Ajax Downs – Toronto, ON – A celebration will take place on Sunday, September 21st at Ajax Downs to mark the end of an era and celebrate a bright new future for Quarter Horse racing in Ontario. Ajax Downs, Canada’s only dedicated Quarter Horse racetrack, runs its final card of the season this Sunday on the last official J-track in North America.
The J-track, a dirt drag strip that veers sharply to the right after the horses have passed the finish line, will be retired after 39 years of service. For decades, proud and passionate horsemen have matched their fastest horses on the course, testing their horse’s raw speed and agility. The monetary reward for their efforts was never close to what is being offered to winners on Sunday’s ten-race card. With more than $200,000 up-for-grabs in purses and bonuses on Sunday, the race card features the first sanctioned graded stake — the G3 Alex Picov Memorial Championship — with a purse of over $129,000.
The Championship, named after the founder of the racetrack, Alex Picov, features eight contenders over age three and pits the fastest qualifiers, male or female, against each other for 440 yards. Entries into Sunday’s big race – with their lifetime earnings up to September 8th – include:
First Kool Money – This three-year-old bay filly with earnings of $180,596 and a speed index of 105 was bred in Ontario by owner William “Bill†Taggart and is trained by Don Reid.
Illbegoneinajazz – This four-year-old filly with earnings of $58,749 and a speed index of 97 was bred in Oklahoma, is owned by Christine Tavares and trained by Joe Tavares.
Into Fast – This four-year-old filly with earnings of $96,145 and a speed index of 97 was bred in Ontario by Joyce Lehtinen and Gayle Sommer, is owned by Dave McIntyre and trained by Greg Watson.
Lucrative Eye – This four-year-old gelding with earnings of $32,638 and a speed index of 101 was bred in Oklahoma, is owned by Christine Tavares and trained by Joe Tavares.
Reckless Bug – This five-year-old gelding with earnings of $86,297 and a speed index of 97 was bred in Oklahoma, is owned by Guylaine Paquin and trained by Sandra Laszlo.
Rockish – This four-year-old gelding with earnings of $82,123 and a speed index of 105 was bred in Arizona, is owned by Full Circle Racing and trained by Greg Watson.
Strawflyin Fitness – This five-year-old mare with earnings of $50,905 and a speed index of 103 was bred in Oklahoma, is owned by Brian Farrell and trained by Lynn Farrell.
Vital Drive – This four-year-old gelding with earnings of $114,736 and a speed index of 102 was bred in Ontario by owner Sandra Laszlo and is trained by Sandra Laszlo.
The day begins with a VIP Champagne Brunch hosting politicians from the Province of Ontario and surrounding regions, and dignitaries from across all sectors of the horse industry. This brunch provides recognition for the Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Plan and the Slots at Racetracks Program. Sports broadcaster Joe Tilley is the Master of Ceremonies and the celebrations for the day feature Patron Appreciation gifts, draws for prizes and entertainment for all ages between the races. Post time is 1:00 p.m. at Ajax Downs. For directions to the track, visit www.ajaxdowns.com.
