"Includes the first ever pari-mutuel 'hook' race to be held at the track.
AJAX DOWNS, JULY 14, 2022 - This Sunday, July 17, Ajax Downs hosts its annual CRAFT BREWERY DAY and a seven-race card of Quarter Horse racing that includes the first ever pari-mutuel 'hook' race (around a turn) to be held at the track. Also on Sunday is the 10th running of the $38,580 Ontario Sires Stakes Maturity for 3-year-olds and upward. The popular Craft Brewery day offers fans samples from local craft breweries with the purchase of $1 tickets per sample (cash only). There will also be prizes up for grabs throughout the afternoon.
The seventh race of the day (first race post time is 12:55 p.m.) is an 870-yard allowance race worth $13,000 for 3-year-olds and upward. The race, almost three times the length of most of the dashes at Ajax Downs, will start from the backstretch and go around the turn. Last fall, Ajax Downs held a non-betting race at 770-yards and it was won by JESS A DEAL, who takes part in the historic race on Sunday. The morning line favourite for the race is SW Artemesia, who is a specialist in 'hook' races in the U.S. and is owned by Burlington's Milena Kwiecien.
The Ontario Sires Stakes Maturity, for horses by Ontario stallions, is at 330-yards and has a field of five including Mary Schrama's tough mare NIGHT FISHN. Trained by Dan Giles, Night Fishn began her 2022 campaign with a close second-place finish to star runner Carneros in the Sprint Series #2. Ramiro Castillo will ride Night Fishn from post one. Also in the field are Sugarmans Delight, a 12-time winner, Pretty Runaway, Hanover Hill Chelsea, and All Outta Sugar.
Covered picnic tables and grandstand seating at Ajax Downs bring fans up close to the action and admission to the track is always free. You can also watch and wager on the races at www.hpibet.com and watch the livestream of the day on www.ajaxdowns.com and our Facebook page.
Follow Ajax Downs on social media @AjaxDowns for news and more information.
PHOTO: Jess a Deal (far right) won a non-betting race around a turn last fall at Ajax Downs. The mare will take part in the first-ever pari-mutuel race around a turn in Ajax Downs history on July 17 (Laurie Overton photo)
