Horse racing at Phoenix’s Turf Paradise returns in October

PHOENIX — The 62nd season of horse racing at Turf Paradise gets out of the gate Oct. 14 with the $30,000 Bienvenidos Stakes, the first of 35 races at the Arizona venue for the next year.

The first 5,000 fans who pay for admission will receive a free T-shirt, and the beginning of the season will include live music, a kids’ fun park and a barbecue tent. Gates open at 11 a.m., and grandstand admission is $3.

“We look forward to opening our doors for our 62nd season where new fans can discover the sport of kings and returning fans can rediscover the thrill of cheering a horse to victory,” said Turf Paradise GM Vincent Francia.

Along with the Bienvenidos Stakes, the season of racing at the site on 19th Avenue and Bell Road includes the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile (Jan. 13)  the $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup (Feb. 10) and the $50,000 Turf Paradise Derby (Feb. 20).

The season at Turf Paradise, which opened in 1956, runs through May 5.

Here’s what else will be featured at the venue this season:

– Special Fiesta Sundays throughout the season featuring Mexican food and music (Last Sundays of the month except for December)

– Two Day Breeders Cup Party Nov. 3-4 (All day buffet Nov. 4)

– A Thanksgiving Weekend Party

– 62nd Anniversary Party featuring the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile on Jan. 13

– Super Saturday on Feb. 10

– Wiener Dog Races on March 3rd

– Camel, Ostrich and Zebra Races on March 17

– Kentucky Derby Party on May 5

Related

Kimberly Yee leading Tom Horne in bitter GOP primary for Arizona schools chiefWarren Petersen claims victory in GOP primary for Arizona attorney generalAlex Kolodin tops former state party chair in secretary of state primary raceJay Feely projected winner in CD-1; Dem race still too close to callMark Lamb wins AZ-5 Republican primary, will face newcomer Elizabeth LeeAndy Biggs projected winner in Arizona governor primary, will face Katie Hobbs