Magen Finnessey's AZURES ROYALTY seeks to reclaim his title.
AJAX DOWNS, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2024 - Ajax Downs' popular Battle of the Breeds race series continues Wednesday, May 29 on the fourth day of the track's 2024 Quarter Horse season. The Battle of the Breeds pits Thoroughbreds against Quarter Horses in a 'hook' race and after two events, including one this year on May 15 won by the Thoroughbred Summer Retreat, the score is tied between the two breeds.
Magen Finnessey's AZURES ROYALTY seeks to reclaim his title in the series having won the inaugural edition last fall on Oct. 25 when he handily won an 870-yard sprint. This will be the 6-year-old gelding's first start of 2024 and his first try at the slightly shorter distance of 770 yards. Finnessey, who lives in Cannington, ON, purchased Azures Royalty early in 2023 and has seen the horse blossom into a top competitor. Brooke Sisson trains the grey Ontario sired and bred Quarter Horse who has his regular rider Neil Husbands on board.
The grey AZURES ROYALTY won the first Battle of the Breeds last fall and will try to avenge his title this Wednesday - New Image Media Photo
Fort Erie racetrack's leading trainer Julie Mathes, who brought Summer Retreat to Ajax Downs to win the most recent Battle of the Breeds, is back with the filly SILVER CANDICE, a speedy daughter of top Thoroughbred sire Old Forester. Silver Candice, who Mathes owns, won her last two races at Mountaineer Park in West Virginia and has three wins in six career races. Ismael Mosquiera rides.
Marie Broadstock and Picov Cattle Company's JESS A DEAL won the first-ever 'hook' race at Ajax Downs, a 770-yard sprint in November, 2021. She finished a good second to Summer Retreat on May 15 after a slow start. Ramiro Castillo rides for trainer Bob Broadstock. HAD TO BE RELENTLESS, who won an 870-yard race in 2022 for Carol and Jaime Robertson, meets an easier field after finishing unplaced behind his champion stablemate, and half brother Had to Be Ivory in the Norman Picov Maturity two weeks ago. The Thoroughbred Seattle Point, a closing fourth in the most recent Battle of the Breeds, completes the field.
The Battle of the Breeds is race 6 on Wednesday and first race post time is 1:30 p.m.
The race before the longest dash of the day is the Gridiron Gallop, the shortest race for Quarter Horses at 110 yards. A competitive field of nine has been assembled for the allowance event including Brad Clark's QUICK ASA HICCCUP who finished a strong third in the Picov Maturity in his season debut.
*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.
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