Opening Day Is October 17th

PHOENIX - Nearly 500 race horses have arrived at the stables at Turf Paradise in preparation for the tracks 60th season which begins October 17th.

Thoroughbreds, trainers, and owners from all over the United States and Canada are coming to the iconic Phoenix track. More than 1900 will be stabled at Turf at the height of the meet. The horses are already making practice runs.

Turf Paradise General Manager Vincent Francia said, “It’s an exciting time at Turf as the horses and trainers arrive with high hopes for a new season. It was exciting when we began in 1956 and that enthusiasm remains today.”

Turf Paradise Racing Secretary Mike Harlow spent the summer covering 9,000 miles and 15 racetracks in eight states and Canada, with one specific purpose in mind: to recruit horses.

The season, which starts October 17th and concludes May 8th features 35 stakes races with a combined value of $1.45 million.

They include the $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup (Feb. 13), the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile (Jan. 16) and the $75,000 Turf Paradise Derby (Feb, 20).

Opening day features a full card of live horse racing, free t-shirts for the first 5,000 paid admission, live music, a kids fun park, a barbecue tent, and a rare display of LeRoy Neiman’s classic painting of Seattle Slew from the Larsen Art Auction.

The gates open at 11am and the first post time is 12:55. The race card includes the $35,000 Bienvenidos Stakes.

As always fans can watch and wager on races locally and across the globe.

Grandstand admission is just $2. There will also be food and drink specials. Turf Paradise remains committed to the philosophy of affordable family fun.   back...