Trainers Tavares and Pascoe Battle for Title

With just three days remaining in the 2026 Quarter Horse season at Ajax Downs, the race for top trainer is a contentious one. Jason Pascoe, who has been the leading trainer by wins for eight consecutive seasons, currently sits second in the standings to Joe Tavares, one of the sport's all-time leading trainers in Canada. Tavares has a two-win edge over Pascoe, 31 wins to 29, heading into the October 7 card that begins at 12:55 p.m.

Tavares, whose last trainer's title came in 2017, has horses in four races, including favored Ariche in race 2. He sends out Drouillard in race 3, Rr Illbeyourhucklebery and Open a New Corona in race 4, and Lights Dynasty in race 6.

Pascoe has two starters in race 3, Favorite Interest and Maryland Magic, plus Spy for the Senate in race 5 and Runaway Fate in race 6. Tavares is also leading the owner's list with 22 wins over James Bogar, who has won 16 races.

On the rider's side, Ismael Mosqueira has had multiple winners in recent weeks and has built up a long lead with 28 wins to 19 for Cristian Benitez. Mosqueira won his first rider's title at Ajax Downs in 2025.

Two of the year's most winningest horses are in action on Wednesday. Open a New Corona, a four-time winner in 2026 is in the Gridiron Gallop dash, race 5 and Lights Dynasty, also with four wins, is in race 6.

Coming up on Thanksgiving Monday, October 12, is PUMPKIN DAY, benefiting the United Way. The first 100 kids will receive a pumpkin to decorate plus there will be giveaways, a Turkey vs. Chicken race with jockeys in costumes, and tons of family fun with a huge Quarter Horse racing card.

Donations made of gently-used clothing and or a non-perishable food item will receive a $5 betting voucher.

There are two major stakes races on the holiday Monday, the $60,000-added Ontario Sires Stakes Derby featuring the exciting filly Chillin With Peeps and the $40,000-added Alex Picov Memorial Championship led by Peighntmeadiamond, who is unbeaten this year.

For more information on how you can become a Quarter Horse owner, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario about the First Line Racing Syndicate at (905) 426-7050.

ABOUT AJAX DOWNS
To read the latest news about racing at Ajax Downs, get the latest dates and events, or reserve a picnic table on one of our bigger days ($25), visit our website, www.ajaxdowns.com. You can watch and wager on Ajax Downs racing trackside and up close to the action or through www.HPIBet.com.

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