Turf Paradise Begins 84-Day Live Meet Jan. 4

Turf Paradise begins its 84-day live race meet Jan. 4 and will conduct a five-day-a-week, Monday through Friday schedule through May 1, the track announced Dec. 30.

Opening day at the Phoenix racetrack attracted 88 entries, four of them also-eligibles, for a nine-race program with a first post time of 12:30 p.m. MT. The highlight of opening day is the 6 1/2-furlong $30,500 Hank Mills Sr. Stakes that has drawn a full field of 12 including three from the barn of Justin Evans: Pendleton, Raagheb, and Black Ops.

The Hank Mills Sr. Stakes continues to honor the long time Turf Paradise starter and kicks off a series of 15 Thoroughbred stakes throughout the meet. Some of the most eagerly awaited stakes races will be March 12 and include the Phoenix Gold Cup and Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Handicap, both worth $75,000, and the Arizona Oaks and Turf Paradise Derby, each contested for $50,000.

Purse money is up from $80,000 to $110,000 per day because the meet is starting with an estimated $4 million in reserve.

"We are running this race meet primarily for the horsemen," said Vincent Francia, Turf Paradise's general manager, said in a release. "It has been an incredible effort by everyone in very challenging times to pull everything together. Individual horsemen and women, the HBPA, state officials, and the Turf staff, all continue to play their part in making this meet a success."

The track, which has sparred with horsemen representatives in the state over simulcasting and other business considerations, said over the summer it would not reopen this winter, citing COVID-19, but ultimately changed course. Their meet, which typically begins in October, will be shorter in duration. 

Last season was cut short because of the onset of COVID-19 and the meet concluded March 14. 

Turf Paradise is likely to draw more horses from New Mexico and California this winter due to Sunland Park and Golden Gate Fields not currently racing amid COVID-19.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, fans will be limited initially to just 50 (though that may increase) and only the ground floor and outside apron will be accessible to the public. The Clubhouse and Turf Club will not open for the duration of the meet. No food or beverage service will be available.

"Wearing of masks and social distancing is mandatory when on track," said Francia. "We will adhere to all coronavirus protocols as set forth by the state."

With more than 50 off-track-betting locations in Arizona and Turf Paradise able to be wagered on many platforms across the country, Turf Paradise will be increasing its social media presence and interaction with fans on their Facebook page and via the @turf_paradise Twitter account.