Turf Paradise race track ready for opening day on Veterans Day after maintenance delays
PHOENIX - Turf Paradise is set to start a new season on Nov. 11, Veterans Day, with live racing scheduled through May 3, 2025.
After passing all track inspections conducted by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the Arizona Racing Commission gave officials at Turf Paradise the notice that the racing surfaces meet industry standards and live racing events are safe to begin.
The planned opening was for Nov. 2 but it was pushed back due to track maintenance issues.
"Thanks to our horsemen and the AZHBPA for helping us establish the new season. Our track maintenance crews did stellar work. We are excited to bring our fans another great season of racing," said Turf Pradise GM Vince Francia.
The two major stakes races at Turf Paradise have been pushed back to mid-November.
The Jeff and Jack Coady Sr. handicap will run on Wednesday Nov. 13 and the Hank Mills Jr. Handicap will be run on Thursday Nov. 14.
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Turf Paradise originally opened near 19th Avenue and Bell Road nearly seven decades ago, and a new owner has plans to bring more than just horses to the racecourse. FOX 10 Photojournalists Corey Goodwin and Joe Tillman have more on this Phoenix area landmark, in this week's edition of Drone Zone.
History of Turf Paradise and recent evolution
According to Turf Paradise officials, the racecourse opened in 1956.
In recent years, however, the racecourse has experienced a number of issues.
The embattled horse racing track's future was in limbo since the retirement of owner Jerry Simms in the Fall of 2023.
In September of 2023, it was announced that live racing at Turf Paradise was set to expire.
In addition, it was announced that simulcasting of other races at 27 Off Track Betting (OTB) sites throughout Arizona will also cease, and the OTB sites shuttered, due to the firm's decision to terminate its contract with the Arizona Horsemen Benevolent and Protective Association (AZ HBPA).
At the time the closure was announced, Francia said he was hopeful the sun had not set on horse racing in Arizona for the last time.
"I don't see it as the end of horse racing," said Francia. "I see that Arizona horse racing is in transition."
His prognostication seems to have been correct.
On Sept. 27, 2023, it was announced that the AZ HBPA's contract with Turf Paradise was extended until Nov. 12, and that a live horseracing event was scheduled to start in early January 2024.
Racing returned to Turf Paradise on Jan. 29.
What you need to know about the upcoming season
Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. for opening day on Nov. 11 and admission is $5 for the grandstand and clubhouse. Parking and general admission are free.
Turf Paradise will host racing specials on Saturdays this year, including the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
They are also featuring new food and beverage options, spearheaded by chefs Tom D'Ambrosio and Kyle Hollenbeck, two Arizona natives known for their work with Aioli Gourmet Burgers.
For more information on events at Turf Paradise, you can visit their website here.