BGRA Announces 2026 Youth Contests
The Bill Galvin Racing Alliance (BGRA), with the support of Standardbred breeder and owner Tom Rankin, is once again holding its annual Youth Contests.
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Champions Gather in Wednesday's Gridiron
AJAX DOWNS, MAY 12, 2026 - Fans coming out to Ajax Downs for the second day of the 2026 Quarter Horse meeting are in for a treat as Canada's most decorated Quarter Horse, HAD TO BE IVORY, returns to action in the featured Gridiron Gallop. The two-time Horse of the Year holds the track record for the Gridiron's 110-yard distance of 6.761 seconds and comes off another spectacular season in which he won all four of his starts.
Had to Be Fabulous is Back
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.
Speed on Display! They're Off for Ajax Downs' 57th Quarter Horse Season
AJAX DOWNS, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 - The BATTLE OF THE BREEDS headlines a packed eight-race card of Quarter Horse racing this Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Ajax Downs. The popular 'hook' race, which pits Thoroughbreds versus Quarter Horses, is a 770-yard dash around a turn and is the first race of the afternoon.
Rankin Breeding Farm Open to All on May 30
Standardbred breeders Beth and Tom Rankin will once again open their doors and welcome the community into their breeding farm in St. Catharines, Ont. on Saturday, May 30 to get up close and personal with their horses.
BGRA Youth Derby Awards Presented on Saturday, October 4, 2025
The 2025 Youth Derby Awards Night, presented by the Bill Galvin Racing Alliance (BGRA), provided finalists an unforgettable experience with exclusive behind the scenes access to the world of harness racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday afternoon and evening.
Prestigious Alex Picov Futurity Headlines Huge Closing Day Card
AJAX DOWNS, OCTOBER 21, 2025 - The 25th edition of the prestigious ALEX PICOV MEMORIAL FUTURITY for 2-year-olds headlines a huge, 11-race card on October 22, the final racing day of the 2025 Ajax Downs meeting.
Sassies Best Takes Mayor's Cup at Ajax Downs
Ajax Downs, September 17, 2025 - SASSIES BEST streaked to victory in the annual Mayor's Cup at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, September 17, continuing a tradition that started eight years ago, which celebrates Quarter Horse racing and its place in the town of Ajax and the surrounding community.
It's the Battle of the Breeds at Ajax Downs!
AJAX DOWNS, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 - The BATTLE OF THE BREEDS headlines a packed eight-race card of Quarter Horse racing this Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Ajax Downs. The popular 'hook' race, which pits Thoroughbreds versus Quarter Horses, is a 770-yard dash around a turn and is the first race of the afternoon.
The remarkable Had to Be Fabulous Takes Picov Derby, Her Ninth Straight Win
AJAX DOWNS, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 - HAD TO BE FABULOUS honoured her name once again at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, September 10 when she charged to a one length win in the $59,310 Norman Picov Derby, notching her ninth consecutive victory and 12th win in her 13-race career.