Peighntmeadiamond Wins Again, Picov Championship Next

Overcoming a stutter-step start and some jostling, Peighntmeadiamond asserted his superiority once again as Ajax Downs' top older horse with a powerful win in the September 23 featured race.

The exciting Ontario-bred 4-year-old heads to the Alex Picov Memorial Championship on Oct. 12 undefeated in five races this season for owner Richard Wincikaby, trainer Joe Tavares, and jockey Brian Bell.

Wednesday was a big day for Tavares and Bell as they swept the last three races on the nine-race card. Lights Dynasty, owned by Tavares, won race 7 at 110 yards for his fourth win of the season, followed by Peighntmeadiamond's win in a 350-yard allowance race.

Open A New Corona, who won the Princess Derby last month, won the day's finale at 220 yards, her fourth victory of the year.

Peighntmeadiamond's win got off to a rocky start when he was a bit slow out of the gate, and Runaway Fate to his outside shifted inwards, causing a pinball effect. Bell just waited until there was clear sailing between rivals before sending Peighntmeadiamond through.

"The three [General Skywalker] came out, and the five [Runaway Fate] came in," said Bell. "We just had to open up a little bit of a zip code, and once I got him free, he started running from there."

Meanwhile, Pretty Runaway had built up a clear lead and appeared to be on her way to victory when Peighntmeadiamond burst past to win by a neck in a time of 17.723. His speed index was an impressive 101. Pretty Runaway held second over Runaway Fate.

A son of Ontario stallion Peighnt Your Fate from the Thoroughbred mare Swingwiththering, Peighntmeadiamond was bred by Wincikaby and Katie Browne.

Earlier on the Wednesday card, Snow Moose, the 2023 Horse of the Year, won his final prep race for the Picov Championship in a 110-yard Gridiron gallop for owner Milena Kwiecien, trainer Jason Pascoe, and jockey JB Botello.

Racing continues at Ajax Downs next Wednesday, Sept. 30, with a 12:55 (EDT) first race post time.

Coming up on Thanksgiving Monday, October 12 is Pumpkin Day, benefitting 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.

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.

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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