All Categories

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.

Turf Paradise Stable Gate Operations for the 2020/2021 Race Meet

12/3/2020

As per the ADOR directives stating there must be tightly controlled access to the stable area, the barn area will be closed to all nonessential persons. Owners, visitors, children, jockey agents and guests are not allowed on the backside at this time.
The requirement for entry onto the backside with approved access will have an entry log and must list name, racing license number the date and time and temperature reading.

Persons residing on the backside must present themselves to a Security gate for a temperature check in the morning before 8 am. After the Temperature check a wrist band will be placed on the person that corresponds to the day (rotating colors). Wristbands will be given to all persons at the gates for the day. These wristbands must be returned to the gate the following day in order to receive the new wristband for the day. Any person found to not be wearing a wristband for the day will be presented to the gate for a wellness check and other possible action.
A temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be permitted entry to the backside. 2 more checks will be conducted to make sure there is not faulty equipment.

Trainers must supply to the Director of Security a list of all grooms residing in their barns for the purpose of the wellness checks for the day. This list will be used for compliance of the daily wellness checks.
This year Security will be placing an RFID chip sticker on the back of your racing license. This chip will be run past a scanner at the stable gate and the licensee will be temperature checked. This log would assist the Track and Department of Health with contact tracing should there be cases of Covid 19 on the racetrack.

Initially the issuance of the chip may be time consuming but will drastically reduce the wait time at the gates after implementation. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

AZ Racing Commission Approves Race Dates and Monarch Contract

11/14/2020

On Thursday (Nov.12) the Arizona Racing Commission approved Turf Paradise’s request to host an 84-day meet (Jan. 4-May 1, 2021) by a 3-0 vote. In a separate agenda item the Commission also approved a contract between the track and Monarch by 2-1 vote.

The meet signals a return to racing which had been absent in the state since when the track cancelled its in progress live race meet March 14, due to the Coronavirus.

The contract approval will now require a special Commission meeting to approve the individual contracts for simulcasting of the tracks under the Monarch umbrella. Those tracks include Santa Anita, Del Mar, Golden Gate, Sonoma County Fair, Gulfstream Park, Laurel Park, Pimlico, Timonium, Monmouth Park, Meadowlands, Los Alamitos thoroughbreds, Australia and Latin American racing. Turf has been without the Monarch signals for the past 294 days.

“It was a good day for Arizona horsemen and Arizona horseplayers,” said track general manager Vincent Francia.

Horsemen, Management Sign Agreement for Turf Paradise 84-Day Meet Beginning in January

10/29/2020

After breaking stride near the finish line, Turf Paradise management and the Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (AZHBPA) have finally signed an agreement to host an 84-day live race meet, running from January 4 thru May 1, 2021.

An eleventh hour snafu over wording in the Agreement between the two parties caused the 24-hour deadline for submission of agenda items to the Arizona Racing Commission to be missed. The Commission is scheduled to meet in special session tomorrow (Friday, October 30) to approve the race dates, as well to consider contracts for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup simulcasts. The Commission will still meet to approve the contracts. The request for approval of the 84-day meet will now be scheduled for the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Commission on November 12.

“Many thanks to Arizona Racing Director Rudy Casillas for hosting the forum for dialogue between the two parties,” said Turf’s general manager Vincent Francia. “An equal amount of thanks to AZHBPA President Bob Hutton and track owner Jerry Simms for committing to dialogue until everything was resolved. Now, it’s time to race.”

The 84-day meet will be conducted on a 5-day a week schedule, Monday thru Friday with post time set for 12:30 pm. The lone exception to the schedule is Kentucky Derby Day, Saturday, May 1.

Horsemen will arrive Nov. 19 to prepare their stalls; horses will arrive Nov. 25. The first condition book and stakes schedule are published at www.turfparadise.com.

“There’s a lot to do in a short time,” said Francia. “But we’ll be ready.”

Estimated $4 Million in Purses for Upcoming Meet at Turf Paradise

10/23/2020

Race Days Change to Monday thru Friday

An estimated $4 million in purse money will be available when Turf Paradise opens its 84-day live meet, running from January 4 thru May 1, 2021.

Racing will be conducted on a 5-day a week basis, Monday thru Friday (a change from the original schedule of Saturday thru Wednesday). Kentucky Derby Day Saturday, May 1, will be the lone exception.

“Our numbers revealed a simple truth: we handle more on the weekdays than on the weekends, especially wagering coming from our out of state markets,” said track general manager Vincent Francia. “Better handle equals more purse money for the horsemen.”

The Phoenix-based track has been dark since having to curtail its live meet in progress on March 14 due to the Coronavirus. But simulcasting at the track and at Turf’s OTB system continued, accruing $2.1 million from March 14 to September 3. An additional $1.9 million is projected to be generated from then until Dec. 31, for a total of $4 million.

The $4 million serves as seed money to start the meet. In addition nearly $50,000 is generated daily for purses for each of the 84 live race days.

“The whole purpose of the January to May meet is to get money to the horsemen, to help them get back on their feet after the March cancellation,” said Francia. “Fans are welcome in limited number because of the Coronavirus. But the meet is really for the horsemen.”

The first floor of the Grandstand and outside on the track apron will be open for wagering. The Clubhouse and Turf Club will be closed.

Daily purses will range from $80,000 to $100,000.

“Because of the increased purse money we’re expecting to have plenty of horses,” said racing secretary Robbie Junk. “Bottom maiden claimers will race for $8,000 as compared to $6,300. Open allowance will be up to $23,500 from $19,000. And bottom $3,000 claimers will be racing from $9,000 instead of $7,000. “

Details are still being worked out with the Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders for their purses.

“What we know so far with the breed races is that they will be 5 to 10% higher than the open races,” said Junk. “I’m still working through the details with Marv Fleming (President, Az Thoroughbred Breeders).”

<<Previous

Archives

Categories