Ajax Downs will also celebrate jockey Ed Walton's Retirement at 61.
AJAX DOWNS, JULY 30. 2024 - Ten Ontario bred 2-year-olds will race for the bulk of a $59,265 purse for the 4th running of the Ontario Bred Futurity on Wednesday, July 31 at Ajax Downs. The Futurity is race six on a seven-race card that begins with a first race post time of 1:30 p.m. Ajax Downs will also celebrate jockey ED WALTON, 61, who has announced his retirement from the saddle. Walton, one of Canadian racing's tallest jockeys, rode in over 1,600 races with 224 victories.
The two Trials for the Ontario Bred Futurity were each won by youngsters from the stable of Carol and Jaime Robertson and trainer Bryn Robertson of HIllsburgh, ON. Their homebred filly HAD TO BE FABULOUS has won all three of her career races including her Trial on July 17 at 300 yards when she edged The Batmann and Runaway Fate. Racing into a 10 mph headwind over a slightly deep surface, Had to be Fabulous had her win hand-time in 15.820 for an unofficial 83 speed index. Josh Scott is the regular rider for the half-sister to champion Had to be Ivory.
Ontario Bred Futurity Trial winner ELVIS THE FAMOUS and runner-up FATE ZOOMIN compete in the final on July 31. New Image Media Photo
The Batmann, owned and bred by Scott Reid of Lansdowne, ON, has been stakes placed twice in just three career races. The grey gelding will be ridden by Carly Furlonger.
In the second Ontario Bred Futurity Trial, ELVIS THE FAMOUS, a diminutive grey gelding, overcame a rough start to win by half a length over favoured Fate Zoomin in a time of 16.04 for a 76 speed index. Elvis the Famous, bred by Amelie Aubut, will have Diego Benitez aboard for the final.
Fate Zoomin, winner of the Ajax Stallion Futurity in her second career start, is the first winner trained by retired jockey John McInerney, who won 487 races in the saddle. Fate Zoomin is a homebred filly for Richard Wincikaby of Alliston, ON and Christian Benitez will ride.
*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. Want to get involved in Quarter Horse ownership? Contact the QROOI at 905 - 426-7050 for details.
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FIELD FOR THE 4TH ONTARIO BRED FUTURITY
July 31, Ajax Downs, 300 yards, 2-year-olds, race 6
Post/ Horse/ Jockey/ Trainer/ Morning Line Odds
1 First for You, A Sanchez, L Spada, 8/1
2 Had to Be Fabulous, J Scott, B Robertson, 3/1
3 Look Twice, C Jeschke, C Bourgeois, 12/1
4 Peighntmeadiamond, B Bell, R W Kennedy, 8/1
5 Fate Zoomin, C Benitez, J McInerney, 10/1
6 Runaway Fate, R Isaacs, B Broadstock, 4/1
7 Elvis the Famous, D I Benitez, B Robertson, 6/1
8 Last Cold Bud, B Bell, J Pascoe, 10/1
9 The Batmann, C Furlonger, S Reid, 7/2
10 Firing Red Lucy, R S Castillo, S Reid, 15/1
Source: Ajax Downs
