AZ: 60th Season Set for Turf Paradise

Blood-Horse

The 60th season of racing at Turf Paradise kicks off Oct. 17, with a new track announcer and a stakes schedule totaling $1.45 million during the 136-day stand that ends May 8, 2016.

According to the track, Turf Paradise was located in the middle of the desert with fans having to navigate a pair of dirt roads when it first opened its doors in January 1956. Phoenix has since grown to include Turf Paradise, now owned by Jerry Simms.

“Very few businesses in Phoenix have been continually operating at the same location for 60 years,” Turf Paradise general manager Vincent Francia said in the release. “At a time when the sport of horse racing is struggling, we have been blessed with a loyal and growing fan base. After American Pharoah’s Triple Crown victory, more people are discovering the sport of horse racing. We welcome them to our growing family of fans.”

For opening day, the track is distributing free t-shirts for the first 5,000 paid admissions, as well as live music and a rare display of LeRoy Neiman’s classic painting of Seattle Slew. On loan from Scottsdale’s Larsen Art Auction, the painting depicts the Triple Crown winner in mid-gallop and includes his own hoof print in the corner on top of Neiman’s signature.

The Oct. 17 race card includes the $35,000 Bienvenidos Stakes.

Opening day will also serve as the debut of new track announcer Robert Fox, who previously was the track announcer at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico and Rillito Park in Tucson, Ariz.

Highlighting the 35 stakes races are 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).