Brian Bell and the imposing Peighntmeadiamond are in the first of two Ontario Bred Derby Trials on June 11 at Ajax Downs.

© Laurie Overton

AJAX, ONT–JUNE 10, 2025–Ajax Downs kicks off an exciting week with two days of Quarter Horse racing on Wednesday, June 11 followed by a special Father's Day event on Sunday, June 15.

On Wednesday, there are two Trials for the $55,000 Ontario Bred Derby for 3-year-olds, with the ten fastest times qualifying for the final on July 2.  Sunday's card includes the $30,000 Norman Picov Maturity which will be the first start of 2025 for Canadian and AQHA Racing champion Had To Be Ivory.

Adding to the excitement this week is jockey Brian Bell's race for 800 career victories, quite a feat for the 24-year veteran considering Picov/Ajax Downs (and a few dates at Fort Erie) have only raced 20 to 45 days each year Bell has ridden. That works out to an average of 33 wins each season. Bell is believed to be the winningest jockey in Canadian Quarter Horse Racing history.

Bell is two wins away from 800 and he rides races 3 through 7 on Wednesday including both Ontario Bred Derby Trials. Race 3 is the first 300-yard Trial and Bell will be aboard stakes placed Peighntmeadiamond for his longtime client, trainer Joe Tavares. A tall son of young, Ontario sire Peighnt Your Fate, Peighntmeadiamond was a closing fifth behind the unbeatable Had To Be Fabulous in the Open Derby last month.

Had to Be Fabulous drew into the second Trial, race 4, and the Carol and Jaime Robertson filly has won seven of her eight career races including three stakes. Ismael Mosquiera rides Had to Be Fabulous. Bell will try to upset the favourite aboard Rick Kennedy's Magic In Wonderland, a filly by Maryand Magic.

Bell's other mounts on Wednesday are NADIR, a favourite in race 5, JUST A KVN in race 6, and Ivy League Sugarbaby in race 7.

First race post time Wednesday is 1:45 p.m. Sunday's Father's Day card has a first race post time of 12:55 p.m.(EDT).

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Admission and parking are always free at Ajax Downs. At our picnic tables, you can watch and wager on our exciting races trackside, up close to the action. To reserve tables in advance for $25 or book the VIP room for your party or group, contact www.ajaxdowns.com.

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