"We have done a lot of training with her and we are so happy to see it a payoff".
AJAX DOWNS, MAY 31, 2023 - On a steamy, hot afternoon at Ajax Downs for the fourth day of the 2023 Quarter Horse racing, new owner BRAD CLARK proudly led in his 4-year-old filly JTC LIL MOONBAR into the winner's circle following her win in the day's featured allowance race.
Clark, a farrier from Kawartha Lakes, purchased JTC Lil Moon Bar last fall from owner and trainer Don Reid and watched her finish a close third and fourth in two starts in 2022 in the care of trainer James Bogar of Cameron, ON. Following a fifth-place finish in her season debut in 2023 on May 17, JTC Lil Moonbar charged to victory in the fifth race at Ajax at 300-yards on May 31.
JTC LIL MOONBAR, the first Quarter Horse for owner Brad Clark of Kawartha Lakes, won the featured race at Ajax Downs on May 31. The filly is trained by James Bogar and was one of two winners for jockey Brian Bell on the afternoon. Clive Cohen/New Image Media photo
Ridden by multiple champion Quarter Horse jockey Brian Bell, JTC Lil Moonbar was never headed after breaking on top and she won by three-quarters of a length over stakes winner Silver Lyning in 15.657 for an 87 speed index.
"In her previous races, she seemed to like running off to the rail," said Nicole Clark, wife of Brad and assistant trainer to Bogar. "We have done a lot of training with her and we are so happy to see it all payoff."
JTC Lil Moonbar was the second straight winner for Bell on the afternoon following Hanover Hill Justine, who won race 4 for the Picov Cattle Company and trainer Richard Kennedy.
Jockey JB Botello won a pair of races on the day to boost his 2023 total at Ajax Downs to a meet-leading seven.
*Quarter Horse racing continues at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, June 7 with a first race post time of 1:30. Following the June 14 card of racing, Ajax Downs will host its first special Sunday race-day on June 19 with a special Father's Day card on June 18. For more on racing dates and special events at Ajax Downs this year, visit www.ajaxdowns.com and follow us on social media @AjaxDowns.
Video - Race 5, Ajax Downs, May 31: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwwlDF2mc4k
