Ramiro Castillo aboard Double Dashin Corona gives a thumbs up after winning the first race of the 2025 Ajax Downs Quarter Horse season on Wednesday for trainer Bob Broadstock.

© Clive Cohen / New Image Media

AJAX, ONT–MAY 8, 2025–Ajax Downs' 56th racing season had a fabulous beginning on May 7 with warm, sunny weather and a big crowd that was thrilled to see Quarter Horse racing return.

The horse people were excited to be back, too, filling the entry box with their prized horses in seven races, including two Trials for the $30,000 QROOI Open Derby for 3-year-olds.

It was an excellent day for owner John Wilson of New Liskeard, trainer Scott Reid, and jockey Christian Benitez, who combined for two wins, a second, and a third on the afternoon, including a win by Sassies Best in the fastest of the two Open Derby Trials (see related story).

The final for the Open Derby is May 21, with the 10 fastest times advancing.

The Robertsons and Mosqueira were also two-time winners on the day as Had To Be Ivy was a big winner in the seventh race, her fourth victory in her last five races dating back to last fall. The 5-year-old mare is a half-sister to Open Derby qualifier Had to be Fabulous and multiple Horse of the Year Had to Be Ivory.

Racing continues at Ajax Downs next Wednesday, May 14, with a first race post time of 1:45 p.m. For information on how you can get involved in owning a Quarter Horse, contact the QROOI at www.qrooi.com.

You can reserve Ajax Downs' VIP room for your group or celebration by contacting www.ajaxdowns.com.

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Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on the races from trackside or the expansive simulcast room. Wagering is also available through www.HPIBET.com, which offers a 3 percent Cash Back promotion if you wager $40 on the Ajax Downs races.

Follow Ajax Downs on social media @AjaxDowns and visit our website, www.AjaxDowns.com, for news, selections, and more information.