Major Horse Races in Arizona

Whether it's the best thoroughbreds on the grounds at Turf Paradise, or the speedy Quarterhorses at Rillito Park, racing in Arizona offers multiple opportunties get a bet down in a preferred racebook, with high-level stakes action taking place throughout the winter racing season.

Arizona Stakes Racing

Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile

Having celebrated its 10th edition in 2015, this race is open to horses aged four and up, and is run on the turf course, offering a purse of $75,000. The Fitzsimmons mile is typically held in mid-January.

Phoenix Gold Cup

Going six furlongs on the dirt, this sprint event has been taking place since 1976 and once enjoyed Grade 3 status. Like the Fitzsimmons, it also offers a purse of $75,000. It's usually run in mid-February.

Turf Paradise Derby

The namesake event of Turf Paradise, the Derby features three-year-old horses racing 1 1/16 miles on the dirt track for a purse of $75,000, and is held in mid-to-late February.