The fastest horses in Ontario are back in action Wednesday, May 6, as Ajax Downs welcomes back Quarter Horse racing.

© New Image Media

By Jennifer Morrison

AJAX, ON, CAN–MAY 4, 2026– The fastest horses in Ontario are back in action Wednesday, May 6, as Ajax Downs welcomes back Quarter Horse racing. The 57th season introduces a new first-race post time for its Wednesday race cards through the summer of 3:30 p.m. On event Sundays, Canada Day, Thanksgiving Monday, and Wednesdays in September and October, the first race post time will be 12:55 p.m.

Fresh off a very successful 2025 racing season, Ajax Downs will have 22 exciting race days this year, including several special event afternoons. One of the 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/.

The track's popular Father's Day Sunday at the track is June 21 packed with racing, giveaways, and entertainment.

Opening day on Wednesday offers a spectacular card of nine races, including three Trials for the upcoming Open Derby for 3-year-olds, the Battle of the Breeds at 660 yards for Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds (race 1), and race 8, featuring the return of the 2025 Horse of the Year HAD TO BE FABULOUS, who won all seven of her races last year.

Payton Kluczynski, 27, one of Ajax Downs' newest owners who has started her own training farm, North Fork Ranch, in Whitby, is excited to get the season underway.
"I’m really looking forward to it," said Kluczynski, who is working towards getting her trainer's license within a year. "I made a big jump from one horse last year to four this year."

Two of her new faces are Trip Corona and Fire Hot Stuff who compete in two of the three Open Derby Trials. "I’m just excited to see the new ones come out to the track and see how they do. They’ve had great works and have galloped great on training days. Now we will see how they do on race day."

Kluczynski, who has also helped out as an outrider at Ajax Downs, won three races with her first horse, Favorite Interest, last fall.

The three open Derby Trials are races 4, 5 and 6 and the horses with the 10 fastest times will advance to the final for $30,000 on May 20.

For more information on racing, events and how to reserve the popular VIP room for your party or group, visit www.ajaxdowns.com. You can watch and wager on the Quarter Horse races from the trackside picnic tables or grandstand, or tune in to www.HPIBet.com.

*******************

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.