of the Nile, victorious in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), figure to be among the favorites in the expected 20-horse field.

Kentucky Derby Day at Turf Paradise, Saturday May 2
Gates Open: 7:00 am
First Simulcast: 7:30 am
First Live Race: 11:30 am
Kentucky Derby: 3:24 pm
Grandstand admission: $5
General Parking: Free

Free commemorative Kentucky Derby glass to the first 1,500 fans.
Free Best Bonnet contests with $100, $75 and $50 prize monies.
Free pony rides, face painters and multiple inflatables for kids

Sunday, May 3
Closing Day of live race meet
Regular post time: 1:05 pm
Free Grandstand admission
$50,000 Hasta la Vista Handicap

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April 27, 2009

Carlsbad, Unanimous Choice for Horse of the Meet

Dennis Weir’s undefeated filly, Carlsbad, received a unanimous vote as Horse of Meet Monday at Turf Paradise. Carlsbad was also voted top 3-year-old filly and Arizona bred.

Brilliant and fast to the point of precociousness, Carlsbad wheeled off four straight victories at Turf Paradise, including three stakes, by an average winning margin of 12 ½ lengths. Trained by Kevin Lewis, Carlsbad, concluded her season with a victory in Santa Anita’s Santa Paula Stakes on March 30th.

Weir earned his 14th Leading Owner’s title with 36 wins through April 27. The race meet concludes May 3. Weir’s Bingham was also voted top 4-year-old.

Ry Eikleberry, 20, captured his first riding title with 130 wins. With five days remaining of race meet, the trainer’s title was too close to call between Mike Chambers with 71 wins and last season’s leading trainer Keith Bennett with 67 victories.

Mike Gorman and Neil Haymes’ Peace Chant was voted top Sprinter, primarily for his victory in the Phoenix Gold Cup. Mike Pegram’s Mayor Marv won 3-year-old colt/gelding for his win in the Turf Paradise Derby.

Voting for equine awards is conducted by an 11-member panel, composed of track management and media.

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March 16, 2009

Trainer Troy Smith Gets First Stakes Win in Coyote Handicap

Trainer Troy Smith may be excused for ‘kickin up his heels’ as he got his first major stakes win with Goin Dancin in the $50,000 Coyote Handicap Monday at Turf Paradise.

Ridden by Daniel Vergara for Kansas City, Kansas-based owners Craig and Lynn Lanham, Goin Dancin ($13.40) outlasted co-pace setter Twin Sparks and the closing kick of runner-up Eagle Storm to win by 2 ¾ lengths. Twin Sparks saved show in the field of seven older horses.

The 6-year-old Goin Dancin covered the 6 ½ furlongs in a snappy 1:14.85 and with his Coyote victory pushed his career earnings to $107,728. The 6 ½ furlong track record of 1:13.55 is held by Lost in the Fog.

“Not bad for a horse purchased for $5,500, is it?” said Smith, 41, who’s been training since 1996. “This is my first major stakes win and boy, it feels better than I thought it would. I credit my owners. They gave me time to let this horse mature. He’s a late bloomer, with his best yet to come.”
 

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Lesson In Deceit
Tempe Handicap
Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona
3/14/2009
Purse $50,000.00
One Mile-Turf 1:35.4
Gordon Cooper, Ron & Craig Stevens, Owners Ron Stevens,
Trainer Jake Barton, Up Winning Vow (2nd) One Call (3rd) $12.80
$5.00 $3.80 Photo Credit Given To: / Coady Photography



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Shesa Private I Mesa Handicap
Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona
3/14/2009 Purse $50,000.00
6-1/2 Furlongs 1:15.2
Tangarae Farms, Owner
Bart Hone, Trainer
Jake Barton, Up
Born With Eagles (2nd)
Stolen Heart (3rd) $8.20 $4.00 $4.00
Photo Credit Given To: / Coady Photography
 

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Woody's Bluff
Scottsdale Handicap Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona
3/14/2009  Purse $50,000.00
One Mile-Turf 1:37.0
Honor Roll Racing, Owner
Dennis Sowers, Trainer
Ry Eikleberry, Up
Sweetwaterwind (2nd)
Dash Dot Dash (3rd) $10.60 $6.00 $3.60
Photo Credit Given To: / Coady Photography


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March 14, 2009

Jockey Jake Barton Wins Two of Three Stakes

Jockey Jake Barton scored a riding double, winning the $50,000 Mesa Handicap with Shesa Private I and the $50,000 Tempe Handicap with Lesson in Deceit. Meanwhile Ry Eikleberry won the $50,000 Scottsdale Handicap with Woody’s Bluff to complete the stakes trio Saturday at Turf Paradise.
“It’s been a good day at the races for me,” said Barton, 42. “A very good day.”
Barton guided Shesa Private I ($8.20) from slightly off the pace and was 1 ¾ lengths clear of Born With Eagles with Stolen Heart third. California based and Vladimir Cerin-trained 1-2 favorite Briecat, tired to finish fourth in the field of seven fillies and mares.
Trained by Bart Hone for Tangarae Farms, the 7-year-old Shesa Private I raced the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.57, for her 11th career win. In-the-money in 23 of 28 lifetime starts, Shesa Private I’s earnings now stand at $280,755.
“We felt the 6 ½ furlong fit us better than Briecat, who likes longer distances,” said Hone. “So, we were taking a shot. It paid off.”
Barton then guided Lesson in Deceit ($12.80) from last to first to post a 3 ½ length victory over Winning Vow with One Call third in field of ten 3-year-olds in the Tempe Handicap.
Trained by Ron Stevens, Lesson in Deceit covered the one mile over the turf in 1:35.82.

Ry Eikleberry took Scottsdale Handicap winner Woody’s Bluff ($10.60) under a snug hold and then accelerated in the stretch to best Sweetwaterwind by three-quarters of a length with California shipper Dash Dot Dash, also trained Cerin, finishing third in the field of seven 3-year-old fillies.
“She started looking around in the stretch,” said Eikleberry. “She’s still green but a nice filly, especially on the grass.”
Owned by Honor Roll Racing, Woody’s Bluff, who was making her fourth career start, covered the one mile over firm turf in 1:37.15 for trainer Dennis Sowers.

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February 21, 2009

Mayor Marv Wins Turf Paradise Derby, Undefeated Carlsbad Romps in Oaks

Mayor Marv won the featured $100,000 Turf Paradise Derby Saturday, but it was the undefeated Carlsbad who stole the show, winning the $50,000 Arizona Oaks in a daylight romp.
A perfect four-for-four, Carlsbad and Daniel Vergara set a pace that kept widening, winning by 13 ¼ lengths over the Bob Baffert-trained Miss Bodine, who was 6 ½ lengths clear of fellow California shipper Vikkilee, trained by Vladimir Cerin in the field of five 3-year-old fillies.
Carlsbad ($3.20), owned by Dennis Weir and trained by Kevin Lewis, a combo who last week won the Turf Paradise Handicap with Bingham, covered the one mile in 1:35.55 as the 3-5 favorite. A runaway winner in both the Arizona Breeders’ Futurity and Arizona Juvenile Fillies, Carlsbad’s average winning margin in four starts is 12 ½ lengths.
It was the second team victory for Weir-Lewis in the Arizona Oaks, having won this race in 2007 with Staten Island, Carlsbad’s half-sister. Weir and trainer Dan McFarlane also won the Oaks with Grand Forks (2000) and Deming (1994), and with trainer Walter Greenman in 1998 with Lawrenceville.

Arizona native Baffert did not go away empty handed, as even-money favorite Mayor Marv, ridden by David Flores, won the Turf Paradise Derby for Valley resident Mike Pegram.
Taking the lead from the start and tracked every step of the way by Hidden Bounty, Mayor Marv ($4.00) pulled away from that one with a sixteenth of mile to go, to win by 4 ½ lengths. Hidden Bounty was a clear runner-up, 5 ¼ lengths in front of Just Jebicah who finished third in the field of seven 3-year-olds.
“We’ll look to go next in the Sunland Derby,” said Pegram. Sunland Park’s $800,000 Derby is scheduled for March 29.
“I’m please with what I saw,” said Baffert, who watched the simulcast at Santa Anita. “He’s improving and getting better.”
Mayor Marv covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.23.
Mayor Marv’s namesake, former Carson City, Nevada Mayor, Marv Teixeira was on hand for the winner’s circle presentation.

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Carlsbad - Arizona Oaks
Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona
2/21/2009

Purse $50,000.00
One Mile 1:35.2
Dennis Weir, Owner - Kevin Lewis, Trainer
Daniel Vergara, Up
Miss Bodine (2nd)
Vikkilee (3rd)
$3.20 $2.20 $2.10
Photo Credit Given To: / Coady Photography
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Mayor Marv Turf Paradise Derby
Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona
2/21/2009
Purse $100,000.00
1-1/16 Miles 1:43.1
Michael Pegram, Owner
Bob Baffert, Trainer
David Flores, Up
Hidden Bounty (2nd)
Just Jebicah (3rd)
$4.00 $2.40 $2.10
Click to enlarge                                           Photo Credit Given To: / Coady Photography
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February 17, 2009

“Run For The Roses” Hopefuls Line Up for Saturday’s Turf Paradise Derby

Seven 3-year-olds who have aspirations for the Kentucky Derby, will take their next step in the “Run for the Roses” in Saturday’s $100,000 Turf Paradise Derby. The $50,000 Arizona Oaks, for 3-year-old fillies, which will also be featured, attracted a field of six.
The Turf Paradise Derby will be run at 1 1/16 miles and all entrants will carry 122 pounds. The Arizona Oaks will be run at one mile with all entrants carrying 121 pounds.
Valley resident Mike Pegram will be represented in the Turf Paradise Derby by Arizona native and Bob Baffert-trained Mayor Marv, a recent maiden winner at Santa Anita.
Another California shipper will be the Vladimir Cerin-trained Pauper’s Prize, who has managed two runner-up finishes in Santa Anita’s maiden-claiming ranks. Cerin won the Turf Paradise Derby in 2003 with Robleado.
Local hopes ride with the Bart Hone-trained Hidden Bounty, winner of five of eight career starts, including his last two stakes, the $50,000 Lost in the Fog Juvenile and $25,000 Rattlesnake Stakes.

Pegram and Baffert will look to sweep the stakes with Miss Bodine in the Arizona Oaks. A 2-year-old maiden winner at Saratoga, Miss Bodine finished fifth in her most recent effort at on January 28 at Santa Anita.
Cerin may also be entertaining a sweep withVikkilee, who finished third in her first start as a 3-year-old on February 4 in a one mile allowance turf test at Santa Anita. Cerin won the 2008 edition of the Arizona Oaks with Briecat.
The two California shippers, however, will have to get by local hopeful, the Kevin Lewis-trained Carlsbad. Her perfect three-for-three record includes wins in the $55,000 Arizona Breeders’ Futurity and $50,000 Arizona Juvenile Fillies, the last victory a 19-length romp.
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Peace Chant
"Phoenix Gold Cup"
Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona
2/14/2009
Purse $100,000.00
6 Furlongs 1:08.1
Mark & Matt Gorman, Sterling Stables and Neil Haymes, Owners Doug O'Neill, Trainer Alonso Quinonez, Up Ducky Drake (2nd) Twin Sparks (3rd) $30.60 $13.00 $9.80 Photo Credit Given To: Bucky Huff / Coady Photography
 

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Bingham (white blinkers) and
Glenn Corbett edging Zappa and Mike Smith to win the
Turf Paradise Handicap

 

 

 

Click the enlarge

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She's Sensational
"Sun City Handicap"
Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona 2/14/2009
Purse $50,000.00
One Mile-Turf 1:35.4
La Canada Stables, Owner
John Martin, Trainer
Kyle Kaenel, Up
Star Of Whitney (2nd)
La Tee (3rd)
$12.40 $5.00 $2.60
Click to enlarge
Photo Credit Given To: Shawn Coady / Coady Photography
 

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February 14, 2009

Peace Chant Upsets Phoenix Gold Cup

Peace Chant and Alonso Quinonez snaked their way through 12 rivals to post an upset in the $100,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Saturday at Turf Paradise.
“We got lucky,” said Quinonez, who was in from California. “We stumbled at the break and then got shut off and then had to weave our way through a big field of horses. We got lucky.”
Peace Chant ($30.60) was 1 ¾ lengths clear of the late-rallying Ducky Drake who was a half-length in front of Twin Sparks in the field of 13 horses. The 6-5 favorite Machismo, with Mike Smith aboard, finished fourth after a wide trip.
Trained by Doug O’Neill, Peace Chant raced the 6-furlongs in 1:08.20.
Heraldo (CHI) was a late scratch.

Turf Paradise Handicap
After a sustained match raced for three-eights of a mile, Glenn Corbett and 6-5 favorite Bingham got their head in front of Mike Smith and California shipper Zappa, to win the $50,000 Turf Paradise Handicap.
“I knew Mikey still had horse under him,” said Corbett. “I had just a little bit more.”
Canard rallied from next to last to finish third in the field of eight older horses.
Trained by Kevin Lewis, Bingham ($4.40) gave owner Dennis Weir his first Turf Paradise Handicap victory.
“The best we were ever able to do was fifth with Eagleton in 2000,” said Weir.
Bingham covered the 1 1/16 miles over firm turf in 1:42.59.
Tricky Causeway was a late scratch.

Sun City Handicap
Kyle Kaenel and She’s Sensational ($12.80) exploded in deep stretch to overtake pace-setting La Tee and to hold eventual runner-up Star of Whitney safe and win the $50,000 Sun City Handicap by 1 ¾ lengths.
La Tee saved show, three-quarter lengths ahead of even-money favorite Storybook (UAE) with Mike Smith aboard who finished fourth in the field of six fillies and mares.
“She really is sensational,” said Kaenel, of the winner who had won Turf Paradise’s Glendale Handicap in January. “She’s a sweetheart who will always run her race. I just keep out of her way.”
Trained by John Martin, She’s Sensational covered the one mile (turf) in 1:35.83.
Kayd Kodaun (IRE) and Mom’s Deputy were late scratches.
 

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February 10, 2009

14 Entered for Saturday’s $100,000 TVG Phoenix Gold Cup

The entry box runneth over as 14 horses entered to contest the 53rd running of the $100,000 TVG Phoenix Gold Cup Saturday at Turf Paradise.
The Gold Cup will be complemented by the $50,000 Turf Paradise Handicap, for 4-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 (turf) and the $50,000 Sun City Handicap, for fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up at one mile (turf).
Southern California-based jockey Mike Smith, rider of 2008 Eclipse Award winning fillies, the undefeated Zenyatta and juvenile champion Stardom Bound, and one of the featured riders on Animal Planet’s current-running, 12-part series, “Jockeys,” will ride Machismo in the Gold Cup, Zappa in the Turf Paradise Handicap and Storybook (UAE) in the Sun City Handicap. All three horses, trained by John Sadler, give Smith a chance to sweep the Super Saturday trio of stakes.
Contesting any notion of a sweep will be northern California-based rider and former Turf Paradise apprentice of the a Year in 2005, Kyle Kaenel. Kaenel also has three mounts: Paul’s Hope for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer in the Gold Cup and Wild Yankee in the Turf Paradise Handicap and She’s Sensational in the Sun City Handicap, the latter two for trainer John Martin.
Gold Cup highweight Machismo (123) is coming of two runner-up finishes in Santa Anita’s El Conejo (G3) and the Sunshine Million Sprint. A confirmed front-runner, Machismo will have to contend with proven speed aces Bound to Be MVP and Twin Sparks, second and third respectively in the Gold Cup prep, the G Malleah.
New Mexico-based Ducky Drake, with Mark Villa up, will be no where early but flying late as evidenced by his last to first place victory in the G Malleah.
The Doug O’Neill-trained Peace Chant will be looking to get back in the win column after going winless from six starts in 2008.
Octogenarian trainer Lyman Rollins will be seeking his sixth Gold Cup victory with Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile runner-up Highland Games.

Locally based Bingham, with leading rider Glenn Corbett aboard, will look to duplicate his stellar Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile victory in the Turf Paradise Handicap.
“Our goal was to win the (Cotton) Fitzsimmons Mile and the Turf Paradise Handicap,” said trainer Kevin Lewis. “One down, one to go.”
Smith’s mount, 13-race winner, Zappa, who has been facing tougher stakes company in the southern California circuit in Go Between, Well Armed and Albertus Maximus, figures prominently.

Multiple stakes placed La Tee, with Aaron Gryder up, will shoulder the 123 pound high weight in the Sun City Handicap. Her runner-up efforts in Santa Anita’s Monrovia (G3) and the Senator Kent Maddy (G3) make her formidable against seven filly and mare rivals.
The lightly raced, Smith-ridden Storybook (UAE) is coming off a fourth placed finish in Santa Anita’s Tuzla (G3) Handicap.
Locally, the ultra consistent Star of Whitney, with Ry Eikleberry up, looks to better her two game runner-up finishes in the Kachina and Glendale Handicaps
 

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Hidden Bounty
Rattlesnake Stakes
Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona
1/31/2009
Purse $25,000.00
One Mile 1:38.3
Wire To Wire LLC, Owner
Bart Hone, Trainer
Wilson Dieguez, Up
Albacore Bob (2nd)
Radford (3rd) $3.60 $2.40 $2.40
Click to enlarge                                          Photo Credit Given To: / Coady Photography

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January 24, 2009

Ducky Drake – From Last to First in G Malleah

Spotting 10 rivals 15 lengths, Ducky Drake came from last to first to win the $50,000 G Malleah Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Ridden by Mark Villa, the 122-pound highweight Ducky Drake ($16.40), runner-up in last year’s G Malleah, covered the 6-furlongs in a sprightly 1:07.68 for trainer Bart Hone. Pace-setter Bound to Be M.V.P. finished second, 1 ¾ lengths ahead of Twin Sparks in the field of 11 sprinters.

Despite having the most career wins (11), the largest bankroll ($334,689), and tabbed the 3-1 morning line favorite, the 7-year-old New Mexico-based Ducky Drake was let go to post at 7-1. White Spar, the 8-5 post time favorite, finished fifth.

“He’s an honest horse who needs a fast pace, which he got today,” said Hone. The half-mile went in :43.08 and the 5-furlongs in :54.92. “The (Phoenix) Gold Cup (Feb. 14) is a real possibility since he finished fourth in that race last year.”


 

Ducky Drake
G Malleah Handicap Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona
1/24/2009
Purse $50,000.00
6 Furlongs 1:07.3
Ralph & Aury Todd, Owners
Bart Hone, Trainer
Mark Villa, Up
Bound To Be MVP (2nd)
Twin Sparks (3rd)
$16.40 $8.00 $4.40
Photo Credit Given To: Mark Flanders / Coady Photography

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She's Sensational
Glendale Handicap
Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona
1/17/2009
Purse $50,000.00
1-1/16 Miles-Turf 1:43.2
La Canada Stables, Owner
John F. Martin, Trainer
Kyle Kaenel, Up
Star Of Whitney (2nd)
Double Dip (3rd)
$5.00 $2.40 $2.10
Photo Credit Given To: / Coady Photography


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Click on pictures to enlarge

Bingham
Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile
Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona
1/17/2009
Purse $75,000.00
One Mile-Turf 1:35.0
Dennis Weir, Owner
Kevin Lewis, Trainer
Glenn Corbett, Up
Highland Games (2nd)
Canard (3rd)
$6.00 $3.40 $3.00
Photo Credit Given To: / Coady Photography
 

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January 17, 2009

Bingham Sets New Stakes Record in Winning Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile

Dennis Weir’s Bingham delivered a new stakes record performance in winning the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Given a flawless ride by Glenn Corbett, Bingham, the 2-1 co-favorite with California based New Zealand bred Majestic Diamond, was three lengths clear of Highland Games, with Canard rallying from last to third in the field of nine older horses. Majestic Diamond never menaced and finished seventh with Julien Couton aboard.

Cotton Fitzsimmons widow, JoAnn Fitzsimmons, accompanied by many of Cotton’s friends and former Phoenix Suns basketball players, made the trophy presentation.

“All credit to (trainer) Kevin (Lewis),” said Corbett. “He had this horse trained to the minute. When I asked him to respond in the stretch, he did so willingly and with authority. I had no idea we set a new stakes record.”

Bingham, covered the one mile over firm turf in 1:35.04, eclipsing the former stakes mark of 1:35.14 set by Western Act in the winning the Fitzsimmons Mile in 2006. Western Act finished fourth in this year’s edition.

Bingham, a 4-year-old son of Monarchos, was scoring his sixth victory in 11 career starts and now has earnings of $210,187.

Meanwhile, La Canada Stables’ She’s Sensational lived up to her name with Kyle Kaenel aboard by exploding from last to first to best 6-5 favorite Star of Whitney by three-quarters of a length and win the $50,000 Glendale Handicap. Double Dip finished third in the field of six fillies and mares.

“She’s a super mare,” said Kaenel. “When she relaxes like she did today, she’ll come charging late with a rush of speed. She was absolutely perfect today.”

Trained by John Martin, She’s Sensational ($5.00) covered the 1 1/16 miles over the turf in 1:43.41

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January 13, 2009

Nine to Contest Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Saturday at Turf Paradise

Majestic Diamond, a New Zealand bred based in California, heads a field of nine in the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Saturday at Turf Paradise.

The Fitzsimmons Mile, named in honor of the late and former coach and executive of the Phoenix Suns, will be run at one mile on the turf. JoAnn Fitzsimmons, Cotton’s widow, along with many friends, will be on hand to make the winner’s trophy presentation.

A winner of seven of 23 career efforts, Majestic Diamond, won his American debut at Hollywood Park on November 6, 2008. The 6-year-old then finished second in Santa Anita’s Impressive Luck Handicap on December 29.

The assigned 121 pound highweight, Majestic Diamond, who is primarily a sprinter, is trained by Leonard Powell and will be ridden by regular rider Julien Couton.

Other entered for the Fitzsimmons Mile are: 2006 Fitzsimmons Mile winner Western Act; Pomona Derby winner Bingham; Hank Mills Handicap winner Highland Games; Walter Cluer Memorial winner Kalgoorie; Golden Gate shipper Bank the Cash; Canard and Billy Allen (Ire).

The co-feature is the $50,000 Glendale Handicap for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 (turf). The compact field of six, headed by locally based, multiple stakes winner Star of Whitney, has attracted three California shippers.

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January 5, 2009

Jockeys Refuse to Ride, Canceling Races at Turf Paradise

Following the running of the first race, the jockeys refused to ride, effectively canceling the remaining eight races of Monday’s card at Turf Paradise.

Smoke Chamber ($16.20) with Jake Barton up won the opener, covering the six furlongs over muddy going in 1:11.85.

Racing is scheduled to resume Tuesday (Jan. 6) with first post at 12:30 pm.

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January 3, 2009

Northern Soldier Fastest of All in Swift Stakes

Northern Soldier and Glenn Corbett caught a very fast front-running Bound to Be MVP in the final 10 yards to win the $50,000 Swift Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.

“What a classy horse,” said Corbett. “We got bounced around real good at the 3/8th pole and he took a few cuts on his front legs. But he just kept on going.”

“Almost,” said Miguel Hernandez, rider of Bound to Be MVP, who lost by a half-length “Almost took them wire-to-wire.”

Came to Pass, the 6-5 favorite, finished third but was disqualified and placed sixth for interference at the 3/8th pole. Eagle Storm was moved up to third in the field of eight older horses.

Trained by Dennis Sowers, Northern Soldier ($4.80) raced the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:02.51.
 

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December 27, 2008

Hidden Bounty Takes “Fog,” Carlsbad Romps in Juvenile Fillies, Czechers Cruises in Kachina

In a stakes triple header, Hidden Bounty won the featured $50,000 Lost in Fog Juvenile while undefeated Carlsbad stole the spotlight, romping by daylight in the $50,000 Arizona Juvenile Fillies and Czechers front-end performance won the $50,000 Kachina Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Wilson Dieguez and Hidden Bounty ($6.60) sailed clear of field of seven in deep stretch to win the Lost in the Fog Juvenile stakes by seven lengths over Just Jebicah with Spectaculartop another neck back in third. Trained by Ken Brown, Hidden Bounty covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.83.

Dennis Weir’s Carlsbad ($2.10), with Daniel Vergara along for the ride, remained undefeated in three starts by winning the Arizona Juvenile Fillies Stakes by 19 lengths over Shamus On Me with Keyless finishing third. The Kevin Lewis-trained 2-year-old, who has won her three starts by a combined total of 37 lengths, covered the 6 ½ furlongs in a hand ride in 1:16.20.

 

 

Czechers ($8.20), with Stephan Heller up, went wire-to-wire to win the Kachina Handicap by 1 ½ lengths over Star of Whitney with even-money favorite She’s Sensational third in the field of seven fillies and mares. Trained by Mark Glatt, Czechers covered the one mile in 1:37.36.

 

 

Click on each image to enlarge
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December 20, 2008

Weir Horses Dominate Cactus Wren Handicap

The Dennis Weir owned White Spar and El Mirage took the top two positions in the $50,000 Cactus Wren Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Two of four runners owned by Weir and trained by Kevin Lewis in the field of seven 3-year-old Arizona breds, stablemates White Spar ($4.00) ridden by Daniel Vergara and El Mirage with Ry Eikleberry aboard, made it a two-horse race from the gate, with White Spar 1 ½ lengths better at the wire. Corporal Tillman finished 20 ¼ lengths back in third, with the Weir-owned Staten Island fourth.

White Spar covered the 6 ½ furlongs over muddy going in 1:14.99 for his sixth victory in 11 career starts.

Meanwhile, Enrique Garcia, 44, of Panama, scored a riding triple, including a sweep of the early daily double with Lydia’s Legacy ($15.80) and Angelia’s Dancer ($87.00) and then capturing the fourth race with Flashing Star ($5.80).

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December 14, 2008

Kays Gunslinger Wins $67,878 Quarter Horse Futurity

In a four-horse photo finish of necks and a nose, favored Kays Gunslinger’s neck stretched to the finish line first over The Bounty Man to win the $67,878 Open Quarter Horse Futurity (G3) Sunday at Turf Paradise.

Bud Cheeks finished a nose shy of the runner-up with Hillbilly Ways a neck further back in fourth in the field of 10 juvenile Quarter Horses. A subsequent Stewards’ inquiry disqualified Bud Cheeks form third to ninth for interference at the start. Hillbilly Ways was moved up to third.

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Miguel Hernandez, leading Quarter Horse jockey of the meet with 11 victories, was aboard Kays Gunslinger ($6.80), and covered the 400 yards in :19.88 for trainer Tom Bartol.

Raul Hernandez was the leading trainer with 11 tallies and Double Bar S of Anacortes, Washington was the leading owner with five wins

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December 12, 2008

Chickster on Target to Become Winningest Horse This Year

Chickster’s 11th victory Friday at Turf Paradise may have wrapped up the 2008 title of winningest horse in North America for the 7-year-old gelding.

Sent off the 6-5 favorite, Chickster ($3.20) and Miguel Hernandez scored the easiest of wire-to-wire wins, costing home to a 3 ½ -length victory over Preachintothechoir with Walter third in the field of seven, $4,000 claimers. Conditioned by leading trainer Justin Evans, Chickster, who has won 20 of 44 lifetime starts, covered the 6-furlongs in 1:08.67.

“He’s the leader right now,” said Evans, of Chickster, who boasts a 71% win percentage. “I may race him one more time after Christmas, depending on what those chasing him do. He’s special. I mean, it’s not often you get a horse that will win nine of 10 races for you.”

With 19 days remaining in 2008, there are five horses with nine wins this year: Polo Bender, Henry Street, Biblical Scholar, Antrim County and Super Danny.
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December 6, 2008

Tizfiz is “Queen”, Highland Games Best in Mills Handicap

While California shipper Tizfiz went wire-to-wire to win the $50,000 Queen of the Green Handicap, Highland Games came from slightly off the pace to post a mild upset in the $50,000 Hank Mills, Sr. Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Hustled to the lead by Agapito Delagadillo, Tizfiz ($6.20), held off the late-charge of the Jerry Hollendorfer-trained favorite Ransom Captive by a half-length length for her first stakes victory. Star of Whitney was third in the field of eight fillies and mares.

Tizfiz covered the one mile over firm turf in 1:36.01 for trainer Rafael DeLeon.

Ridden by Miguel Hernandez, Highland Games ($15.40) raced close to a fast pace set by a determined Bingham and then edged away from that one in the final 20 yards to win by a half-length. Nosir was third, another 3 ½ lengths back, in the field of seven older horses.

Trained by veteran conditioner Lyman Rollin, Highland Games, covered the one mile in 1:35.02 to push his career earnings from seven victories to $119,546.

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November 29, 2008

Clean Hit, Carlsbad Win Respective Arizona Breeders’ Futurities

Triple AAA Ranch’s Clean Hit and Dennis Weir’s Carlsbad kept their perfect two-for-two records intact by winning respective divisions of the Arizona Breeders’ Futurities Saturday at Turf Paradise.

In the $58,878 colts and geldings division, Clean Hit ($4.00), ridden by leading rider Glenn Corbett, posted a 5-length victory over 6-5 favorite Hidden Bounty with Attleboro a nose further back in the field of 11 two-year-olds. Clean Hit, a son of Top Hit, covered the 6-furlongs in 1:09.88 for trainer Kory Owens..

Even money favorite, Carlsbad ($4.00), with Daniel Vergara up, was a runaway 14 ¼ length winner of the $54,832 fillies division. Triple AAA Ranch’s Keyless finished second, two lengths in front of Dennis Weir’s Towson who finished third in the field of 10 juvenile fillies. Trained by Kevin Lewis, Carlsbad, a daughter of Rocky Bar, covered the 6-furlongs in 1:09.44.

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November 28, 2008

$30,000 Win Bet from German Horseplayer Earns $1,500

An unidentified horseplayer from Germany, who wagered $30,000 to win on Black Eyed Lady in the second race Saturday at Turf Paradise, may have had a few anxious moments.

The large size of the wager was surprising due to the fact that Black Eyed Lady, a maiden, ridden by Ann Von Rosen, was doing a few first-time things that generally would be viewed as cautionary flags for most horseplayers.

First, Black Eyed Lady, a 3-year-old filly, was making her first start outside of California, where she raced three times, all over synthetic surfaces, to now try Turf Paradise’s dirt track. Second, the filly was racing over an off track (good) for the first time. And third, Black Eyed Lady was stretching out from three, one-turn sprint races to a two-turn mile. In addition, the race originally scheduled for the turf, was moved to the main track due to rains.

As the race unfolded, Rosen, guided 1-9 Black Eyed Lady to the deeper going along the inside down the backstretch and then split horses in tight quarters to get the lead. With 70 yards to go, Black Eyed Lady ($2.10) began to tire and just held on to post a half-length victory over the fast-closing Archer City Miss and Nothingbutasmile, a nose further back.

The unidentified horseplayer earned $1,500 from the initial wager of $30,000.

Black Eyed Lady, who covered the one mile in 1:40.52, is owned by Phil Scott and trained by California-based Eoin Harty. The filly was saddled by local trainer Mike Chambers.


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COADY GENERATIONS: Several generations of the Coady family assemble for the winner's circle presentation of the stakes races named in honor of Jack Coady, Sr., Turf's longtime track photographer who passed away in August 2008. The winner of the Coady Stakes was Dennis Weir's Bingham with Glenn Corbett aboard for trainer Kevin Lewis.
Click image to enlarge

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November 15, 2008

Bingham, Briecat Victorious in Stakes at Turf Paradise

While heavily favored Bingham won the $50,000 Jack Coady, Sr. stakes
co-favored Briecat won the $50,000 Chandler stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise

The Jack Coady, Sr. stakes is named in honor of Turf Paradise’s longtime track photographer who passed away in August of this year. He was 80. The trophy was presented by several generations of the Coady family.

Coady was a photographer at The Arizona Republic and the now-defunct Phoenix Gazette before becoming Turf’s track photographer in 1960, four years after the track opened.

Guided to an effortless win by Glenn Corbett, Bingham ($2.60) was nearly 7-lengths clear of Manningtoharrison with Rule by Force third in the field of five 3-year-old colts and geldings. Bingham covered the one mile over firm turf in 1:34.24 for trainer Kevin Lewis.

California shipper Briecat ($6.20) with Clinton Potts up, had to work harder for her three-quarter length victory over 2-1 co-favorite Profitability, with Czechers a fast-closing third in the field of seven 3-year-old fillies. The Vladimir Cerin-trained Briecat covered the mile over the grass in 1:34.73.
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November 10, 2008

Jockeys Released from Hospital Following Injuries Suffered in Spill

Jockeys Carl Williams and Alberto Higuera were released from John C. Lincoln Hospital after suffering injuries in a spill during the running of a race Sunday at Turf Paradise.

Williams, 44, of Atlanta, Georgia, suffered a bruised left leg. Higuera, 51, of Ocu, Panama sustained a broken collar bone. Both riders were released from the hospital late Sunday evening.

The spill occurred during the running of the ninth and final race, about a quarter-mile from the finish line. Williams’ mount, LS Sunrise suffered a fatal aneurism and collapsed, throwing the rider to the ground. Higuera, who was aboard Arizona Twist and trailing LS Sunrise, was unable to unable to avoid the fallen horse and went down. Arizona Twist was not injured.
 

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November 8, 2008

Came to Pass Whistles in Caballos del Sol

Longshot Came to Pass ($25.20) came off a 21-month layoff to win the $50,000 Caballos del Sol Stakes, blistering the 6-furlongs in 1:07.54 Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Came to Pass and Ry Eikleberry pressed the pace-setting Bobadieu from the gate break and was 1 ¾ clear of that one at the finish. Red Sky Dubai was a neck further back in third in the field of nine sprinters.

Came to Pass, who last raced in February of 2007 at Gulfstream Park, was brought back to the races by trainer Mike Chambers.

“You never know how they’re going to come back after such a long layoff,” said Chambers. “But he was certainly ready and good today.”

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October 18, 2008

Minnetonka Mist, Bella Cardona Win Respective Stakes Divisions

PHOENIX – While 1-5 favorite Minnetonka Mist won the $81,478 colts and geldings division, 6-1 Bella Cardona took the $91,625 fillies half of the ATBA Sales Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Juan Rivera guided the David Van Winkle-trained Minnetonka Mist ($2.60) to a front-running three-quarter length win, covering the 6-furlongs in 1:09.25. Hidden Bounty and Albacore Bob finished noses apart for second and third respectively in the field of ten, 2-year-olds.

The Molly Pearson-trained Bella Cardona ($14.40) and Aldolfo Morales won a photo-finish nose over Shelbydell. Dizzy Lady finished third in the field of ten juvenile fillies. Bella Cardona covered the 6-furlongs in 1:11.3.

Both winners were bred by Martin and Pam Wygod of California.


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October 5, 2008

Post Time Marriage Proposal at Turf Paradise


There was a tense moment prior to post time of the seventh race Sunday at Turf Paradise as a "Will You Marry Me?" proposal was flashed on the infield message board for all to see.

The author of the proposal, or the hopeful groom to be was Michael Seckinger of Mesa. The recipient was Seckinger's former wife Geri. That's right, his former wife.

"We were married for nine years," said Michael, of their first wedding in 1999. "Then we went through some hard times and got divorced. It's been a little over six months we've been apart."

With Michael on bended knee and ring in hand and a race track crowd cheering the couple on, Geri said, Yes, for the second time to her former husband.

"It may be a gamble to do this again, but we really do love each other,"
said Geri. "We missed each other terribly during the divorce."

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October 4, 2008

Longshot Malia Sofia Wins Sun Devil Stakes in Nose-Bob

A 22-1 longshot, Malia Sofia, came charging from mid-pack with Anne Van Rosen up to win a photo-finish nose-bob over 9/5 favorite Briecat in the $50,000 Sun Devil Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Trained by Carol Hubbard, Malia Sofia ($47.80) covered the 6-furlongs in 1:09.74. Pure and Simple was third in the filed of 11, 3-year-old fillies.

“We wanted to see how she’d do against local fillies,” said Hubbard, whose stable shipped in from Emerald Downs in Washington. “I’d say she did okay.”

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September 30, 2008

Turf Paradise Opening Day, Friday, October 3

Turf Paradise opens its 53rd season with a 156-day live race meet, running from October 3 through May 3, 2009.

Live racing will be conducted five days a week, Friday through Tuesday, with the first race at 12:30 pm. Dark day simulcasting is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

Friday’s feature race will be the Luke Kruytbosch. The $50,000 stakes race is named in honor of Turf’s track announcer since 1993 who died in July at the age of 47.

The Kevin Lewis-trained White Spar heads a field of six 3-year-olds in the six furlong Kruytbosch.

“If he runs the monster race he did in California in his last out, he should be right there,” said Lewis. White Spar, a winner of four of eight efforts, finished second, beaten a neck in Hollywood Park’s Captain Squire Handicap on June 29.
 

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September 25, 2008

Luke Kruytbosch Remembrance Set For October 2 at Turf Paradise

A remembrance service for friends of track announcer Luke Kruytbosch will be held at Turf Paradise, Thursday, October 2, one day prior to the opening of this oval’s 53rd racing season.

Kruytbosch, who had been Turf Paradise’s announcer since 1993, passed away in July at the age of 47.

The remembrance will be held in the Turf Club Terrace, starting at 1:00 pm. Keynote speakers include Kruytbosch’s long-time friends and horse owners Mike Pegram and Jim Robinson and Mike Chamberlain, announcer at Sam Houston Race Track.
 

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September 11, 2008

Frank Mirahmadi Named Announcer at Turf Paradise

Frank Mirahmadi has been named the new track announcer for Turf Paradise Race Course. The announcement was made today by track president and general manager Eugene Joyce.

“In addition to having a distinctive voice and style, Frank is multi-talented, having done film and advertising work and live television,” said Joyce. “We’re delighted to have him as Turf Paradise moves forward from the loss of its announcer, Luke Kruytbosch.”

Kruytbosch, who had been Turf Paradise’s main announcer since 1993, passed away July 14 of this year at the age of 47.

“I am extremely thankful for the opportunity,” said Mirahmadi. “Luke Kruytbosch was a very special person and his shoes cannot be filled. It is a tremendous honor to be chosen as his successor.”

Mirahmadi, 40, a native of Los Angeles, is currently working as a racing analyst for TVG network. He has served as track announcer at Hialeah and Fair Grounds Race Tracks and Louisiana Downs, as well as at various race meets on the California Fair Circuit, among others. Mirahmadi has guest announced at numerous race tracks, including Turf Paradise.

Mirahmadi played a role as Santa Anita track announcer in the hit movie “Seabiscuit” and as a Monmouth Park announcer in “Ruffian”.

A master of voice impersonations, Mirahmadi is known to surprise and delight fans by calling a race in the voice of such celebrities as Rodney Dangerfield, Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando and Andy Rooney.

Opening day for Turf Paradise’s 156-day race meet is October 3.

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August 15, 2008

TWO STAKES RENAMED TO HONOR ANNOUNCER AND PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOENIX, AZ – Two stakes have been renamed in honor of announcer Luke Kruytbosch and longtime track photographer Jack Coady, Sr., as part of 41 stakes valued at over $2.1 million to be offered for the upcoming 2008-2009 race meet at Turf Paradise.

A 156-day meet will run from October 3, 2008 through May 3, 2009. Live racing will be conducted Friday through Tuesday with a post time of 12:30 pm. Full card simulcasting will be offered seven days a week.

Re-named in honor of Turf Paradise’s announcer who died July 14, the $50,000 Luke Kruytbosch (formerly the Saguaro Stakes), which will be run opening day Friday, October 3, is for 3-year-olds at six furlongs. Kruytbosch, 47, was Turf Paradise’s announcer since 1993.

The $50,000 Jack Coady, Stakes (formerly the Paradise Valley) to be run November 15, is for 3-year olds at one mile (turf). Coady, who was Turf Paradise’s finish line and winner’s circle photographer since 1960, died August 4. He was 80.

Turf Paradise 2008-2009 Stakes

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August 5, 2008

Longtime Turf Paradise Photographer Jack Coady Dead at 80

Longtime Turf Paradise race track photographer Jack Coady, Sr., passed away Monday (Aug. 4) at his home in Glendale, Arizona. He was 80-years-old.

Known for his keen eye at capturing both the power and beauty of the Thoroughbred race horse in full stride, Coady literally founded a family photography dynasty that includes American race tracks from Phoenix to the east coast.

In addition to serving as Turf Paradise’s photographer since 1960, four years after the track opened, Coady, through his three sons, Jack, Jr., Jeff and Clay and four grandsons, Shawn, Kevin, Kurtis and Christopher handle the finish line and winners’ circles photography for Yavapai Downs in Prescott Valley, Arizona, Colonial Downs in New Kent, Virginia, Oaklawn Park, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Arapahoe Park, in Aurora, Colorado, Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa and Sam Houston in Texas.

“Thanks to Jack Coady, the history of Turf Paradise, from inaugural day to now, is captured in the photographs that line the walls of our Grandstand and Clubhouse,” said track President and General Manager Eugene T. Joyce. “His talent with the camera and his marvelous sense of humor will be dearly missed.”

Born in Petaluma, California in 1927, Coady came to Phoenix in 1950. Prior to coming to Turf Paradise, he worked as a photographer for the Arizona Republic and the now defunct Gazette newspapers.

Funeral arrangements were pending.

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July 17, 2008

Turf Paradise Names Stake in Honor of Late Track Announcer Luke Kruytbosch

A stakes race will be named in honor of longtime Turf Paradise track announcer Luke Kruytbosch who passed away July 14 in Evansville, Indiana. The announcement was made today by track President and General Manager Eugene Joyce.

“Luke meant so much to all of us at Turf and he will be forever in our hearts,” said Joyce “We thought it fitting to memorialize him in the very thing he loved most: a horse race.”

The $50,000 Luke Kruytbosch, for three-year-olds at six furlongs, will be the opening day feature , October 3.

Kruytbosch, 47, who had been Turf Paradise’s announcer since 1993 also served in that capacity at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky since 1999. Kruytbosch had called the last ten runnings of the Kentucky Derby.
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