A gorgeous, sunny spring afternoon and the return of Quarter Horse racing at Ajax Downs led to a huge opening day for the track’s 50th anniversary season.
Fans old and new crammed Ajax Downs and cheered on seven exciting races including a fantastic five-horse photo finish in the day’s featured race won by the stakes winning mare Ghost Pines for owner James Bogar of Cameron, ON and trainer Barry Wood of Port Perry.
“We had a great crowd with a lot of first time visitors,” said Emilio Trotta, General Manager of Ajax Downs. “It was a great way to kick off the 50th anniversary year.”
Jockeys Reagan Knowles and Tony Phillips each won two races.
Phillips’ first win of the day aboard the classy gelding Fiesty Icon was his 300th career Quarter Horse victory.
Wagering on-track and through simulcast was up an impressive 39 percent over opening day last year.
The fun is just beginning too as the May 12 Mother’s Day card of racing includes flowers and a $2 betting voucher for the first 100 moms.
Find out more at ajaxdowns.com.
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