Tavares Takes Two Derby Trials.
AJAX DOWNS, MAY 7 2026 - The Quarter Horses made a fabulous return to Ajax Downs on May 6, opening day of the track's 2026 racing season. Racing fans enthusiastically welcomed back the horses and horsepeople on a chilly afternoon featuring the new, first race post time of 3:30 p.m. and set a wagering record.
The day was filled with superb racing excitement including three Trials for the upcoming QROOI Open Derby worth $30,000-added, a winning return from 2025 Horse of the Year HAD TO BE FABULOUS and another remarkable Battle of the Breeds victory by the mare JESS A DEAL.
Lights Dynasty Won the Fastest of Three QROOI Derby Trials on Opening Day at Ajax Downs. New Image Media photo
Opening day was especially successful for owner and trainer JOE TAVARES of Enniskillen, whose horses won two of the three Derby Trials: LIGHTS DYNASTY and OPEN A NEW CORONA won the two fastest Trials. Lights Dynasty, who was second in the Alex Picov Futurity last fall, won his 300-yard Trial with jockey Cristian Benitez in 15.929 seconds, romping by two lengths and posting an 82 speed index. Open A New Corona, a filly, was a narrow winner of her Trial with J.B. Botello riding, beating heavily favoured Copilot by a nose. Botello won three races on the day.
Purchased by Tavares last fall at an Oklahoma sale for $6,500, Open a New Corona stopped the clock in 15.943 for an 81 speed index while Copilot was timed in 15.949.
The third Trial was won by LIL MZ WIN, owned by John Wilson of New Liskeard and trained by Scott Reid. Lil MZ Win, ridden by Helen Vanek, won by an easy 2 1/2 lengths in 16.017 for a 79 speed index.
Had to Be Fabulous and Helen Vanek - JM photo
Champion filly Had to Be Fabulous, making her 4-year-old debut in a speed index dash at 250 yards, sped to a comfortable victory, her 10th in succession. Owned and bred by Carol and Jaime Robertson and bred by Bryn Robertson, Had to Be Fabulous, an Ontario bred by One Fabulous Eagle, has won 13 of her 14 races. Helen Vanek rode Had to Be Fabulous in place of the injured Ismael Mosqueira.
Opening day began with the Battle of the Breeds at 660 yards and Marie Broadstock and Picov Cattle Company's JESS A DEAL rolled to her sixth BOTB victory for trainer Bob Broadstock and jockey Ramiro Castillo. Stablemate General Skywalker was second and the Thoroughbred Sea to Air finished third.
Ajax Downs' 22-race day season continues Wednesday May 12 with a first race post time of 3:30 p.m. Several special event raceday will be held at Ajax Downs including Father's Day, June 21.
One of the most anticipated days is Sunday, July 19 when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police perform the iconic Musical Ride at the track on Sunday, July 19. The RCMP will also host a complimentary meet-and-greet with the Mounties and their horses. The RCMP Musical Ride, which will take place following the races, is a ticketed event. Racegoers must also purchase a ticket to attend. See more at https://ajaxdowns.ticketpro.ca/en/.
View the races from opening day at Ajax Downs' YouTube channel: (568) AjaxDowns - YouTube
Source: Ajax Downs