Over $420,000 was wagered on the eight-race card, besting the previous record from opening day by 50 percent.
AJAX DOWNS, JULY 2, 2026 - On hot and sunny Canada Day at Ajax Downs, racing fans of all ages packed the track to enjoy a superb card of Quarter Horse racing, helping produce an all-time wagering record in the track's history. Over $420,000 was wagered on the eight-race card, besting the previous record from opening day by 50 percent.
Fans also got to cheer on a new star on the scene while saying goodbye to a champion.
Chantal Bourgeois' 3-year-old filly CHILLIN WITH PEEPS won the Ontario Bred Derby under jockey Cassandra Jeschke on July 1 - New Image Media photo
CHILLIN WITH PEEPS, an Ontario sired and bred 3-year-old filly, charged to a convincing win over the boys in the $59,030 Ontario Bred Derby on Wednesday, with Cassandra Jeschke on board. The pair posted an impressive speed index of 100.
Earlier in the day, an emotional retirement ceremony honoured multiple Horse of the Year HAD TO BE IVORY, the most successful Canadian bred Quarter Horse in history.
Chantelle Bourgeois' Chillin With Peeps, by Rushago from the mare Shake It Twice, came into the 300-yard Ontario Derby off a second-place finish in her season opener to an older runner. Undefeated at 2 including the Alex Picov Memorial Futurity, the filly was the fan favourite, going off at just 1 to 5.
Breaking from post seven in the eight-horse field, Chillin With Peeps was solidly bumped by Haaave You Met Karma out of the gate, causing her to lose some ground.
"She usually breaks on top," said Jeschke. "But [after the bump] the outside horse beat her out of there. But she wasn't having it."
Indeed, Chillin With Peeps bulled her way out of traffic and reeled in second favourite Suit Up and Alabama Mooonshine to win by an easy half a length in 15.390.
Bourgeois, who is from Enniskillen, was emotional after the win as she lost Chillin With Peeps dam during foaling this spring.
"We lost her mom which has been very hard on me," said Bourgeois. "And we missed a work day [with Chillin With Peeps] but she decided to have one anyway; she broke through her stall and ran around the track and our farm. So we were delayed starting her this year."
Bourgeois and Jeschke also combined to win with Robert Burns' Magic Guitar in a maiden race on Wednesday
Jaime and Mike Robertson with Had to Be Ivory on July 1
Had to Be Ivory posed in the winner's circle with his human family in a short ceremony to honour his retirement. The 11-year-old, who won his lone start of this year, won 34 of 44 starts and over $540,000. He was bred by Carol and Jaime Robertson, trained by Bryn Robertson and owned by the Robertson family.
Jose Cruz won his first race as a jockey although it came through the disqualification of the first-place horse. Cruz rode Joe Tavares' Drouillard, who was second by a nose to Decode, also trained by Tavares but Decode was disqualified and placed fifth for interference. Cruz was making his 22nd start this season.
Ontario Bred Derby replay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOPmu9cvsGQ
REMINDER: One of Ajax Downs' 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. See more at https://ajaxdowns.ticketpro.ca/en/.
Source: Ajax Downs
