The Phoenix desert mountains

Turf Paradise

ThoroughbredQuarter HorseDirtTurf
Official site ↗Directions ↗Hotels nearby ↗

Turf Paradise is a thoroughbred and quarter horse racetrack in Phoenix, Arizona. It opened in 1956, making it 70 years old in 2026. It races on a 1-mile dirt oval, 7-furlong turf course.

Its signature races are the Turf Paradise Derby, Phoenix Gold Cup and Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile.

In 2016 Turf Paradise staged an 'alternative racing' day with jockeys riding ostriches, camels and zebras.

Track facts

Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Racing
Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse
Surfaces
Dirt, Turf
Track
1-mile dirt oval, 7-furlong turf course
Opened
1956
Racing season
November–early May
Operator
Gary Hartunian (lessee; owner Jerry Simms)

Signature races at Turf Paradise

Race day

When to go. Live racing runs november–early May. Check the official site for post times and the current stakes schedule.

The view. Our illustration shows the Phoenix desert mountains in the background.

Getting there. Directions to Turf Paradise and parking nearby.

Plan your trip to Turf Paradise

Hotels near Turf ParadiseBook a stay for race day on ExpediaRace schedule & post timesLive racing dates and stakesParkingLots near the trackDirectionsMap to Turf ParadiseTours & things to do in PhoenixSightseeing, tours and more on ExpediaFood & drinks nearbySpots to eat before or after the races

Tracks near Turf Paradise10

  1. 1ThoroughbredDel Mar — Pacific Classic (Del Mar, California)302 mi
  2. 2ThoroughbredSunRay Park & Casino — San Juan County Commissioners Handicap (Farmington, New Mexico)311 mi
  3. 3ThoroughbredThe Downs Racetrack & Casino — Downs at Albuquerque Fall QH Championship (QH G1) (Albuquerque, New Mexico)330 mi
  4. 4ThoroughbredLos Alamitos Race Course — Los Alamitos Futurity (Cypress, California)342 mi
  5. 5ThoroughbredSanta Anita Park — Santa Anita Handicap (Arcadia, California)343 mi
  6. 6ThoroughbredSunland Park Racetrack & Casino — Sunland Park Derby (Sunland Park, New Mexico)346 mi
  7. 7ThoroughbredZia Park Casino, Hotel & Racetrack — Zia Park Derby (Hobbs, New Mexico)521 mi
  8. 8ThoroughbredWyoming Downs — Wyoming Downs Derby (Evanston, Wyoming)531 mi
  9. 9ThoroughbredBally's Arapahoe Park — Gold Rush Futurity (Aurora, Colorado)583 mi
  10. 10ThoroughbredEnergy Downs — Thoroughbred racing (Gillette, Wyoming)816 mi

Questions about Turf Paradise

Where is Turf Paradise?

Turf Paradise is in Phoenix, Arizona.

What kind of racing is at Turf Paradise?

Turf Paradise hosts thoroughbred and quarter horse racing. Live racing runs november–early May.

When did Turf Paradise open?

Turf Paradise opened in 1956.

What is the biggest race at Turf Paradise?

The signature race at Turf Paradise is the Turf Paradise Derby.

What other racetracks are near Turf Paradise?

The closest is Del Mar in Del Mar, California, about 302 miles away. See the full list of nearby tracks on this page.

Facts are for the 2026 racing season. Distances are straight-line miles. The illustration is original artwork, not a photo. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your track? Get the “Listed on HorsetrackAtlas.com” badge for your website.