"I am still on my cloud," said Aubut.
AJAX DOWNS, JULY 31, 2024 - ELVIS THE FAMOUS and jockey Diego Benitez rocked Ajax Downs on Wednesday, July 31 with a convincing win in the $59,265 Ontario Bred Futurity for 2-year-olds, upsetting his heavily favoured stablemate, the previously undefeated Had to Be Fabulous.
Breaking sharply from the gate in the eight-horse field, Elvis the Famous turned back all challengers to win the 300-yard dash by three-quarters of a length at 5 to 1 odds over 32 to 1 shot Runaway Fate and jockey Rachael Isaacs. The Batmann and jockey Carly Furlonger finished third at odds of 6 to 1 setting up a $477.40 tractor payoff. Had to Be Fabulous finished seventh in the eight-horse field.
Elvis the Famous and jockey Diego Benitez upset the $59,265 Ontario Bred Futurity at Ajax Downs on July 31. New Image Media Photo
It was the second consecutive win for Elvis the Famous, who won one of two Trials for the Futurity on July 17 which was his first win in his third career start for owners Carol and Jaime Robertson and trainer Bryn Robertson.
"He broke really fast," said Benitez. "And he just kept coming and coming. I'm very happy."
Elvis the Famous, a grey son of Cold Hard Dash from the mare Dm Classic Rock, was purchased privately by the Robertsons from breeder Amelie Aubut of Pont Rouge, QC. "He's a tough little guy," said Bryn Robertson. "He came out and said no one was beating me today."
Elvis the Famous sped the distance in 15.613 for an impressive 90 speed index.
Aubut, who also races a small stable of horses, was emotionally overcome as Elvis the Famous was the first stakes winner she bred.
"I am still on my cloud," said Aubut. " I put so much effort into my horses and always dream of the best."
Elvis the Famous earned $23,707 for the victory bringing his total earnings to over $30,000.
Photo at Left - Jockey Ed Walton with his grandchildren Jaelynn and Chase - New Image Media Photo
The July 31 card of racing at Ajax Downs also recognized ED WALTON, winner of over 300 races as a jockey at Ajax Downs, on his retirement. During his successful career, Walton rode champions such as Streakinshagginwagon, Country Boy 123, and Fiesty Icon.
Ontario Racing was on hand to celebrate the owners and trainers in Quarter Horse racing with chair Andrew Gaughan, executive consultant and Jennifer Bodner, director of business operations hosting a lunch for participants in Quarter Horse Racing.*
*Racing resumes at Ajax Downs next Wednesday, August 7 with a first race post time of 1:30 p.m.
To reserve the VIP room for your next event or meeting, contact Ajax Downs at 905 - 686-8001 For information on how you can become a Quarter Horse owner, call the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at 905-426-7050.
Source: Ajax Downs
