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AJAX, ONT–JUNE 12, 2024–Post-time favorite Hawkin The Straw got up at the wire to defeat Chasing Butterflies by a neck in the $41,581(US) Ontario Bred Derby at Ajax Downs Wednesday afternoon.

Jockey Helen Vanek guided the multiple stakes winner over the 300 yards in 15.541 seconds, equaling a 92-speed index with a 14 mph tailwind. It was the fourth career win in eight starts for the son of multiple stakes sire Bf Farm Boss. The $16,634(US) payday boosted the gelding earnings mark to $51,314.

"All I did was give a little yell and he was quickly in front by two lengths," said Vanek, who picked up the mount on Hawkin the Straw when jockey JB Botello had travel woes and was stranded in Alberta. "The Lehtinens and I have had a lot of stakes winners together over the years."

Trainer Jason Pascoe saddled Ontario-bred 3-year-old for owner-breeders Joyce and Erik Lehtinen. Also, the winner of last year's Alex Picov Memorial Futurity Hawkin The Straw is out of the Pappasito mare Silken Memories.

"We were pleased with his Trial, and while I thought he could win this race, I knew it was a tough field,' said Erik Lehtinen. "Our trainer Jason Pascoe has done a great job with him."

Runner-up Chasing Butterflies, ridden by jockey Ismael Mosqueira, earned $8,317(US) for finishing second. Richard Kennedy trains the son of multiple stakes sire Dashair for owner-breeder Howard Walton. This Girl Is Wild, by Brookstone Bay, is the dam.

One-length back Stormin Norman earned $4,159(US) for finishing third. Trainer Joe Tavares trains the homebred son of Caviar And Corona for owner-breeder Picov Cattle Co. Brian Bell had the riding call aboard the 3-year-old gelding out of Everythingperrysweet by Sugarman Perry.

General Skywalker, Daphnee, Senator Of Magic, Wicked Wild Willie, Pretty Magicall, and Eyem Maximus completed the field.

Racing resumes at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, July 10 , with the Trials for the $55,000 Ontario Bred Futurity. First race post time is 1:30 p.m.

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Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on the races trackside or from the expansive simulcast room. Wagering is also available through www.HPIBET.com. Do you have a group or company event? Call ahead to reserve the trackside VIP room to enjoy food, drink and mutuels. Want to get involved in Quarter Horse ownership? Contact the QROOI at 905 - 426-7050 for details.

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