Unbeaten My Royal Swinger Headlines Norman Picov Derby Wednesday at Ajax Downs

Unbeaten My Royal Swinger will put his perfect Ajax Downs record on the line Wednesday when he faces nine other 3-year-olds in the $59,670 Norman Picov Derby at 400 yards.

The Norman Picov Derby and the $61,380 Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity, for 2-year-olds at 330 yards, headline a 10-race program at Ajax Downs on September 9. First post is scheduled for 12:55 p.m.

One of Canada's top Quarter Horses this season, My Royal Swinger enters the Norman Picov Derby seeking his sixth consecutive victory at Ajax Downs.

Owner-trainer Joe Tavares purchased the Indiana-bred gelding for just $4,500 (U.S.) in the fall of 2025. My Royal Swinger has since won all five of his Ajax Downs appearances, including the Unclassified Stakes and a Norman Picov Derby trial on August 19.

Rookie jockey Corry Beland has ridden My Royal Swinger in each of those five victories. Beland also recorded his first career riding victory aboard the gelding.

"I just make sure when I go out there, we go through the motions, do everything the way he likes it," Beland said of My Royal Swinger.

The Norman Picov Derby will provide My Royal Swinger with some new challenges, including Copilot, who posted the faster winning time from the two August 19 trials.

Owned by John Wilson and trained by Scott Reid, Copilot has won four of six starts this season. Helen Vanek will have the riding assignment.

Also among the leading contenders is Ontario-sired and bred Chillin With Peeps, winner of the Ontario Bred Derby in July. Owner-trainer Chantelle Bourgeois will send out Chillin With Peeps with Cassandra Jeschke aboard.

Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity Draws Nine

A competitive field of nine juveniles will contest Wednesday's $61,380 Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity, led by trial winners Cold Hard Chief and Stolen Ivory S Dash.

Cold Hard Chief, owned by Katie Browne and trained by Jason Pascoe, is undefeated through his first two career starts.

Stolen Ivory S Dash, representing Hillerin Farm and trainer Bryn Robertson, broke his maiden while making his third career start in the trials.

The two trial winners drew alongside each other toward the outside of the starting gate, with Cold Hard Chief in post eight and Stolen Ivory S Dash in post nine.

Claiming Racing Returns To Ajax Downs

Wednesday's card will also feature something Ajax Downs has not offered in several years—a claiming race.

Race 3 is a $15,000 maiden claiming event with a field of five. In a claiming race, eligible owners may purchase horses entered for the designated claiming price.

Those interested in learning more about claiming procedures or Quarter Horse ownership can contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at (905) 426-7050.

Admission to Ajax Downs is free. Racing fans can watch and wager on the races at the track or through HPIBet.com.

For additional information on racing, upcoming events, and picnic table reservations at Ajax Downs, visit AjaxDowns.com.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.