From the Farm to the Racetrack
The journey to the racetrack begins at the breeding farm and for Standardbred owner-breeder Tom Rankin, the entire breeding process fuels his passion for harness racing.
Blog
Maria Yzerman Dominates $15,000 Grand Prix at Wesley Clover Parks
Ottawa, Ontario – It was a one-two finish for Montreal’s Maria Yzerman as the 27-year-old amateur show jumping athlete won and placed second in the $15,000 Grand Prix, Presented by Topline Trailers and Equipment Sales, on Saturday, May 24, at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa, ON.
#betontario to support Ontario horse racing jobs and breed development programs
A decline in Home Market Area wagering has led to decreased funding for critical programs such as the Thoroughbred Improvement Program and the Ontario Sires Stakes. The best way to support the sector is to bet on live racing in Ontario from Ontario.
Ontario Bred Filly Had to Be Fabulous flies in Derby Final
AJAX DOWNS, MAY 21, 2025- The aptly-named HAD TO BE FABULOUS brushed off eight rivals and a cold wind and rain on Wednesday on her way to an easy one-length victory in the $32,400 QROO Open Derby, the first stakes race of the 2025 Quarter Horse season. The Derby topped another record-breaking day as wagering on the eight-race card was up 94 percent from the same race-day last year.
Stephanie Bourassa Wins Show Jumping Season Opener at Wesley Clover Parks
Ottawa, Ontario – Stephanie Bourassa won the $15,000 Julia MacAngus Memorial Grand Prix on Saturday, May 17, to kick off the show jumping season at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa, ON.
Millar Claims Victory in $5,000 FEI 1.45m Two-Phase Presented by Eastern Hay at 2025 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows
North Salem, NY – May 15, 2025 – Two-time Canadian Olympian Amy Millar joined the winner’s circle at the 2025 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows on Thursday, piloting Christiano to a fault-free time of 23.45 seconds in the $5,000 FEI 1.45m Two-Phase Presented by Eastern Hay.
Bell Wins Two in Return to Ajax Downs
AJAX DOWNS, MAY 14, 2025 - It didn't take long for jockey BRIAN BELL to get back into the winner's circle at Ajax Downs after missing the first day of the season. Last year's High Point Jockey guided Joe Tavares' A FANCY ARRANGEMENT to victory in race 2 on May 14,the second day of the 2025 Quarter Horse season.
Chasing 800 - Jockey Brian Bell Returns May 14
AJAX DOWNS, MAY 13, 2025 - BRIAN BELL, 2024's High Point Jockey at Ajax Downs, begins his 25th year in the saddle on Wednesday, May 14, the second day of the Quarter Horse meeting. Bell, who has won more than half a dozen riding championships is nine wins away from 800 victories, more than any other Quarter Horse jockey in Canada.
Kentucky Derby betting at Ajax Downs boosted by new screens
Kentucky Derby Day was the best betting day at Ajax Downs in six years and the track’s general manager said two new large video screens mostly funded by Ontario Racing’s Capital Funding Program were especially popular.
If it takes 10,000 hours of practice, how can we get enough practice in the show pen!
June 6 – 8 at the Ancaster Fairgrounds will be our first of our two shows – the Steel City Spin and August 15 – 17 the Steel City Slide will be the second! But where exactly did the name come from?