Jess a Deal has won five editions of the Battle of the Breeds and will be headlining the popular hook race on Wednesday at Ajax Downs.

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AJAX, ONT–SEPTEMBER 16, 2025–The Battle Of The Breeds headlines a packed eight-race card of Quarter Horse racing this Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Ajax Downs. The popular 'hook' race, which pits Thoroughbreds versus Quarter Horses, is a 770-yard dash around a turn and is the first race of the afternoon.

Post time is 12:55 p.m.

Wednesday's race is the rubber match between Ajax Downs' remarkable mare Jess A Deal, a 5-time winner of the Battle of the Breeds, and the Thoroughbred Sea To Air. The latter won two BOTB races in 2024, and one of them was over Jess a Deal, but he also lost to that rival on one occasion.

Jess a Deal is a 9-year-old trained by Bob Broadstock and ridden by Ramiro Castillo. Sea to Air is trained by Jeff Voyce. Ismael Mosqueira, who rode the gelding to a recent win at Fort Erie, retains the mount.

New to the BOTB is Golden Spring, a 4-year-old Thoroughbred filly trained by Kenneth Smith who is a two-time, and Nick Mileni's Bodhi, an eight-time winner at Ajax Downs who will be trying his first 'hook' race. Completing the field is Azures Royalty, who won the first BOTB race in 2023.

There are two Gridiron Gallop races on Wednesday, the shortest of all Ajax Downs' Quarter Horse dashes at 110-yards, including race 7 which has a large field of nine.

Admission and parking are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on our exciting races trackside, up close to the action, at our picnic tables. To reserve tables in advance for $25 or book the VIP room for your party or group, contact www.ajaxdowns.com.

There is also an expansive simulcast wagering room with tellers, or you can wager through www.HPIBet.com.

If you want to get involved in owning a Quarter Horse, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at 905- 426-7050.

Photo below - A field for the Battle of the Breeds comes around the stretch turn at Ajax Downs. - Laurie Overton Photo

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