Turf Paradise canceled its eight-race card scheduled for Tuesday due to unsafe track conditions. Dave Johnson, vice president and assistant general manager of Phoenix Racetrack in Arizona, stated that the cancellation decision was made after consulting with jockeys and their representatives, emphasizing the track’s commitment to safety.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Maricopa County on Tuesday afternoon. Training was also halted Tuesday morning as a storm affected the area and the racetrack was closed. Additionally, no training occurred Monday morning because of poor track conditions.
Racing is planned to go ahead on Monday and will resume Wednesday, with the first of eight races set to start at 1:15 p.m. (Montana time). Phoenix has experienced above-average rainfall this season, with 7.71 inches recorded at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as of 8 a.m. on November 18, according to azcentral.com. Scattered showers are forecasted through November 20.
This article was initially published by The Paulick Report on November 18, 2025, in the News section.
Fan Take: Safety is paramount in horse racing, and Turf Paradise’s decision to cancel races underscores the sport’s dedication to protecting both horses and riders. This pause also highlights the impact weather can have on racing schedules, reminding fans of the unpredictable challenges that tracks must manage to keep the sport running smoothly.
