TRAINING AT AJAX DOWNS BEGINS WEDNESDAY!
While the weather outside remains a tad frightful the first day of training at Ajax Downs is Wednesday, April 4 beginning at 11 a.m.
Training will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays. Opening day for racing is May 6.
ONTARIO RUNNERS IMPRESS IN OKLAHOMA
She’s Sizzling, Paint Me Southern ones to watch at Ajax
Erik and Joyce Lehtinen’s homebred SHE’S SIZZLING overcame a step-slow start in her career debut on March 31 at Remington Park and surged for 3rd place in a maiden allowance at 250 yards. The race was worth $19,100 and was run in quick time, 12.961, by beginner Flashing Candy, an Oklahoma-bred gelding. The winner earned a 104 Speed Index while She’s Sizzling posted a 94.
She’s Sizzling, who has been training in Oklahoma this winter with one of Ajax Downs’ top trainers, Jason Pascoe, is an Ontario bred by Sizzlin Cartel – Shenandoah Special by Eyesa Special. This is the 4th foal of Shenandoah Special.
Pascoe, who has some 20 horses wintering in Oklahoma this year, sent out Milena Kwicien’s PAINT ME SOUTHERN to a 2nd place finish in a maiden allowance race on Mar. 29. The brown filly by top sire PYC Paint Your Wagon was making her first start since November and she posted a 92 speed index n the 330 yard dash.
To watch the replays – go here: https://www.remingtonpark.com/liveracing/
COUNTRY BOY 123 REVVING UP
COUNTRY BOY 123 and his owner Dr. Ruth Barbour during the last week of March.
COUNTRY BOY 123 gets ready for his daily exercise while his buddy Louie (the 2-year-old Chicksdigmymoneybags) gets playful
A short trip to Hillsburgh ,ON last week came on a lovely spring day and it was nice to see 2-time HORSE OF THE YEAR Country Boy 123 going through his exercise under his owner Dr. Ruth Barbour.
Now 5-years-old, COUNTRY BOY 123 has his younger stablemate Chicksdigmymoneybags (Louie) have been getting fit in the trails around Barbour’s farm and on the farm’s track.
Barbour said Country Boy (CB) will follow mostly the same schedule as he did in 2017 with his first major goal the Picov Maturity on June 3. The trials for the Maturity will be held on May 20.
LOUIE, a 2-year-old purchased at the Heritage Place Yearling sale last fall, is coming along well for Barbour.
Louie’s brand from his breeder, Tumbling 6’s
LEAN ON PETE – Movie about Quarter Horse and boy gets big reviews
If you have not read the poignant, almost tragic novel LEAN ON PETE about a declining Quarter Horse runner and the boy who tries to save him, it might be a good idea to check it out before seeing the movie.
LEAN ON PETE, the movie releases in Ontario this week and it has gained high ratings from critics all over the continent.
The novel was written by Willy Vlautin.
ONTARIO RACING WEBINAR THURSDAY APRIL 5 – Funding
The long-term Funding Agreement for Ontario’s horse racing sector was announced on March 23, 2018.
This webinar is an opportunity for you to hear details of the agreement, and to ask related questions.
Date: April 5, 2018
Time: 2-3pm EST
Register online using the ‘Sign up’ button on link below
After an introduction by Mike Chopowick, Acting Executive Director of Ontario Racing, Lori Sullivan (OLG) and Bill Ford (Woodbine Entertainment) will present an overview of both the Funding Agreement and the new Ontario Racing, followed by a question and answer period.
FARMER’S MARKET – VENDORS APPLY TODAY!
AJAX DOWNS-QUARTER HORSE RACING IN THE NEWS
TORONTO STAR APRIL 2
KEITH GILLIGAN
An announcement to pump $105 million a year into the horse-racing industry is a shot in the arm for the sector, but Ajax says it’s all part of a plan to close slots facilities.
The province recently announced the funding, which will run for 19 years, saying the money would support the industry long-term.
Jeff Leal, the minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, said, “This new, collaborative agreement will provide owners, breeders and racetrack operators with the support they need to ensure stability and success for the long term.”
STALLION ESEARCH WEB SITE:
Ontario Racing Wins a Hard-Fought Battle for Legislative Support
By Martha Claussen
AJAX, ONTARIO—MARCH 29, 2018—There is no question that the horse racing industry has battled hard for legislative backing in recent years. While many jurisdictions have been tremendously disappointed in the lack of assistance, breeders, owners, horsemen and equine businesses in Ontario are breathing a huge sigh of relief.
http://www.stallionesearch.com/default.asp?section=6&story=23183
