Thanks to an investment of $131,000 by Ontario Racing, two new video screens at the Quarter Horse track helped the track post its highest handle in six year
by Dave Briggs / Ontario Racing
Kentucky Derby Day was the best betting day at Ajax Downs in six years and the track’s general manager said two new large video screens mostly funded by Ontario Racing’s Capital Funding Program were especially popular.
“It was fantastic to hear the feedback from our customers on Derby Day,” said GM Emilio Trotta. “They loved watching the big race on the big screen and they all commented on how exciting it was to watch on such a large screen in our off-track facility. I cannot thank the Ontario Racing Capital funding program enough for helping us create an excellent experience for our customers.”
Ajax Downs has already seen a return on the investment Ontario Racing made to install two new large video screens at the track. Photo by New Image Media.
Total Ajax Downs handle of $94,521 was its best betting day since 2019. The three-day weekend handle total of $148,603 was up more than 17 per cent over the same Derby weekend in 2024 ($126,592).
Ajax Downs completed the installation of the two video screens – one 11.5 ft by 5.5 ft and the other 10 ft by 5.5 ft – in April of this year. The total cost was $141,000. Ontario Racing contributed $131,000 to the project.
The investment has already paid dividends considering the new screens were key in driving handle. Home Market Area (HMA) wagering is the primary funding source for Ontario Racing’s essential breeding rewards programs.
Ajax Downs’ simulcast / off-track manager Kevin Humphrey reported to Trotta, via an email that was shared, that on Derby Day (May 3), “we had every seat reserved in both areas of wagering and it was filled till well into the evening.
“On one screen we showed Churchill and Woodbine together and the other screen was cut into four showing Belmont, Gulfstream, Laurel, Tampa Bay. I am certain that this increased wagering as people could easily see what was running and not having to crowd around the small 40" TV's which used to limit how many tracks we could show.
“When it came time for the actual Kentucky Derby race, I put the display to one large screen and turned up the speakers. Immediately the crowd went quiet and when the gates opened it was as if you were there at the racetrack live. So much yelling for the horses coming down the lane it was really exciting for everyone.
“I received many compliments from patrons who appreciated the size of tracks shown on the screens as it was much easier to see both the race and position of their horse during the race. Also, many mentioned that they normally would do their wagering at other Champions [outlets] but now prefer Ajax Downs for the both the comfort we offer and again the large screens.
“I can't wait to show our live racing on the big screen and hopefully get everyone excited to bet on Ajax Downs.”
The Quarter Horse track opened its 2025 live racing season on May 7, four days after the Derby. The season is already off to a flying start.
Source: Ontario Racing