Preparations are underway for the 2015 season at Rillito Park Race Track. (Click on photo for slide show.)
Rillito Park's new season
Jockeys and their horses come busting out of the gate during a work out as a new season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing returns to Rillito Park Race Track, 4502 N. First Ave., starting this Saturday.
Rillito Park's new season
Jockey Rick Oliver eases up on a horse going through a work out as a new season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing returns to Rillito Park Race Track. In the past, Oliver has ridden for Nogales native Bob Baffert, the famous trainer and horse owner.
Rillito Park's new season
Jesse "Beavis" Fikes, far right, and Martin Trujillo, second right, keep a horse steady before putting it inside the starting gate during training. Patrons will be able to bet on eight or nine races every Saturday and Sunday until April 11.
Rillito Park's new season
During a workout, a jockey eases up on a horse as they finish going through the turn at the Rillito Park Race Track. Simulcasting is being made available where a broadcast of a horse race elsewhere can seen and wagers placed. El Charro Cafe has the food concession at the track offering restaurant service.
Rillito Park's new season
Miguel Valenzuela, top, and Ricardo Mariscal, with Sentry Fence, stretch slatted fencing along the edge of the track at Rillito Park Race Track. The fence is being installed to shield horses from distractions in the parking lot. General admission is $5, Clubhouse admission is $8 with tables available for an additional price. Parking is free, the gates open at 11 am and post time is 1 pm.
Rillito Park's new season
A female rider leads a horse on the track as a slatted fence is being installed to shield horses from distractions in the parking lot. Patrons will be able to place a wager on eight or nine races every Saturday and Sunday until April 11.
Rillito Park's new season
While inside the gate, Patrick Pinedo, right, makes sure a horse's head is in the correct position before being released.
Rillito Park's new season
Jockeys and riders come in after working their horses on the track at Rillito Park Race Track, 4502 N. First Ave. General admission is $5, Clubhouse admission is $8 with tables available for an additional price. Parking is free, the gates open at 11 am and post time is 1 pm.
Rillito Park's new season
Spectators line the fence as a jockey ride his mount along the railing after a work out at Rillito Park Race Track.
Rillito Park's new season
Tim Wilson, with Central Alarm, Inc., installs a security pad near the betting windows as a new season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing returns to Rillito Park Race Track.
Rillito Park's new season
A couple walks past a giant photograph of a horse race under the grandstand as a new season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing returns to Rillito Park Race Track.
Rillito Park's new season
University of Arizona student Mandla Kunnie slides sheets of clear plastic over the framing of the judges area that overlooks the race course. Meanwhile Ford Cook, below, with American Teletimer Corp., helps to build the wood framing for the televisions, timing and photo finish devices.
Rillito Park's new season
When Eddie Tellez isn't working as the clocker, clerk of scales and paddock judge, he is doing just about everything else including improving the paddock area. The former jockey and trainer has been working at a track for decades.
With a unanimous 5-0 vote, the Pima County Board of Supervisors approved a four-year extension for horse racing at Rillito Park.