Niigaanii and jockey Cassandra Jeschke stretch out for the win in Ajax Downs' eighth race on June 10.

© New Image Media

By Jennifer Morrison

AJAX, CAN–JUNE 11, 2026– Quarter Horse trainer SCOTT REID scored a natural hat trick at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, June 10, sending out the winners of races seven, eight and nine, two of those owned by Rick Crispi of Guelph, ON. The triple boosted the 37-year-old horseman's win total for the young season to 10 from 26 starters, a lofty 38 percent win rate.

The star of the Reid barn yesterday was NIIGAANII, purchased during the off season by Crispi, who won the day's featured allowance race at 250 yards. An Ontario sired and bred 4-year-old black gelding, Niigaanii and jockey Cassandra Jeschke were quickly in a battle for the lead with Elvis the Famous and his rider Ismael Mosqueira. The two horses dueled right to the wire and it was Niigaanii who won the photo finish in a sizzling time of 13.306, good for a 98 speed index, a career best for the winner.

Niigaanii was winning for the second straight time in 2026 for Crispi and Reid. The son of Ontario sire Peighnt Your Fate has seven career wins from 17 starts and he could soon be stepping up into stakes company.

Crispi, a longtime owner at Ajax Downs, was right back in the winner's circle after race nine when his SUIT UP powered to an impressive 1 3/4 length win, his second consecutive romp. Suit Up, by former Ontario sire Makin an Effort, was ridden by Fort Erie's Helen Vanek. Vanek also guided Reid trainee Copilot to a hard fought win in race seven for owner John Wilson.

The trainer's race is already a tight one with Joe Tavares, who won two races on Wednesday, leading with 11 victories over Reid and Jason Pascoe, who are tied with 10. Cristian Benitez rode two winners on the card and leads all jockeys with 10 wins.

*REMINDER: RACING CONTINUES AT AJAX DOWNS ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21 with a special Father's Day card. First race post time is 12:55 p.m. Fans will receive a gift with the purchase of a program, while supplies last, plus there will be raffles for prizes and the final of the Unclassified Stakes.

*DON'T FORGET to buy your tickets for the July 19 day of racing at Ajax Downs featuring a performance by the RCMP MUSICAL RIDE. Visit www.ajaxdowns.com for details on purchasing tickets and the 50-50 draw benefitting the United Way.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.