Turf Paradise's 60th Season Gets Under Way Oct. 17

The first of 1,900 expected horses began to arrive today (Sept. 10) much to the satisfaction of Turf Paradise Racing Secretary Michael Harlow.

            The track, which is celebrating its 60th season, will offer a 136-day meet that will run from Oct. 17 – May 8. Racing will be conducted on a 5-day a week basis, Saturday thru Wednesday, with a post time of 12:55 pm. Two Friday live race day exceptions will be Oct. 30 (first day of Breeders’ Cup) and May 6 (Kentucky Oaks Day).

            Overnight purses have been raised 6% and a 10% incentive bonus program has been instituted for Arizona breds which win open races.

            Harlow traveled extensively during the summer, covering 9,000 miles and 15 racetracks in eight states and Canada, with one specific purpose in mind: to recruit horses.

            “Personal contact with horsemen makes a difference,” said Harlow. “We’re going to have more horses than we have had the past couple years. That’s essential, because we have a long meet with live racing, five-days a week.”

            Leading trainer Robertino Diodoro returns along with Top 5 conditioners Dan McFarlane, Mike Chambers, Molly Pearson and Miguel Silva. But, Harlow pointed out, there will also be 12 new outfits racing this season.

            “The climate’s great here for winter racing, with a fast track and firm turf most of the meet,” said Harlow.

              Robert Fox will be the new announcer. Fox, who is the regular announcer for Ruidoso Downs, is a graduate of the Columbia School of Broadcasting. He has also served as race caller for Zia Park and Evangeline Downs.

2015-2016 Stakes Schedule

Date                Event                           Conditions                   Distance          Purse

Sat. Oct. 17     Bienvenidos                 3YO&up                       6 ½ furlongs    $35,000

Sat. Oct. 24     Princes of Palms         F-M, 3YO&up              6 furlongs        $35,000

Sun. Nov. 1      ATBA Sales Stakes       2YOF                            6 furlongs        $35,000

Sun. Nov. 1      ATBA Sales Stakes       2YOC&G                      6 furlongs        $35,000

Sat. Nov. 7       Jeff&Jack Coady,Sr.     3YO                             1 mile (T)        $35,000

Sat. Nov. 7       Chandler                     3YOF                            1 mile (T)        $35,000

Sat. Nov. 14     Luke Kruytbosch          3YO&up                       6 furlongs        $35,000

Sat. Nov, 14     City of Phoenix            F-M, 3YO&up              6 furlongs        $35,000

Sat. Nov. 28     Walter Cluer               3YO&up                       1 mile (T)        $35,000

Sat. Nov. 28     Queen of the Green    F-M, 3YO&up              1 mile (T)        $35,000

Sat. Dec, 5       Az Breeders’ Futurity  2YOF, Az Bred             6 furlongs        $50,000

Sat. Dec. 5       Az Breeders’ Futurity  2YO,C&G, Az Bred      6 furlongs        $50,000

Sat. Dec. 5       Cactus Wren               3YO&up                       6 ½ furlongs    $25,000

Sat. Dec, 5       Cactus Flower             F-M, 3YO&up              6 ½ furlongs    $25,000

Sat. Dec. 26     Lost in the  Fog            2YO                             6 ½ furlongs    $35,000

Sat. Dec. 26     Arizona Juvenile          2YOF                            6 ½ furlongs    $35,000

Sat. Jan 16       Cotton Fitzsimmons    4YO&up                       I mile (T)         $75,000

Sat. Jan. 16      Glendale Hdcp.           F-M, 4YO&up              1 1/16 (T)        $35,000

Sat. Jan 23       Hank Mills, Sr.             4YO&up                       5 ½ furlongs    $35,000

Sat. Feb. 13     Phoenix Gold Cup        4YO&up                       6 furlongs        $75,000

Sat. Feb, 13     Sun City Hdcp.             F-M, 4YO&up              1 mile (T)        $35,000

Sat. Feb. 13     Turf Paradise Hdcp.    4YO&up                       1 1/16 (T)        $35,000

Sat. Feb. 20     Arizona Oaks               3YOF                            1 mile              $35,000

Sat. Feb. 20     Turf Paradise Derby    3YO                             1 1/16              $75,000

Sat. Mar. 12    Scottsdale Hdcp.         3YOF                            1 mile (T)        $35,000

Sat, Mar. 12    Tempe Hdcp.               3YO                             1 mile (T)        $35,000

Sat. Apr. 2       Wildcat Hdcp.             3YO&up                       1 3/8 (T)          $35,000

Sat. Apr. 2       Arizona Stallion           3YO                             7 ½ (T)             $35,000

Sat. Apr. 23     Lyman&Bradley          3YO&up, Az Bred        6 furlongs        $35,000

                        Rollins Hdcp.                          

Sat. Apr. 23     Ann Owens Hdcp.        F-M,3YO&up,Az Bred  6 furlongs        $35,000

Sat. Apr. 23     Gene Fleming Derby   3YO, Az Bred               1 1/16              $50,000

Sat. Apr. 23     Joanne Dye                  3YOF, Az Bred             6 ½ furlongs    $35,000

Sat. Apr. 23     Dwight Patterson        3YO&up, Az Bred        1 1/16 (T)        $35,000

Sun. May 8      ATBA Spring Sales Stk 2YO                             5 furlongs        $35,000

Sun. May 8      Hasta La Vista Hdcp.   3YO&up,                      1 7/8 (T)          $35,000

At a Glance:

Racing Schedule: Oct. 17-May 8; 136 days; live racing 5 days a week, Sat.-Wed; simulcasting 7 days a week. Two Friday live race exceptions will be Oct. 30 (Breeders’ Cup) and May 6 (Kentucky Oaks Day).

Post Time: 12:55 pm
Admission: Grandstand $2.00; Clubhouse/Turf Club $4.00
Parking: General – Free; Valet $6.00
Location: Entrances at 15th Ave. or 19th Ave. & Bell Road
Racing Highlights:  $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile (Jan. 16); $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup (Feb. 13) and $75,000 Turf Paradise Derby (Feb. 20).
Promotional Highlights: 60th Anniversary Celebration (Jan. 16), Kentucky Derby Party (May 7).
Phone: (602) 942-1101
Internet: www.turfparadise.com