2023 Horse of the Year SNOW MOOSE returns to action in the Norman Picov Maturity at Ajax Downs on June 21

© New Image Media

By Jennifer Morrison

AJAX, CAN–JUNE 19, 2026–Celebrate Father's Day at Ajax Downs this Sunday, June 21 , and catch some exciting Quarter Horse racing, receive a gift with program purchase (while supplies last), and take part in raffle draws for prizes.

There are two important stakes races on the eight-race Sunday card which gets underway at 12:55 p.m. The 13th edition of the NORMAN PICOV MATURITY for 4-year-olds and upwards at 300 yards is race seven and has drawn the last three Horses of the Year, HAD TO BE FABULOUS, QUEEN CHARLOTTE and SNOW MOOSE and they will take on four other sharp contenders in the $29,790 dash.

Had to Be Fabulous had an 11-race winning streak going into her most recent race on June 3 but Carol and Jaime Robertson's filly had a miscue at the start and could not recover, finishing fourth to Kissin Ella, who is also in the Maturity field. That loss was just the second for Had to Be Fabulous, who will start from the rail on Sunday with Ismael Mosquiera riding.

Race eight is the final of the UNCLASSIFIED STAKES worth $31,680 at 330 yards and the two Trial winners, HAAAVE YOU MET KARMA and MY ROYAL SWINGER headline the 10-horse field. Haaave You Met Karma (post 10) scored a 12 to 1 upset winning her Trial for Scott Reid and Colleen McCracken. Cassandra Jeschke will ride. MY ROYAL SWINGER (post one) is unbeaten in two races this year under Ajax Downs' newest jockey, Corry Beland. Owned and trained by Joe Tavares, My Royal Swinger is listed as the 3 to 1 morning line favourite.

You can watch the Ajax Downs races up close from the trackside picnic tables (first come, first serve) or inside in the expansive simulcast room. Ajax Downs races are also available on www.HPIBet.com. Parking and admission are free.

Visit www.ajaxdowns.com for the latest racing news, entries and results and the day's track program. A reminder that the RCMP Musical Ride will be presented following the July 19 races at Ajax Downs and you need a ticket to get into the track that day.

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