PRESS RELEASE
Battle of the Breeds, Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity Trials at Ajax Downs Wednesday
Summer Retreat, the first Thoroughbred to ever win at Ajax Downs, is back for another Battle of the Breeds on August 21
New Image Media Photo
AJAX DOWNS, AUGUST 20, 2024 – It’s going to be a busy week at Ajax Downs with Quarter Horse racing on Wednesday, August 21 followed by the popular FAMILY FUN DAY, in support of the Ajax-Pickering Hospital, this Sunday, Aug. 25.
The excitement begins with Wednesday’s first race, another edition of BATTLE OF THE BREEDS, which will match three Thoroughbreds versus two Quarter Horses at 870 yards, or about half a mile, around a turn. Two previous Battle of the Breeds winners, the Quarter Horse AZURES ROYALTY and the Thoroughbred SUMMER RETREAT, will meet recent Fort Erie winners SEA TO AIR and RED MAPLE plus Quarter Horse TDZ BARTON GRAND.
Summer Retreat, owned by Alysha Robillard and trained by her mother Julie Mathes, was a five-length winner of the Battle of the Breeds at 770-yards on May 15, becoming the first Thoroughbred to ever win at Ajax Downs. It was the gelding’s 11th career win in 55 races. Kirk Johnson will ride Summer Retreat from post position five.
Robin Voyce’s Sea to Air comes off a 4 1/4 length romp in the slop at Fort Erie on Aug. 6 and he was also a winner at Woodbine on May 25. Jeff Voyce trains the 5-year-old who will be ridden by Josh Scott. Red Maple, owned by MM Racing Stables, was a winner two starts ago at 5 furlongs and he was second in the first Battle of the Breeds to Azures Royalty last October. Kendra Wieczorek trains Red Maple.
Also on the Wednesday card, which gets underway at 1:30 p.m. are two Trials for the $55,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity for 2-year-olds at 330 yards. The first Trial is race 2 and among the contenders in the competitive dash is Heste Sport’s Runaway Fate, who has post position 1 with jockey Rachael Isaacs on board. Race 3 is the second Trial and the impressive grey gelding Elvis the Famous looks to repeat his recent win in the Ontario Bred Futurity.
Family Fun Day on August 25 has a first race post time of 12:55 p.m. and the jam-packed day includes entertainment, a petting zoo, prizes, and more for all ages. Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on the races trackside or from the expansive simulcast room. Wagering is also available through www.HPIBET.com.
Do you have a group or company event? Call ahead to reserve the trackside VIP room to enjoy food, drink, and mutuels.
Want to get involved in Quarter Horse ownership? Contact the QROOI at 905 – 426-7050 for details on how to join the First Line Racing Syndicate.
Follow Ajax Downs on social media @AjaxDowns and visit our website, www.AjaxDowns.com for news, track programs, and more information.