Record Low Fatality Rate Achieved at Turf Paradise Race Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona
The recent race meeting at Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Arizona, wrapped up with the lowest fatality rate in the track's nearly 70-year history. The track reported a fatality rate of 0.73 per 1,000 starts for the entire meet and a rate of just 0.24 from the start of 2025 until the end of the meet. This achievement was attributed to teamwork and collaboration among various stakeholders, including the track crew, track veterinarian, horsemen, HBPA, Arizona Department of Racing, and HISA. Turf Paradise owner Jerry Simms expressed gratitude and emphasized the goal of zero fatalities in the future.
During the race meet, there was one fatality on the main track and three on the turf course out of the 6,981 starters. These numbers reflect a significant improvement compared to national averages, with the 2024 Jockey Club national average at 1.11/1,000 and the 2024 HISA national average at 0.90/1,000. The dedication and efforts of all involved parties contributed to enhancing safety measures and reducing the risk of fatalities in horse racing events.
The commitment to prioritizing the well-being of horses and ensuring a safe racing environment at Turf Paradise has yielded positive results, with the lowest fatality rate in the track's history achieved during the recent race meeting. The collaborative efforts of the track crew, veterinarians, horsemen, regulatory partners, and industry organizations have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. Moving forward, the goal remains to strive for zero fatalities and continue implementing measures to enhance safety standards in horse racing.