Family Fun Day is a Rocking Success and 'Diamond' Wins Maturity at Ajax Downs

Kids raced from the starting gate and a braiding station was in place for more family fun

Smiling faces and exciting Quarter Horse races highlighted Ajax Downs' 16th annual Family Fun Day on August 30 in support of the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation. Families and racing fans started cramming the track at 10 a.m., and after a brief rain shower, the sun came out for the afternoon. Kids met K-pop characters such as Rumi, enjoyed a show with Lexy the Rap Dad, and met animals and reptiles at Zoo to You. Families also had a chance to meet some of the track 'ponies', the horses who accompany the racehorses to the starting gate.

The large crowd stayed to watch the eight-race card including the day's feature race, the $45,540 Ontario Sires Stakes Maturity, a 330-yard sprint for 4-year-olds and upward.

One of Ajax Downs's rising stars, Peighntmeadiamond kept his undefeated record for 2026 intact with a rousing late run under jockey Brian Bell to win by a neck over the speedy C G Mega Spy and Cassandra Jeschke. The running time was a sharp 16.814 for an impressive 102 speed index.

"He was a little slow leaving," said Bell. "But with him, you don't panic. Once he gets 150 yards from the finish, he kicks it into a different gear."

Peighntmeadiamond, who won the Ontario Bred Maturity in May, is now four for four this year for owner Richard Wincikaby, who lives in Alliston and has his star's sire, Peighnt Your Fate, at stud on his farm.

Joe Tavares trains Peighnmeadiamond, who is from a Thoroughbred mare named Swingwiththering, was co-bred by Katie Browne.

Racing continues at Ajax Downs on Wednesday September 7 with the final of the Norman Picov Derby. First race post time is 12:55 p.m. Free admission, trackside tables and the popular Hot Dogs & More outdoor barbecue are just some of the features at our Quarter Horse track.

Visit www.ajaxdowns.com for news on upcoming events, racing news, and a free pocket program.

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