Ajax Downs delivered one of its biggest afternoons of the summer Sunday, pairing a full card of Quarter Horse racing with a performance by the iconic RCMP Musical Ride that drew hundreds of spectators to the track on July 19. According to the Ajax Downs website, fans of all ages packed the grandstands on both sides of the track to watch the Mounties and their horses move through their famous formations and drills, all set to popular music. After the performance, many in attendance got the chance to meet the officers and their horses up close. The afternoon was also dedicated to the United Way of Durham, with a 50-50 draw and raffle draws held as part of the festivities. The racing itself carried plenty of local intrigue, with two trials held for the upcoming Princess Derby final. Ontario-bred filly Chillin With Peeps turned in yet another flawless performance, winning her trial by 2 1/2 lengths in a time of 18.221 for 350 yards. Ridden by Cassandra Jeschke, the filly is owned, trained and bred by Chantal Bourgeois. The win improved Chillin With Peeps to four victories from five career starts. She was coming off an eye-catching win in the Ontario Bred Derby, in which she posted a 99 speed index while covering 300 yards in a fast 15.39. The other Princess Derby trial went to Open A New Corona, owned by Joe Tavares, who crossed the wire in 18.441 with a 79 speed index. The Princess Derby final is scheduled for August 5, with a purse expected to exceed $50,000.
Saturday winners and what's next
The previous day's card also produced a notable double, as jockey Alexis Sanchez and owner-trainer Rick Kennedy combined to win the final two races on Saturday. Magic In Wonderland, bred by Kassidy Brown of Prince Edward County, took one of those victories, while Eye Spy My, bred by the late Howard Walton, won the other. The next racing day at Ajax Downs is Wednesday, July 29, with first race post time set for 3:30 p.m. The card will be headlined by the final of the Ontario Bred Futurity for 2-year-olds. Admission to Ajax Downs is free, with fans able to watch and wager trackside or from the facility's simulcast room. Wagering is also available online through HPIBet.com.
