Ajax Downs

09/02/2026

PRESS RELEASE
Family Fun Day is a Rocking Success, 'Diamond' Wins Maturity
AJAX DOWNS, AUGUST 31, 2026 - Smiling faces and exciting Quarter Horse races highlighted AJAX DOWNS' 16th annual FAMILY FUN DAY on August 30 in support of the AJAX PICKERING HOSPITAL FOUNDATION. Families and racing fans started cramming the track at 10 a.m., and after a brief rain shower, the sun came out for the afternoon. Kids met K-pop characters such as Rumi, enjoyed a show with Lexy the Rap Dad, and met animals and reptiles at Zoo to You. Families also had a chance to meet some of the track 'ponies', the horses who accompany the racehorses to the starting gate.
The large crowd stayed to watch the eight-race card including the day's feature race, the $45,540 Ontario Sires Stakes Maturity, a 330-yard sprint for 4-year-olds and upward.
One of Ajax Downs's rising stars, PEIGHNTMEADIAMOND kept his undefeated record for 2026 intact with a rousing late run under jockey Brian Bell to win by a neck over the speedy C G Mega Spy and Cassandra Jeschke. The running time was a sharp 16.814 for an impressive 102 speed index.
"He was a little slow leaving," said Bell. "But with him, you don't panic. Once he gets 150 yards from the finish, he kicks it into a different gear."
Peighntmeadiamond, who won the Ontario Bred Maturity in May, is now four for four this year for owner Richard Wincikaby, who lives in Alliston and has his star's sire, Peighnt Your Fate, at stud on his farm.
Joe Tavares trains Peighnmeadiamond, who is from a Thoroughbred mare named Swingwiththering, was co-bred by Katie Browne.
Racing continues at Ajax Downs on Wednesday September 9 with the final of the NORMAN PICOV DERBY. First race post time is 12:55 p.m. Free admission, trackside tables and the popular Hot Dogs & More outdoor barbecue are just some of the features at our Quarter Horse track.

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

Ajax Downs’ 16th Annual Family Fun Day was beyond anything we could have expected, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the day such a success.

Our community truly came together in an amazing way. To every family, friend, neighbour, race fan and supporter who joined us — thank you. You came out not only to enjoy a fun day at Ajax Downs, but knowing that your participation was helping support the Ajax Pickering Hospital.

Seeing so many people come together for such an important cause was incredibly special. Every donation, every game played, every raffle ticket purchased and every person who simply showed up to support the day helped make a difference.

We are so proud to be part of such a generous and caring community. Family Fun Day would not have been the success it was without all of you.

From everyone at Ajax Downs, thank you for making our 16th Annual Family Fun Day one to remember and for helping us support our local hospital and the important work it does for our community.

We truly could not have done it without you!

08/30/2026

And Thank you !!

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR FAMILY FUN DAY SPONSORS!

We truly could not make this special day happen without your incredible generosity and support.

Your partnership is helping Ajax Downs support Ajax Pickering Hospital and Operation I.C.U., with funds raised going toward important equipment and improvements that will help strengthen critical care in our community.

We are so grateful to every sponsor who has stepped forward to support this meaningful cause. Your generosity has helped make Family Fun Day possible and has given us the opportunity to bring our community together for something that truly matters.

Now it is up to our amazing community to come out, join in the fun and help us make an even greater impact.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR HELPING US GET THIS FAR — NOW LET’S COME TOGETHER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Sunday, August 30
10:00 A.M. SHARP!
Ajax Downs

Come out, bring the family, enjoy the day and help us support Ajax Pickering Hospital.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE SUNDAY!

08/29/2026

Family Fun Day tomorrow Sunday August 30 at Ajax Downs . Doors open at 10:00am - First 1000 kids get a goodie bag , Be there to see Lexy the Rap Dad , Try the track , Zoo to you and so much more . Live quarter horse racing starts @12:55 ! Free admission, free parking and free family fun ! Thank you to all our community sponsors .

08/26/2026

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR FAMILY FUN DAY SPONSORS!

We truly could not make this special day happen without your incredible generosity and support.

Your partnership is helping Ajax Downs support Ajax Pickering Hospital and Operation I.C.U., with funds raised going toward important equipment and improvements that will help strengthen critical care in our community.

We are so grateful to every sponsor who has stepped forward to support this meaningful cause. Your generosity has helped make Family Fun Day possible and has given us the opportunity to bring our community together for something that truly matters.

Now it is up to our amazing community to come out, join in the fun and help us make an even greater impact.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR HELPING US GET THIS FAR — NOW LET’S COME TOGETHER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Sunday, August 30
10:00 A.M. SHARP!
Ajax Downs

Come out, bring the family, enjoy the day and help us support Ajax Pickering Hospital.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE SUNDAY!

08/26/2026

JOIN US AT AJAX DOWNS SUNDAY AUGUST 30TH -FAMILY FUN DAY PLUS LIVE QUARTER HORSE RACING -EVENT BEGINS AT 10:00 A.M.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN
ALL DONATIONS IN SUPPORT OF Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation

08/20/2026

Its our 16th Annual Family Fun day at Ajax Downs Sunday August 30th

08/20/2026

PRESS RELEASE
Copilot, My Royal Wagon Trial Wins Set Stage For Picov Derby Final

My Royal Sw***er will head into the $50,000-added Picov Derby final on Sept. 9 unbeaten in five races this year.
AJAX DOWNS, AUGUST 20, 2026 - Following this week's two competitive Trial dashes for the NORMAN PICOV DERBY at Ajax Downs, the $50,000-added final for the prestigious 3-year-old race, scheduled for September 9, is set to be a memorable one.
The Derby Trials, plus two Trials for the $60,000-added Ontario Sires Futurity, made for a great day of racing on August 19, the last twilight program of 2026. Racing returns to a 12:55 post time schedule for the remainder of the season.
John Wilson's COPILOT won the slightly quicker of the 400-yard Derby Trials at Ajax Downs for his fourth win this season, defeating Princess Derby winner OPEN A NEW CORONA and Ontario Bred Derby winner CHILLIN WITH PEEPS a closing third.
Copilot, trained by Scott Reid and ridden by Helen Vanek, led from start to finish and won by a length in 20.335 for a 90 speed index. The son of Paint Your Pilot was purchased by Wilson, a resident of New Liskeard, for $9,000 last fall at the Heritage Mixed Sale in Oklahoma.
The second Trial was won by MY ROYAL SW***ER, who is now undefeated in 5 races this year and is tied for the winningest horse in North America in 2026. Owned and trained by Joe Tavares, My Royal Sw***er, with a motionless Corry Beland riding, edged Ontario-breds AGENT ICE, SUIT UP and JERONEMO, stopping the clock in 20.491 for an 88 speed index.
The 10 fastest times from the two Trials advance to the Final.
The Trials for the $50,000-added Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity for 2-year-olds saw a few late scratches, so all starters advance to the Sept. 9 final. The fastest Trial winner was STOLEN IVORY S DASH, who broke his maiden in the 330-yard race for Carol and Jaime Robertson and trainer Bryn Robertson. The flashy gelding raced the distance in 17.353 for an 84 speed index. Ismael Mosqueira rode the winner.

Katie Browne's COLD HARD CHIEF sped away to victory in the second Futurity Trial in a time of 17.424 for an 82 speed index. The brown gelding is undefeated in two starts for trainer Jason Pascoe and Ajax Downs' leading rider Cristian Benitez.
*Our next racing day is SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, Ajax Downs' popular FAMILY FUN DAY, a fun-filled day for the whole family in support of Lakeridge Health / Ajax Pickering Hospital! Live Quarter Horse racing, kids' games, loot bags, face painting, Zoo To You, and more. First race post time is 12:55 p.m.
Photo Credit: New Image Media

08/19/2026