First race post time is 1:45 p.m.
AJAX DOWNS, MAY 6, 2025 - The long winter break is over and the fastest breed of equine, the Quarter Horses, are back for another exciting racing season at Ajax Downs this Wednesday, May 7. The first of 25 race dates gets underway with a seven-race card and a first race post time of 1:45 p.m.
Throughout the season, racing fans can enjoy top class Quarter Horse racing as well as special event Sundays once a month during the summer beginning with a Father's Day celebration on June 15. In addition to other event days such as Craft Beer day and Family Fun Day, Ajax will host its first Twilight Racing Day on July 2 featuring a 4:15 first race post time.
New Image Media photo
The popular Battle of the Breeds races, pitting Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in a 'hook race (around a turn) will be back too. Last year the Thoroughbreds won four of the races to three won by Quarter Horses.
Bob Broadstock, the president of the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario, Inc. and a leading trainer, is encouraged by the number of entries for the opening day card.
“From the moment the track opened for training it was very busy,” said Broadstock. “We had a tough winter and horsepeople were excited to get their horses back in training.”
The QROOI implemented a horse purchase loan program a couple of years ago and it increased for the 2025 racing season.
“A lot of people took advantage of the loan program, double the number from a year ago,” said Broadstock. “People may need some help investing in their first horse, that is what we are trying to do.”
Ajax Downs' top 2-year-old filly of 2024, Had to Be Fabulous, returns on May 7 in one of the Trials for the Open Derby. New Image Media photo
Evidence of the success of the loan program can be seen right off the bat in the two Trials for the QROOI Open Derby for 3-year-olds as eight of the 15 entrants in the 300-yard dashes were purchased during the off season.
The first Trial is race two and Ontario bred ELVIS THE FAMOUS will be a popular runner with the fans. The light grey gelding won the Ontario Bred Futurity last season for the top stable of Carol and Jaime Robertson. Elvis the Famous will be ridden by Ismael Mosquiera, who is returning to riding after being sidelined since July due to injury.
Race three is the second Trial and last year's High Point 2-year-old filly HAD TO BE FABULOUS, also owned by the Robertsons, meets stakes winner Runaway Fate and others in a competitive dash. The final of the QROOI Derby, worth $30,000, is on May 21.
Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs and you can watch the racing up close from the many picnic tables trackside. The popular VIP room overlooking the track can be reserved on racing days by contacting the track at www.ajaxdowns.com or (905) 686-8001.
To find out more about joining the popular First Line Racing Syndicate and own a share in a Quarter Horse, call the QROOI at (905) 426-7050.
Source: Ajax Downs