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Turf Paradise Horseracing

Turf Paradise Race Course is a long-established thoroughbred and quarter horse racing facility located in Phoenix, Arizona. Since opening in 1956, the venue has become a prominent fixture in the American Southwest, featuring a one-mile dirt oval alongside a seven-furlong turf course that supports a wide variety of race types.

In recent years, Turf Paradise has shown resilience amid uncertainty about its future. Now operating under new ownership and management, the track entered a new chapter with the launch of its 70th season in November 2025, continuing to serve as Arizona's primary destination for live horse racing.

Turf Paradise Racing Season and Schedule

The live racing meet typically runs from November through early May, taking advantage of Arizona's favorable winter climate. The 2025-26 season featured more than 100 days of live racing, supported by a comprehensive statewide off-track betting network.

Turf Paradise Key Races and Stakes Events

Turf Paradise stages a range of notable stakes races each season, attracting both regional and national competitors. These include:

  • Phoenix Gold Cup Handicap
  • Turf Paradise Derby (for three-year-olds)
  • Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Handicap
  • Sun City Handicap
  • Tempe Handicap
  • Scottsdale Handicap
  • Cactus Flower Handicap
  • Grand Canyon Handicap

The Phoenix Gold Cup Handicap remains one of the track's standout sprint races and continues to be a major highlight of the racing calendar.

Turf Paradise Facts

  • Main Track: One-mile dirt oval designed for both thoroughbred and quarter horse racing
  • Turf Course: Seven-furlong grass course accommodating a variety of sprint and middle-distance races
  • Stretch Run: Approximately 990 feet from the final turn to the finish line, providing a relatively short homestretch that often favors well-positioned runners coming into the turn

History of Turf Paradise

1954

Phoenix businessman Walter Cluer, purchased 1,400 acres of barren desert at what is now Bell Road and 19th Avenue. His vision was to build a first-class racetrack in Phoenix.

1956

On January 7, Turf Paradise opened its doors. The people of Phoenix filled every seat in a warm welcome to the advent of pari-mutuel racing to Arizona. Cluer remained as head of the track for nearly 25 years.

1980

Herb Owens took over ownership and Turf Paradise was renovated. The Clubhouse was enlarged and a Turf Club was added. A seven-furlong infield turf course with a one mile and one-eighth chute was also added.

1989

Robert Walker became Turf Paradise's third owner. He was a prime mover in bringing off-track betting to Arizona.

1994

Turf Paradise was purchased in a stock acquisition by California-based Hollywood Park, under the chairmanship of R.D. Hubbard.

2000

On June 16, Jerry Simms became Turf Paradise's new owner when he purchased the track for $53 million. He immediately set out on a $5 million renovation plan that included complete makeovers of the Clubhouse and Turf Clubs. He also renovated the main track and turf course.

2003

An equine swimming pool was built in the stable area of the racetrack. The pool was designed to provide therapy for the thoroughbreds stabled on the backside.

2004-2024

During this two-decade span, Jerry Simms led the facility through significant economic shifts, regulatory evolutions, and the continued expansion of the statewide off-track betting (OTB) network. This era required adapting to federal mandates under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), while simultaneously managing periods of uncertainty surrounding the property's long-term future and potential redevelopment.

2025-Present

Turf Paradise embarked on a new chapter in late 2025 as California-based real estate developer and horse owner Gary Hartunian - CEO of Landmark LA Capital Group - assumed operation of the racetrack and its off-track betting network under a long-term lease agreement. Under this new leadership, the primary focus is on revitalizing the racing experience, investing in facility upgrades, and securing the long-term future of horse racing in the Phoenix area.

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