Lights Dynasty Leads Tavares Army in Ajax Downs' First Stakes Race of 2026

AJAX DOWNS, MAY 19, 2026 - When Joe Tavares, one of Ajax Downs' most successful trainers, went shopping for racehorses the past two winters it would have been hard to predict that four of those purchases would be in the first stakes race of the 2026 season. The $32,805 QROOI OPEN DERBY on Wednesday, May 20 features an evenly matched field of 10 three-year-olds including three Trial winners, two of which are owned by Tavares.

Had to Be Ivory Wins for 34th time

AJAX DOWNS, MAY 14, 2026 - The equine star of Ajax Downs' card of racing on a crisp, windy May 13, Had to Be Ivory, won for the 34th time while later in the afternoon, jockey Corry Beland won his first race of his young career.

BGRA Announces 2026 Youth Contests

The Bill Galvin Racing Alliance (BGRA), with the support of Standardbred breeder and owner Tom Rankin, is once again holding its annual Youth Contests.

Champions Gather in Wednesday's Gridiron

AJAX DOWNS, MAY 12, 2026 - Fans coming out to Ajax Downs for the second day of the 2026 Quarter Horse meeting are in for a treat as Canada's most decorated Quarter Horse, HAD TO BE IVORY, returns to action in the featured Gridiron Gallop. The two-time Horse of the Year holds the track record for the Gridiron's 110-yard distance of 6.761 seconds and comes off another spectacular season in which he won all four of his starts.

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Lights Dynasty Leads Tavares Army in Ajax Downs' First Stakes Race of 2026

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Lights Dynasty Leads Tavares Army in Ajax Downs' First Stakes Race of 2026

Had to Be Ivory Wins for 34th time

BGRA Announces 2026 Youth Contests

Champions Gather in Wednesday's Gridiron

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Lights Dynasty Leads Tavares Army in Ajax Downs' First Stakes Race of 2026

Had to Be Ivory Wins for 34th time

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