Turf Paradise Racing Preparations Continue As November 13 Regulatory Hearing Approaches

Preparations for the upcoming race meet at Turf Paradise are continuing, with horses already on the grounds and the training track open, while two important November dates could help determine the future of the 2026-27 racing season.

According to the November newsletter released by Arizona Quarter Racing & Breeders (AQR&B), the main racing surface remains pending approval from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), with an inspection scheduled for Wednesday, November 11.

Meanwhile, the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) Racing Division has rescheduled a hearing involving Skyfall 7 LLC, the current permittee seeking to conduct the upcoming Turf Paradise race meet, for Friday, November 13.

The hearing, which will be conducted via Zoom, represents an important step in determining whether the planned racing season can proceed.

AQR&B is encouraging Arizona horsemen, owners, breeders, and other industry participants to express their support for Skyfall 7 LLC and its efforts to conduct the upcoming meet.

Interested parties can participate in the November 13 hearing through the Arizona Department of Gaming's Racing Meetings and Minutes webpage, where the meeting link is expected to be available under the scheduled hearing date.

The association also encouraged supporters to contact ADG Director Jackie Johnson at jjohnson@azgaming.gov, Director of Racing Shannon Nelson at snelson@azgaming.gov, and Assistant Director of Racing Juan Estrada at jestrada@azgaming.gov.

Fall Futurity and Derby Payments

With the regulatory hearing approaching, AQR&B has also provided important information concerning sustaining payments for its upcoming Fall Futurities and Derby.

The sustaining payment deadline was November 1, with checks accepted if postmarked by November 2. Horsemen may also contact the association to arrange credit card payments by telephone or text.

According to the association, all checks will be held until November 13, pending the outcome of the Skyfall 7 LLC hearing.

If the scheduled races are not conducted, AQR&B has assured participants that all payments will be fully refunded.

Fall nomination forms are available through the association's website at azqra.com.

Arizona-Bred Certification Deadlines Approaching

AQR&B also reminded owners and breeders of significant certification deadlines that could affect eligibility for Arizona breeding awards.

All horses aged two and older may currently be certified for $200 through December 31, 2026.

The association emphasized that several older horses currently competing have not been certified, potentially leaving their connections ineligible for available breeder awards.

Beginning January 1, 2027, the certification fee for all two-year-olds will increase to $750.

Yearlings can be certified for just $100 if their applications are submitted by December 31.

Owners and breeders are encouraged to complete the certification process before the year-end deadline to take advantage of the reduced fees and preserve eligibility for applicable awards.

Certification forms are available on the association's website, or horsemen may contact AQR&B Executive Director Krystal Bourdieu to request forms by mail.

Association Seeks Board Candidates

In addition to its racing and certification updates, AQR&B is seeking Quarter Horse owners and trainers interested in serving on its Board of Directors.

Prospective candidates may contact Bourdieu directly or complete the board nomination form available on the association's website.

The organization emphasized the importance of industry participation in supporting and strengthening Quarter Horse racing throughout Arizona.

For additional information concerning nominations, certification, or association activities, contact Krystal Bourdieu at (602) 208-8250 or krystal@aqrbreeding.com.

The AQR&B office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

With the November 11 HISA inspection and November 13 regulatory hearing approaching, Arizona horsemen face two significant milestones as Turf Paradise continues preparations for the upcoming racing season.

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