by Jennifer Morrison
Just about halfway through the 2017 Ajax Downs Quarter Horse Racing season and there is a three-way tie for leading jockey, by victories, with two other riders also in close contention.
It has been a season in which a variety of owners, trainers and riders have won their share at Ajax and attendance and wagering are both up from a year ago.
(Photo at right - CASSANDRA JESCHKE, in only her fourth year of riding, is one of Ajax's top jockeys - Laurie Overton photo)
Brian Bell, a mutliple champion at the popular track, is in a battle for leading jockey honours with Tony Phillips and Cassandra Jeschke. Each has 15 wins after 14 days of racing. Chelsey Willick, Ramiro Castillo and Cory Spataro are all in close range to the top three.
"It's something we pay attention to, to some extent," said Jeschke, who is only in her fourth year of riding. "It's exciting to be in contention for the lead."
Jeschke, who is 13 wins away from her 100th career victory, and Willick, are the only two female riders currently at Ajax Downs.
Joe Tavares currently leads all trainers at Ajax with 17 victories and there is a logjam behind him with three conditioners, Bryn Robertson, Jason Pascoe and Scott Reid with 11 wins while Don Reid has 10 trips to the winner's circle. Tavares easily has had the most starters at the meeting at 107 compared to Robertson's 20 starters.
(Photo below - BRYN ROBERTSON has won 11 of his 20 races after 14 days of the 2017 Ajax Downs meeting - Laurie Overton Photo)
The owner's list is also contentious with Christine Tavares on top with 10 wins, all trained by husband Joe. Picov Cattle Company and Milena Kwiecien each have had eight victories.
The top horses at the meeting so far by wins are Arctic Fame, owned by George Coleman, with four wins in five starts, Country Boy 123 who is three for three and Perfect to Look At, who has won three of four races for the Tavares team.
The Ajax meeting runs for 30 dates and there are still seven major stakes events to be contested.
(Photo below - Camaraderie at Ajax Downs - Ramiro Castillo, at left, and Cory Spataro share a fun moment - Laurie Overton photo)
LEADING JOCKEYS - by Wins
1 Brian Bell 60 15 9 4 $149,660
1 Tony Phillips 70 15 14 15 $134,980
1 Cassandra Jeschke 51 15 8 8 $108,724
4 Chelsey Willick 80 13 17 10 $123,761
5 Ramiro Castillo 75 12 16 16 $107,394
6 Cory Spataro 65 11 6 9 $120,295
LEADING TRAINERS - by wins
1 Joe Tavares 104 17 23 15 $156,524
2 Bryn Robertson 20 11 1 5 $78,775
2 Jason Pascoe 56 11 10 13 $78,072
2 Scott Reid 28 11 5 4 $69,190
5 Don Reid 38 10 6 1 $97,292
LEADING OWNERS - by wins
1 Christine Tavares 62 10 13 10 $91,250
2 Picov Cattle Co. 50 8 10 6 $72,156
3 Milena Kwiecien 29 8 8 4 $49,331
4 Wincikaby, Richard/ DK Training C. 32 7 5 1 $74,058
5 Rick Crispi 48 7 4 7 $52,417
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