Turf Paradise to open stable area early

Turf Paradise will open its stable area Friday, Aug. 5, a month earlier than usual, the track’s general manager, Vince Francia, said Wednesday.

“We’re opening the stable area early to help horsemen still feeling the effects of Yavapai Downs canceling its summer meet,” said Francia. He said the local horsemen’s association and the track will share in the expenses.

The 157-day Turf Paradise meet opens Oct. 1 and runs through May 6, 2012. The main track is scheduled to be open for training Sept. 6. The track also recently announced an increase of 10 percent for its overnight purses and increase of 26 percent for stakes purses for the upcoming meet.