‘Hook Race’ and Gridiron Gallop featured on Ajax Downs’ final racing day of the year
Published November 2, 2021 at 10:17 am
Quarter Horse racing fans will not want to miss the final day of the 2021 Ajax Downs Quarter Horse racing season tomorrow, which kicks off with the first-ever ‘hook’ race in the track’s history.
A jam-packed 11-race card begins at 12:45 p.m. with a sneak-peek into the 2022 racing season with a non-wagering race at 770-yards, the first race to be held around a turn at the track. ‘Hook’ races for Quarter Horses – races around one turn – have been popular in other jurisdictions in North America, offering Quarter Horses the chance to race at slightly longer distances than 440-yards, or one-quarter of a mile.
“Fans have been asking us for years when they might see horses go around a turn at our track,” said Ajax Downs’ General Manager Emilio Trotta. “We built a new camera tower and that day has finally arrived. We have had another successful season, despite challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and what a great way to end the season with a sneak-peek into what is to come at Ajax Downs next season.”
Following the historic first race, there are 10 wagering opportunities on the final day of the Ajax Downs card including two Pick 4 wagers.
The featured 10th race, an open allowance race at 330-yards has attracted stakes winner Countryfried Chicken and world record-setter Carneros, both trained by the meet’s leading trainer Jason Pascoe of Pontypool. Countryfried Chicken won the Ontario Bred Derby on August 11 for owner and breeder Milena Kwiecien and is a four-time winner in 2021. Carneros, an 11-time winner in 39 career races, set a world record for 110-yards in 2019 and comes off a sizzling win on October 20.
Wednesday’s card also features the popular Gridiron Gallop, a 110-yard dash, and one of Ajax Downs’ all-time leading owner and trainer combo, Christine Tavares and husband Joe, will send out their trusty eight-year-old gelding Sugarmans Delight as one of the favourites with Brian Bell riding,
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Current leading jockey Cory Spataro, with 30 wins and 290 points, leads Ismael Mosquiera who has 27 wins and 243 points. Each rider has several mounts on the final day of racing in pursuit of the leading rider title.
Fans can register to attend the races at Ajax Downs by visiting www.ajaxdowns.com. The races are live-streamed on the Ajax Downs Facebook and YouTube sites and wagering is available through ww.hpibet.com.
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