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Ramiro Flores is the special interview in this edition of Weekend Digest

1/19/2021

There is perhaps no role at a racetrack more vital yet easily overlooked as the role at Track Superintendent. Ramiro’s passion for Turf Paradise and Arizona racing runs very deep – a crucial part of the Turf Paradise team, Ramiro was kind enough to answer some questions about his job and himself! Special thanks to Ramiro for the interview!

Tell us how you became the Track Superintendent at Turf Paradise?
I started at Turf Paradise in 2006 as a tractor driver. I became the Assistant Superintendent in 2007 and remained in that position until 2014 when I took the Superintendent position at Evangeline Downs. When the opportunity came up for a superintendent at Turf Paradise in 2015, I returned because I consider AZ home and I have been here ever since.

For those who don't know what are your specific responsibilities and what does a normal day during live racing look like for you?
My responsibilities include care and maintenance of all surfaces. This includes the Main Track, Training Track and the Turf Course. I also have the responsibility of supervising some of the ordering of supplies & for trackside maintenance. A normal day starts by dropping off my kids at school and arriving at the track before the break to ensure that everything goes as planned. After the break we set harrows, fuel up the equipment, and perform a maintenance check to ensure that all equipment is safe & ready for racing. I pick up programs and spend some time doing paperwork and PO’s. After the track closes for training at 10 am, I have 2 hours to prep the surface for the day’s racing. 12:30 is post time and they are off. After the day’s racing is completed, we put the track to sleep for the evening to wait for my crew to come in at 2 am in the morning to start it over again.

What do you think are the most important aspects in managing both the dirt and turf tracks?
Staying ahead of the weather.

What has been the reaction of horsemen to the track surfaces for the 2021 meet?
It’s been a busy year due to the pandemic and I have not been able to spend much time out there touching base with many horsemen. So far, my phone has been quiet. I believe “no news is good news!”

Obviously, you head up a small team at Turf Paradise, what qualities do you think make a good track superintendent and how can young people learn if this is a good career for them to be involved in?
Being a motivator and leading by example to inspire people to do the best job that they can do. There is no such thing as a dumb question, only the one you do not ask. A superintendent cannot be working every position all the time. You must have faith in your crew. Most kids are intrigued by the heavy machines. My advice would be to start out by learning to drive a tractor and ask lots of questions. Learn to operate as many pieces of equipment as possible.

What is one aspect of your work that would surprise most people?
That I am on call 24/7. The weather does not keep regular hours!

Favorite food and drink?
I really love a good burger and enjoy an ice-cold beer.

Most inspirational people in your life?
My mom and my stepdad because they taught me the value of a strong work ethic.

Best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Always have a plan “B”!

What are your tastes in music?
I like all kinds of music and it is a very important part of my life. But one of my favorite tunes to hear is the “Call to The Post.”

Who is your favorite all time racehorse?
Lost in The Fog

Turf Paradise Weekend Digest

1/13/2021

Each week we will be featuring a horseman or horsewoman at Turf Paradise or someone who works at the track.

Marilee Herrera is a new racehorse owner at the 2021 Turf Paradise race meet. Her story is one of incredible perseverance, patriotism, a desire to be the best as well as the transformative power of the sport and the love of horses. But as she will tell you in her own words, it is just part of a far greater journey! Marilee also shares details about a horse you need to look out for running at Turf Paradise!

“My Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather were all jockeys, so racing is definitely in my blood. They rode the bush tracks in NM and CO but were mainly goat farmers in the Santa Fe area. They saw talent in my Dad when he was young and sent him to CA where he got to work under contract with the "Bald Eagle" himself, Charlie Whittingham.”

“My Dad got his first big break in the late 50s and was one of the leading riders up and down CA and Caliente. In the early 60s, he started to ride a few races at Turf Paradise and became very good friends with Mr. Clurer and Mr. Herbuveaux. In the 70's, my dad got the opportunity to ride first call for Jack Van Berg, so we moved out to the Midwest for most of that decade.”

“In 1979, my father "retired" and we settled in Phoenix. My parents loved the weather and the fact he could ride most of the year at one track while my sister and I were in school. My Dad rode at Turf Paradise up until his death at age 54 in 1985. His, along with many other great AZ riders, ashes are on the track!”
“I was 15 years old when he passed but loved racing so much, I went to U of A and earned my degree in Racetrack Management. I went on to work in KY and Australia and then ended up in Portland where I worked at both Portland Meadows and Multnomah Greyhound Park, and in 1995, I got the opportunity to move to Connecticut to help open Shoreline Star Greyhound Park.”

“Anyhow, from about 1997 - 2010 I strayed from racing, got married, had kids and only enjoyed racing from afar. Then, with my first divorce, found myself joining the military, yes, the Army, at age 40! While I don't regret having the honor of serving my country, I found myself getting further and further away from my first love, HORSERACING.”

“In 2015, I had a horrible injury that ended my military career and took about three years to recover. I was in my second marriage living in the Bay area and not happy with life. Then came 2020 and with COVID, my life felt like it hit rock bottom. One day, my now soon-to-be-ex, picked up and moved out and I, along with my cat and two dogs were abandoned. My life no longer felt worth living....my children are young successful adults, and don’t need me (so I thought) and my pets could live with my roommate, I was really on the verge of doing something that I could never reverse, it scares me right now to think about what I was planning to do...then, out of nowhere, I reunited with an old friend and we started to talk about getting me back to racing.”

“Almost overnight, I had the opportunity to buy a beautiful 2-year-old filly from another friend that I went to U of A with who was looking to sell off some of her horses who were running at Del Mar. Next thing I know, I'm talking to a trainer (my Dad rode his and his Dad's horses 40 years ago) who said he would help me out with her, and the rest is history.”
“MY LIFE WAS LITERALLY SAVED BY RACING!!!! In an instant, my life changed. Despite being one of the darkest times of my life, I find myself with a fresh, optimistic attitude and thrilled beyond belief to be back “home” at Turf Paradise and in the industry, I LOVE!!!!”

“Keep an eye out for my filly, Spicy Sommelier! She had her first official work at Turf Paradise recently and ran quite well 47.20 4f….she does have three races under her belt which includes a third at Los Al for a $50k tag, but I think she’s going to like this track. She’s a pretty filly by Stay Thirsty out of Hadarra (Harlan’s Holiday).”

Scenics TUP 1-4-21 Opening Day 02

1/5/2021

Raagheb Upsets Opening Day Stakes at Turf Paradise

1/4/2021

Longshot Raagheb ($18.20) claimed victory in the $30,500 Hank Mills, Sr. Stakes as Turf Paradise kicked off opening day of its 84-day meet and the return of live horse racing to Arizona.

Ridden by Luis Negron for trainer Justin Evans, the 9-year-old Raagheb inched away for a three-quarter length victory over El Chavo Del Ocho who was 4 ½ clear of Be Gone Daddy in the field of 11 sprinters. The winner covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.4.

Live racing, which will be conducted 5-days a week, Monday thru Friday with a first post of 12:30 pm, will run thru May 1.

Scenics TUP 1-4-21 Opening Day 01

1/4/2021

Turf Paradise Celebrates 65 Years Of Racing with 2021 Meet

1/1/2021

Turf Paradise commences its 84-day live race meet, running from January 4 thru May 1, 2021. Racing will be conducted on a 5-day a week schedule, Monday thru Friday.

Opening day attracted 88 entries for the nine-race program with a first post time of 12.30 PM (MST.) The highlight of the opening day is the $30,500 Hank Mills Sr. Stakes (6 ½ Furlongs) that has drawn a full field of twelve including three from the barn of Justin Evans, Pendleton, Raagheb and Black Ops.

The Hank Mills Sr. Stakes continues to honor the long time Turf Paradise starter and kicks off a series of 15 Thoroughbred stakes throughout the meet. March 12, 2021 is the date for some of the most eagerly awaited stakes races during the meet - the Phoenix Gold Cup and Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Handicap both with $75,000 of guaranteed purses, and the Arizona Oaks and Turf Paradise Derby, both with $50,000 of guaranteed purses will be run on the same day.
Quarter Horse racing is a long-term staple at Turf Paradise, and the 2021 meet features 10 stakes races, commencing with the $12,5000 guaranteed Turf Paradise 870 Challenge on January 8, 2021 and the most valuable QH race of the meet, the $30,000 added Desert Classic Futurity scheduled on April 28, 2021. However, Quarter Horse fans will welcome the first QH races of the meet on January 5.

Purse money is up from $80,000 to $110,000 per day, given that the meet is starting with an estimated $4 million. Although there have been many challenges in 2020, the 2021 Turf Paradise race meet is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. Track General Manager, Vincent Francia said: “We are running this race meet primarily for the horsemen. It has been an incredible effort by everyone in very challenging times to pull everything together. Individual horsemen and women, the HBPA, state officials, and the Turf staff, all continue to play their part in making this meet a success.”
Fans will be limited initially to just 50 (though that may increase); only the ground floor and outside apron will be accessible to the public. The Clubhouse and Turf Club will not open for the duration of the meet. There will be no food or beverage service.

“Wearing of masks and social distancing is mandatory when on track,” said Francia. “We will adhere to all Coronavirus protocols as set forth by the State.”
With more than 50 OTB locations across the state and Turf Paradise able to be wagered on many platforms across the country, Turf Paradise will be increasing its social media presence and interaction with fans on their Facebook page and Twitter account. (@turf_paradise)
Additionally, Fans everywhere will be pleased to hear as no-one won the Grand Canyon Pick 6 Jackpot at the end of the abbreviated meet on March 14, the Pick 6 carryover pool will open at $28,009.06.
For further information, go to www.turfparadise.com.