"We had a little bit of a stumble there at the start, but she recouped pretty good," said Ismael Mosqueira
AJAX DOWNS, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 - PRETTY RUNAWAY seems to know when the big money is on the line as the tough, 8-year-old mare broke through for a long-awaited win in the Ontario Sires Stakes Maturity at Ajax Downs on Aug. 30. Despite stumbling to her knees out of the gate at the outset of the $39,330 dash at 330 yards, Pretty Runaway and jockey Ismael Mosqueira quickly got to leader Quick Willly, grabbed the lead, and held off A Shades of Cold to win by a neck.
Owned and trained by James Bogar of Cameron, ON, Pretty Runaway raced the distance in 17.110 for a solid 91 speed index. As the 5 to 1 fourth choice in the field, Pretty Runway paid $12.30 to her backers.
James Bogar raises his arms in victory as Pretty Runaway streaks to victory in the Ontario Sires Stakes Maturity. JM Photo
The daughter of Winners Award - Pretty Jane Perry by Pretty Boy Perry was winning for the first time since she won this same stakes race last year, Sept. 2024. She was bred by Heste Sport in King.
"We had a little bit of a stumble there at the start, but she recouped pretty good," said Mosqueira, who has won 28 races at the Ajax Downs meeting to lead all riders. "She just didn't want to lose this race."
Bogar purchased Pretty Runaway privately in early 2020 as a 3-year-old, remembering that the filly had beaten his top 2-year-old A Lone Hand in the 2019 Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity.
"She's a queen," said Bogar. "She had a bit of a slow start this year, but we can't be more pleased to see her win this."
Winner's circle photo by New Image Media.
Pretty Runaway is also well known as a media sensation when she made headlines in 2024 for her love of metal music. The mare appeared on CNN, CityNews, the Kelly Clarkson Show among others.
Kelly Clarkson Show Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D6vMzs1jvA
The Maturity was Pretty Runaway's 10th career win from 37 races and she has earnings of over $173,000.
*REMINDER—The next racing day at AJAX DOWNS is Wednesday, September 10, with a first race post time of 12:55. The featured race on Sept. 10 is the final of the $50,000 Norman Picov Derby for 3-year-olds.
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. 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 wager through www.HPIBet.com.
If you want to get involved in owning a Quarter Horse, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at 905- 426-7050.
Source: Ajax Downs