PRESS RELEASE
Filly Says Bye Bye to Boys in Norman Picov Derby
Cary Furlonger and Rbybybaby power to victory in the Norman Picov Derby – New Image Media Photos
AJAX DOWNS, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 – The ladies dominated a huge card at Ajax Downs on September 11 as RBYBYBABY roared to victory over the boys in the $50,490 NORMAN PICOV DERBY for 3-year-old Quarter Horses, and the track’s women riders won six of the nine races on a glorious, sunny afternoon.
The imposing Rbybybaby, owned by John Wilson of New Liskeard, ON and trained by Scott Reid of Lansdowne, had a clean start from post position two under jockey Carly Furlonger. After an early duel with Storminn Norman, Rbybybaby edged away late in the 400-yard dash and held off a host of closers to win the prestigious race by a neck. Eye Tempt You, a 12 to 1 longshot owned by Jason Pascoe, burst through horses to get second, and 11 to 1 Lady Alice grabbed third. Second favourite Hawkin the Star finished fourth.
The time for the race was 20.293 for an 89 speed index.
Rbybybaby, purchased for $20,000 (US) by Wilson at the Heritage Place Fall Mixed sale in Oklahoma last year won her first three races at Ajax Downs this season before finishing second by a neck in the Princess Derby to Cindy Loo Who.
“She didn’t get out of the gate as well as she usually can in the Princess Derby,” said Furlonger. “But I thought the 400-yard distance of today’s race she would absolutely love.
Rbybybaby, a Washington bred by Hez Our Secret, was bet down to 8 to 5 and she paid $5.30 to win.
Photo: Carly Furlonger gives a kiss to Rbybybaby
Earlier on the card, jockey Rachael Isaacs fashioned an upset in the $59,220 Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity aboard RUNAWAY FATE, who charged to victory at 8 to 1 for Heste Sport Inc. and trainer Bob Broadstock. It was the second win of the afternoon for Isaacs. Runaway Fate, a maiden who was second in the Ontario Bred Futurity in July, was up in the final strides to win the 330-yard race in 17.203 for an 87 speed index.
Trial winners Niigaanii and First for You were second and third respectively with Peighntmeadiamond fourth and favoured Elvis the Famous landing fifth. All top four finishers are offspring of the young Ontario stallion Peighnt Your Fate.
Runaway Fate was 8 to 1 and paid $19.70 to win.
In addition to Furlonger and Isaacs winning on the day, CASSANDRA JESCHKE rode three winners including the impressive filly Had to be Ivy who put up a big 99 speed index when winning race six.
The wins move Jeschke into a tie for fourth spot on the very crowded leading jockey list at Ajax Downs for 2024.
The next racing day at Ajax Downs is Wednesday, September 18, post time 12:55 p.m. Parking and admission are always free and 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. You can watch all of the Ajax Downs replays on our YouTube channel on our website.
