Another Tavares runner, ARICHE, closed fast for second.
AJAX DOWNS, JUNE 22, 2026 - In front of a large and raucous Father's Day crowd, young jockey CORRY BELAND guided Joe Tavares' MY ROYAL SWINGER to victory in the $31,680 Unclassified Stakes, his first stakes win as a rider. The 24-year-old gathered the 3-year-old gelding up after some bumping at the start of the 330-yard dash and the pair zipped away from eight rivals to win by half a length in 17.163 for a 90 speed index.
Another Tavares runner, ARICHE, closed fast for second under Jose Cruz with HESMAGICALYDELICIOUS a troubled third.
My Royal Swinger, with Corry Beland riding, takes the final of the Unclassified Stakes - JM Photo
Beland, who only began his first full season of riding about a month ago, celebrated in the winner's circle with his parents Stu and Carol, both former riders.
"It's been great to have them along and supporting me,' said Beland. "We're working hard and learning."
Tavares purchased My Royal Swinger for $4,500 at the Heritage Place Mixed sale in Oklahoma last fall and the son of My Royal Wagon is undefeated in three races for one of Ajax Downs' all-time leading trainers. Ariche, a $10,700 purchase in January at Heritage Place, is owned by his daughter Alexandra.
"My daughter and I, we're a team," said an emotional Tavares. "And so is the gang at the barn, Vicki, Amy and Andrew."
*Also on the spectacular card of racing was the 13th running of the Norman Picov Maturity at 300 yards and last year's Horse of the Year HAD TO BE FABULOUS got back on the winning track with a decisive victory under Ismael Mosqueira. The 4-year-old filly, owned and bred by Carol and Jaime Roberton, had an 11-race winning streak halted on June 3 after a slow start but on Sunday, the Ontario bred broke sharply and held off a closing Kissin Ella to win in the fast time of 15.349, or a 102 speed index.
Racing resumes at Ajax Downs (www.ajaxdowns.com) on WEDNESDAY JULY 1, Canada Day, with a first race post time of 12:55 p.m. There will be a winner's circle presentation that day for multiple champion HAD TO BE IVORY, who has been retired. Fans can win of his four horseshoes and see the 11-year-old up close.
There are still a few tickets left for Sunday July 19, the RCMP Musical Ride which will be held after the afternoon races. You need a ticket to go to the races and the Musical Ride, go to our website for more information.
Replays of the Norman Picov Maturity and Unclassified Stakes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uPLuCfJJyo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IIzjgTqK9E
Source: Ajax Downs
