Ajax Downs

Ajax Downs is Ontario's premier Quarter Horse Racing facility. Live racing May-Oct & Simulcast year-round!

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

Ajax Downs Recap — Sunday, June 21
Race 1 — Shaken kicks off the Father's Day card with a price !!!
Winner: Shaken
Jockey: Cassandra Jeschke
Distance: 330 yards
Purse: $9,000
Win payout: $12.40
Place / Show: $6.40 / $2.80
Shaken opened the Father’s Day card with a sharp upset in the 330-yard opener, defeating Relentless Betty and Phil Jefferson. The exacta with Shaken over Relentless Betty returned $34.40, while the superfecta paid $74.93.
Top finishers:
1. Shaken
2. Relentless Betty
3. Phil Jefferson
4. Fate Zoomin
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Race 2 — Caraways Angels Air keeps the value rolling
Winner: Caraways Angels Air
Jockey: Tony Phillips
Distance: 250 yards
Purse: $13,000
Win payout: $12.00
Place / Show: $8.00 / $3.90
Caraways Angels Air made it back-to-back double-digit winners to start the card, taking Race 2 over Rushn Spice and Done in Chrome. The $2 Daily Double from Race 1 to Race 2, Shaken to Caraways Angels Air, returned a strong $78.90.
Top finishers:
1. Caraways Angels Air
2. Rushn Spice
3. Done in Chrome
4. Stolin Secrets
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Race 3 — Perryokie delivers the biggest upset of the day
Winner: Perryokie
Jockey: Ramiro Castillo
Distance: 300 yards
Purse: $9,500
Win payout: $25.40
Place / Show: $7.10 / $3.40
The biggest win price of the afternoon came in Race 3, where Perryokie lit up the board at $25.40. The result also produced some of the day’s best exotic payouts, including a $288.60 exacta, a $188.57 trifecta, and a $224.61 Pick 3.
Top finishers:
1. Perryokie
2. Rushn in the Rain
3. Maryland Magic
4. Ivy League Sugarbaby
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Race 7 — Norman Picov Maturity
Stakes Race | 300 yards | For 4-year-olds and upward
Purse: $29,790
Winner: Had to Be Fabulous
Jockey: Ismael Mosqueira
Win payout: $4.70
Place / Show: $3.00 / $2.70
Had to Be Fabulous added her name to the history of the Norman Picov Maturity, one of Ajax Downs’ notable stakes races for older Quarter Horses. This year marked the 13th edition of the race, which honours the Picov family’s deep roots in Ontario Quarter Horse racing. The Maturity has been a showcase for some of the sport’s top older horses, including champion Had to Be Ivory, who won the race multiple times and captured the 2024 edition as a nine-year-old.
The 2026 running brought together a strong field that included the last three Ajax Downs Horses of the Year — Had to Be Fabulous, Queen Charlotte, and Snow Moose — making the victory even more impressive. Had to Be Fabulous proved best in the 300-yard dash, defeating Kissin Ella and Spy for the Senate, with Queen Charlotte finishing fourth. The race returned a $28.60 exacta, $15.00 trifecta, and $85.79 superfecta.
Top finishers:
1. Had to Be Fabulous
2. Kissin Ella
3. Spy for the Senate
4. Queen Charlotte
In Race 7, Had to Be Fabulous added another major stakes victory to her record in the 13th edition of the Norman Picov Maturity, a 300-yard race for older Quarter Horses that honours the Picov family’s long-standing contribution to Quarter Horse racing in Ontario. The race has a strong history of showcasing champions, including Had to Be Ivory, who won the Maturity multiple times. This year’s field featured the last three Ajax Downs Horses of the Year — Had to Be Fabulous, Queen Charlotte, and Snow Moose — and Had to Be Fabulous delivered, defeating Kissin Ella and Spy for the Senate.
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Race 8 — Unclassified Never Better than 79 Speed Index Stakes
Stakes Race | 330 yards | For horses with a speed index never better than 79
Purse: $31,680
Winner: My Royal Swinger
Owner/Trainer: Joe Tavares
Jockey: Corry Beland
Win payout: $5.50
Place / Show: $3.50 / $3.00
My Royal Swinger gave owner/trainer Joe Tavares a memorable stakes victory in the Unclassified Never Better than 79 Speed Index Stakes, but the race was even bigger for the Tavares barn as a whole. Tavares sent out the top two finishers, with My Royal Swinger winning and Ariche finishing second, creating a Tavares-trained exacta in the 330-yard final. StallioneSearch described it as a “Tavares exacta,” noting that My Royal Swinger delivered as the 8-5 favourite despite a troubled start.
The win continued a strong 2026 campaign for My Royal Swinger, who had also won his June 3 trial for the same stakes series for owner/trainer Joe Tavares and jockey Corry Beland. Equibase lists Tavares as both the winning owner and trainer in that trial, with Beland aboard.
It was also another meaningful win in the growing partnership between Tavares, My Royal Swinger, and Corry Beland. Earlier this season, Beland earned his first career race win aboard My Royal Swinger for Joe Tavares at Ajax Downs, making this stakes victory another special milestone for the connections.
Top finishers:
1. My Royal Swinger — Owner/Trainer: Joe Tavares; Jockey: Corry Beland
2. Ariche — trained by Joe Tavares
3. Hesmagicalydelicious
4. Keep Them in Corona

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

Looking for something fun to do this Father’s Day? Celebrate Dad at the races!

Join us at Ajax Downs on Sunday, June 21 for an exciting afternoon of live Quarter Horse racing and family fun!

Free gift with the purchase of an Ajax Downs program
While quantities last

First race post time: 12:55 p.m.
Plus, enter our draw for a chance to win a Blackstone Grill!

Hot dogs & More will be here for lunch plus our fathers day favourite Lowlands Fire Food Pizza is BACK!!

Bring Dad, bring the family, and enjoy a great day at the track!

Free Admission
Free Parking
Free Family Fun

#AjaxDowns #FathersDay #QuarterHorseRacing #FamilyFun #DiscoverAjaxDowns #Ontarioracing #fun

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

SUNDAY RACE DAY PREP @ AJAX DOWNS

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

AJAX DOWNS — Fire Hot Stuff got the June 10 card at Ajax Downs off to a winning start with a strong performance in Race 1. Competing in the 330-yard maiden race, Fire Hot Stuff showed good early speed and finished with determination to reach the wire first. The win came for owner Payton Kluczynski, trainer Jason Pascoe, and jockey Cristian Benitez. Fire Hot Stuff returned $6.00 to win, giving racing fans an exciting start to the afternoon. The victory also helped set the tone for a strong day for Benitez, who went on to ride two winners on the card. ~Congratulations! Photo Credit: New Image Media & Jennifer Morrison

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

AJAX DOWNS — Lights Dynasty delivered a determined performance in Race 4 at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, June 10. Owned and trained by Joe Tavares and ridden by Brian Bell, (1)Lights Dynasty battled through the 300-yard race and dug in late to hold on for the win. It was a strong effort from the colt and another victory for Tavares on the June 10 card.
Photo credit : Jennifer Morrison

[Jennifer Morrison @jensblog]

Racing @AjaxDowns . A community gets together to support and celebrate Quarter Horses and their passionate people.
@ONTRacing #Ontario #ThreeBreedsOneVision
#Horsepeoplehelpinghorsepeople
We are in this for the love of the horse.
June 10 action:

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

https://t.co/dWG6IdtCt9
A Quarter Horse race is pure adrenaline from start to finish. The gates burst open, the horses explode down the track at breathtaking speed, and in just seconds the crowd is on its feet as powerful athletes thunder toward the finish line. It is fast, fierce, and thrilling — a quick burst of speed that keeps your heart racing long after they cross the wire- CONGRATULATIONS ICE WITCH

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

RECAP AJAX DOWNS — Wednesday’s June 10 card at Ajax Downs featured several exciting races, including a big upset, a photo finish, and a strong finish to the day.
The biggest surprise came in Race 5, when 12-year-old Ice Witch lit up the board with a $28.50 win. Owned and trained by Dan Giles and ridden by Cristian Benitez, the veteran gelding showed he still has plenty of speed in the 110-yard dash.
In Race 7, Copilot battled back after a tough start to win for owner John Wilson. He was ridden by Helen Vanek.
The feature came in Race 8, when Niigaanii, owned by Rick Crispi and ridden by Cassandra Jeschke, won in a close photo finish. He covered 250 yards in 13.306 and earned a 98 speed index.
In Race 9, Suit Up, also owned by Rick Crispi, pulled away to win by 1 3/4 lengths with Helen Vanek aboard.
The strong finish gave trainer Scott Reid three straight wins in races seven, eight and nine, making it a memorable day for his barn.
Photo Credit : New Image Media

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

RACE DAY HIGHLIGHTS – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10!

Get ready, race fans — live Quarter Horse racing is back at Ajax Downs this Wednesday, June 10, with first race post time at 3:30 p.m.!

The day kicks off with exciting maiden races, as rising Quarter Horses look to make their mark and break through with a big win. Then the action heats up with competitive Speed Index races, featuring seasoned runners ready to battle down the stretch.

Watch for Race 6, an exciting Allowance race with a $13,000 purse, featuring a strong field including Agent Ice, Embrace Your Fate, Look Twice, Stolin Secrets, and Fishin for Coronas. It’s sure to be one of the can’t-miss races of the day!

Fans can also look forward to late-card excitement with Pick 3 and Pick 4 wagering opportunities, giving everyone even more reason to follow the action right to the final race.
Photo Credit : Laurie Overton

Wednesday, June 10
9 Exciting Races
First race: 3:30 p.m.
Ajax Downs – 50 Alexander’s Crossing, Ajax
Free parking
Free admission

Can’t make it to the track? Make your picks on HPIbet!
Or better yet — see you at the track!

#AjaxDowns #QuarterHorseRacing #OntarioRacing #RaceDay #DownTheStretch #DiscoverAjaxDowns #HPIbet #hotdogsandmore

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

Here’s a quick recap for Ajax Downs Quarter Horse racing — Wednesday, May 27, 2026:
It was a bright, fast-track afternoon at Ajax Downs with 7 races, sunny weather, and a fast track .
Highlights from the card:
Race 4 brought the biggest win price of the day, with Keep Them in Corona and jockey Diego Benitez taking the 110-yard maiden race, paying $13.90 to win. Goodlookingperry and Brian Bell finished second, with Lil Phyler third.
Race 5 was a strong 300-yard performance from Peighntmeadiamond, ridden by Brian Bell, who won over Chillin With Peeps and Embrace Your Fate. This was one of the standout races of the afternoon, with Peighntmeadiamond paying $5.00 to win.
Race 6 went to Maryland Magic, with Jesus Ambrocio Medina aboard, winning the 300-yard speed index race over Agent Ice and Perryokie.
Race 7 closed the day with Fiesty Feebee and Alexis Sanchez winning the 110-yard dash, paying $7.40 to win, with Queen Charlotte second and Shaken third. The final race also produced a 20-cent Pick 5 payout of $159.44.
Other winners on the card:
Race 1: Runawey Perry with Ramiro Castillo
Race 2: Ivory Queen with Cristian Benitez
Race 3: Suit Up with Diego Benitez

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

Race Day is ON at Ajax Downs!

Get ready for 7 exciting races today at Ajax Downs, with the action kicking off at 3:30 PM post time!

Today’s card includes an Allowance NW2 or OBS NW3 at 110 yards, plus the always-fun Gridiron Gallop — making it a great day to get trackside and feel the rush of live Quarter Horse racing!

Before you make your picks, be sure to check out our website for Track Handicappers Nick and Jen’s selections. Then come enjoy a BBQ dinner, cheer from the rail, and experience all the excitement live at Ajax Downs.

Can’t make it to the track? You can still make your picks and follow the action on Bet HPI!

Ajax Downs
Post Time: 3:30 PM
7 Exciting Races
BBQ Dinner Available
Wager on Bet HPI
Let speed ignite your excitement — we’ll see you at the track!
#AjaxDowns #QuarterHorseRacing #OntarioRacing #RaceDay #BetHPI #DownTheStretch #DiscoverAjaxDowns

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

Race Day Recap: Wednesday, May 20 at Ajax Downs!
What a great afternoon of Quarter Horse racing at Ajax Downs! With sunny skies, a fast track, and seven exciting races on the card, fans were treated to plenty of speed, strong finishes, and standout performances.
The day kicked off with an exciting Battle of the Breeds victory from General Skywalker, guided by jockey Ramiro Castillo for owner Marie Broadstock, setting the tone for a thrilling race day.
The card also featured several fan-watch horses, including Favorite Interest, Oppy, Haaave You Met Karma, and Kissin Ella, all adding to the excitement of the May 20 races.
A major highlight came in the QROOI Open Derby, where Copilot raced to victory in the $32,805 final, crossing the wire ahead of Open a New Corona and Lights Dynasty.
The afternoon wrapped up with another exciting finish as Kissin Ella powered home to win Race 7, giving fans a great close to the day.
Congratulations to all of Wednesday’s winning connections, and thank you to everyone who joined us trackside for another exciting day of live Quarter Horse racing!
Photo Credit: New Image Media
Ajax Downs | 50 Alexander’s Crossing, Ajax
Free parking
Discover Ajax Downs — let speed ignite your excitement!
#AjaxDowns #QuarterHorseRacing #OntarioRacing #RaceDay #BattleOfTheBreeds #QROOIOpenDerby #Copilot #KissinElla #DiscoverAjaxDowns#betontario #bethpi

[Jennifer Morrison @jensblog]

Gorgeous day @AjaxDowns for Quarter Horse racing! Bright and sunny, breezy, 18 degrees C. One scratch, Race 6, #4.
Also Race 1, #1 Doadster is a first time gelding.
Feature is $32,805 QROOI Open Derby for 3 year olds!

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

WHAT A RACE CARD WE HAVE FOR YOU TODAY! It’s a 7-race card at Ajax Downs and we’re kicking things off with a fan favourite — Race #1: Battle of the Breeds! Later in the day, the excitement continues with the QROOI Open Derby Finals — a race you will not want to miss! Head over to Ajax Downs to make your picks, or find us online at HPIBet. And let’s go Facebook Live for the Battle of the Breeds! Ajax Downs Free parking Live Quarter Horse Racing #AjaxDowns #QuarterHorseRacing #BattleOfTheBreeds #QROOI #RaceDay #BetHPI #DownTheStretch

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A PART OF OUR AMAZING TEAM AT AJAX DOWNS? WE ARE HIRING A LEAD OUTRIDER FOR THE TRACK https://t.co/1HqikrJF0M

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A PART OF OUR AMAZING TEAM AT AJAX DOWNS?
WE ARE HIRING A LEAD OUTRIDER FOR THE TRACK
https://t.co/1HqikrJF0M

[Ajax Downs @AjaxDowns]

How exciting , its Opening Day @ Ajax Downs !! See you at the track !! Kicking off the season with 9 exciting races . #Ditchworkearlyforthe track #quarterhorseracing