Family Fun Day and Longshot Winners at Ajax Downs
AJAX, ONT–AUGUST 25, 2024–On Sunday, it was a spectacular summer afternoon at Ajax Downs for the annual Family Fun Day, supporting the Ajax Pickering Hospital.
A large crowd enjoyed thrilling Quarter Horse racing and a variety of special family-friendly activities, including face painting, track races, prize giveaways, and a petting zoo. Proceeds from raffle draws and the trackside barbecue were donated to the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation.
On the track were plenty of exciting races and some surprise winners, including the Ontario-bred filly Caraways Angel Air, who remained undefeated with her victory in race three as one of the longest shots on the board.
Owned and bred by Carol and Wayne Proctor of Gilford, ON, Caraways Angel Air, by Dashair and out of Freds Angel by Fredricksburg, ran the fastest time of the day when she won the 250-yard sprint in 13.353 for a big 92 speed index. It was the second win in as many starts for the 3-year-old filly ridden by Diego Benitez.
"She's a homebred, and she comes from a family that really knows how to run," said Wayne Proctor. "You never know, but it looks like she's got it all together."
The Proctors, who have been racing and breeding Quarter Horses in Ontario since the days of the former Picov Downs, celebrated their victory with one of Ontario Quarter Horse Racing's founders, Ralph Pearson, on his 91st birthday. Caraways Angels Air paid $17.80 to win for a $2 win bet.
Another popular winner on the afternoon was Phil Jefferson, a 10-year-old gelding owned by Earl Foster, who was the first winner this season for trainer Paul Garrison and jockey Max Badal. In his fourth race of this year, Phil Jefferson sped to the lead early in the 220-yard dash, race 2, and won by a neck for his first win since June of 2020.
The afternoon's races ended with more excitement when stakes winner Hawkin The Straw and Storminn Norman dead heated to win in the 400-yard, final race of the day. But Storminn Norman was disqualified for interference, costing popular jockey Rachael Isaacs her third victory of the day. Hawkin the Straw, owned by Erik and Joyce Lehtinen, was ridden by Brian Bell, who also won two races on the card.
************************
Racing resumes at Ajax Downs next Sunday, September 1, the final 'special' Sunday card of racing for 2024, with a first race post time of 12:55 p.m. Racing at Ajax Downs will be held on Wednesdays through October 30 for the remainder of the year except for Thanksgiving Monday, October 14.
To reserve the VIP room for your next event, party, or meeting, contact Ajax Downs at 905-686-8001. For information on how you can become a Quarter Horse owner, call the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at 905-426-7050. The First Line Racing Syndicate welcomes all new owners.