After a weak 2020 summer racing season that was jeopardized by the pandemic and subsequent shutdowns, Arizona Downs in Prescott Valley has announced a return to live racing, effective June 1. The track, east of Prescott Valley at 10501 E. AZ-89A, will feature live racing beginning at 1:30 p.m., every Tuesday and Wednesday through Sept. 15. Steve Peterson, a spokesperson for the racetrack, said Arizona Downs will be managed by Michael Weiss, a longtime horseracing industry leader who has … [Read more...] about Arizona Downs Returns to Live Racing
Horse Racing
Exploring the Condition Book at the Races
Arizona Downs’ inaugural summer horse racing season is just around the corner. Thousands of fans will show up for our Memorial Day weekend celebration, but few will know everything that has gone on behind the scenes to prepare for our summer meet. Fans will be thrilled at the thundering sound of hooves racing to the finish line, but may not consider, for instance, how horses are selected to compete in any particular race. Because “fan education” is a top priority for the management team at … [Read more...] about Exploring the Condition Book at the Races
Racing to Begin Soon at Arizona Downs
Barring unforeseen difficulties, Memorial Day weekend will have the starter’s gun firing, horses galloping and the announcer shouting, “They’re off!” Arizona Downs in Yavapai County now seems primed to become another major destination in Central Arizona. In the past five months, experienced racetrack personnel have converted what was a weed-covered, eroded and generally abandoned horseracing complex into one of the most contemporary tracks in the Southwest. Ann McGovern, general manager for … [Read more...] about Racing to Begin Soon at Arizona Downs