(PHOTO - NEW IMAGE MEDIA)
A total of 12 added-money events have been scheduled for the 2016 Ontario Quarter Horse racing season at Ajax Downs by the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Inc.
The stakes schedule includes one more event than in 2015, the All Canadian Classic, a $35,000-added open stakes race for 4-year-olds and up at 350 yards. The race, which will not have trials, will be held on September 12.
The All Canadian Classic, which has been run at Ajax Downs in the past, has been re-introduced to complement the $75,000 Alex Picov Memorial Championship on Oct. 10, which will also not have trials for the final.
“The stakes schedule for this year offers the same money as 2015, we just moved it around a bit,” said Bob Broadstock, President of the QROOI. “It’s a good program that provides a lot of opportunities throughout the year.”
Also moving is the Ontario Sires Stakes Derby, a $55,000-added race for Ontario Sired 3-year-olds. The race was held in late September in 2015 but will run on July 3 in 2016.
“We wanted to give it more space before the Picov Derby [Sept. 19],” said Broadstock.
Exciting news comes from the Overnight Series which has expanded by four events for 2016. The 16-race series offers $20,000-added purses to races for a variety of ages and classifications.
The Overnight series also has some new events built into it: Sprint and Distance Series races. The top QROOI point-earners from those races will be recognized at the QROOI Awards at the end of the season.
The 2016 Ajax meeting is scheduled to begin on Sunday May 8, 2016.
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