PRESS RELEASE
Dark N Stormy a Star on the Rise; Ajax Downs Approved for Battle of the Breeds Races
AJAX DOWNS, SEPTEMBER 20, 2023: Stamping himself as a horse with a very bright future, DARK N STORMY, a 3-year-old, sped away from a classy field of older horses in the featured QROOI Overnight Distance Series dash at 440-yards on a sunny afternoon at Ajax Downs on September 20.
Owned by Craig Spada and trained by Lauren Spada, Dark N Stormy quickly cleared his four rivals from post position two and powered to a one-length victory in the $12,733 race in a fast time of 21.880 for a career best 99 speed index. The 2021 Horse of the Year First Cold Wave finished a game second with Jess Carolinas Award third.
It was the third official win for Dark N Stormy from nine starts but the quirky colt had actually crossed the finish line on top in his last five races, only to be disqualified from two of them. The fast bay colt is a Louisiana bred by Carters Cartel, bred by Spring Hill Farm.
“We were hoping for a clean win, without trouble,” said winning rider Alexis Sanchez. “He has all the talent and the heart.”
Ajax Downs hosted a large event on Wednesday for the retirees of Unifor Local 222 and several hundred took in the seven-race card.
*There was some great news for Ajax Downs announced earlier in the day. The track has been granted regulatory approval from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to have ‘Battle of the Breeds’ racing. This is exciting news for the track as Thoroughbreds can now compete against Quarter Horses in selected races which will take place around a turn (hook races). For more information on racing a Thoroughbred at Ajax Downs, and for all other inquiries, contact info@ ajaxdowns.com.
*Racing continues at Ajax Downs on Sept. 27 with a first race post race of 12:55. For all the latest news and race dates, visit www.ajaxdowns.com.