AJAX DOWNS, JUNE 13, 2021 - Ajax Downs welcomes back the Quarter Horses for its 2021 racing season beginning Wednesday, June 16 with a first race post time of 1:30 p.m. The meeting was delayed from its original start date of May 9 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and provincial lockdown. Racing is scheduled to be held on Wednesdays throughout the summer before switching to Mondays on Sept. 13.
Currently, racing will be held without fans.
"We are excited to start racing once again," said General Manager of Ajax Downs, Emilio Trotta. "And we are looking forward to Phase 2 of the provincial government's reopening so that we can welcome back our dedicated Quarter Horse fans."
There will be a Stake race or will be stake races on virtually every racing day during the season and opening day features a strong 10-horse field in the first leg of the Sprint Series, a $20,260 dash at 110-yards. The feature marks the return of COUNTRY BOY 123, who is back to race at age eight following another spectacular season. Ruth Barbour's gelding, the richest Canadian-based Quarter Horse in history, will be ridden by Neil Husbands, who replaces a suspended Ed Walton. Country Boy's task won't be easy as he meets CARNEROS, the world record holder for the 110-yard distance.
The Ajax Downs jockey room has a new addition in RACHAEL ISAACS, a 27-year-old originally from Claremont, ON, and now living in Uxbridge. Isaacs rode show horses and barrel-raced as a youngster, has been exercising horses at Woodbine and Ajax Downs, and has been an outrider at Ajax for three years.
"It's a big day for me," said Isaacs. "I don't know if I am more stressed or more excited."
Isaacs rides in five of the seven races on the opening day card.
Be sure to check out
ajaxdowns.com for race selections, live streaming, and a free pocket program on race days as well as the latest news. You can watch and wager on the Ajax card at Horseplayer Interactive,
www.hpibet.com. Follow Ajax Downs on Twitter and Instagram @AjaxDowns.
If you would like information on how to get involved in owning a Quarter Horse or to join a syndicate, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at
www.qrooi.com.
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Photo by Laurie Overton
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