"We are excited to run him there and see what he can do," said Chantelle Bourgeois.
AJAX DOWNS, AUGUST 29, 2025 - The 13th running of the ONTARIO SIRES STAKES MATURITY headlines a special Labour Day weekend Sunday at the Quarter Horse races at Ajax Downs. The $39,330 Maturity at 330 yards is race 6 on August 31, and first race post time is 12:55 p.m.
Chantelle Bourgeois is the owner, trainer, and breeder of the big grey gelding QUICK WILLLY, a charismatic fellow who seeks his first stakes win in the Maturity.
"We are excited to run him there and see what he can do," said Bourgeois, who shares a farm in Enniskillen with husband Dean and children Emily and Ben.
"He's a character". Quick Willy Gets a Chance in a Stakes Race - New Image Media Photo
"It would be better if we had 350 or 400 yards, but if he gets a clean race he should be right there at the finish. A Shades of Cold is the one to beat, and we will be closing, trying to catch him."
Quick Willy, by James Bogar's stallion Caviar and Corona, comes off his fourth career win in his 13th race. He did not begin his racing career until last summer as a 4-year-old due to his size and a shoulder injury he suffered as a young horse.
"He is a bit of a character," said Bourgeois. "You are not allowed to ignore him if you are in the barn, or he will reach out with his long neck and grab the back of your shirt and gently tug at you so you can pay attention to him. Once he has your attention, he's content to get a scratch or he'll wrap his whole head and neck around you."
Cassandra Jeschke is the regular rider of Quick Willy, and the pair will start from post 1.
A SHADES OF COLD, by Cold Hard Dash, also seeks his first stakes win for his owner and breeder Amelie Aubut of Pont-Rouge. A multiple stakes placed 5-year-old, A Shades of Cold was the 2024 High Point Older Male at the QROOI and Ajax Downs Awards. Trained by Jason Pascoe, A Shades of Cold has won 8 of his 34 starts and over $125,000. He finished third in the 2024 Ontario Sires Stakes Maturity behind winner PRETTY RUNAWAY, who is back this year to defend her title.
JB Botello will ride A Shades of Cold, the 5 to 2 morning line favourite, from post 5.
Howard Walton's razor-sharp CHASING BUTTERFLIES, winner of two of his last three races, is also a contender in the Maturity. The son of Dashair won the 2024 Ontario Sires Stakes Derby as a 3-year-old and he is trained by Rick Kennedy.
Shaken and General Skywalker complete the Maturity field.
Admission and parking are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on our exciting races trackside, up close to the action, at our picnic tables, in the grandstand, or at the upper-level tables.
To reserve tables in advance for $25 or book the VIP room for your party or group, contact www.ajaxdowns.com.
There is also an expansive simulcast wagering room with tellers, or you can bet through www.HPIBet.com.
If you want to get involved in the excitement of owning a Quarter Horse, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at 905- 426-7050.
Source: Ajax Downs