Chasing Butterflies, ridden by Christian Benitez, wins the $41,916 (US) Ontario Sires Stakes Derby at Ajax Downs on Monday.

© Clive Cohen/New Image Media

AJAX, ONT–OCTOBER 14, 2024–Ajax Downs celebrated Thanksgiving Monday with a fun-filled day of horse racing, Turkey vs. Chicken racing, pumpkins, prizes and more. The program included the $41,916 (US) Ontario Sires Stakes Derby, won by even favorite Chasing Butterflies, who got his third career victory.

Trainer Rick Kennedy named Christian Benitez to ride Chasing Butterflies in the 350-yard stakes race. The son of Dashair broke second out of the gates and was leading in the final stretch to win by 1 1/2-lengths over Sugar Boy Perry. The post-time favorite clocked an 82 speed index in 18.260 seconds against a six mph headwind. The victory paid $4.30 to win on a $2.00 wager.

When asked how he felt about winning the big race of the day, Benitez said, "I'm so happy, I can't explain how I feel. I feel good." He went on to say, "I would like to thank the trainer and owner for the opportunity to ride Chasing Butterflies. He's a good horse, and thanks to good weather, everything went fine."

Trainer Rick Kennedy and jockey Christian Benitez accept the $41,916 (US) Ontario Sires Stakes Derby trophy at Ajax Downs on Monday. © Clive Cohen/New Image Media

Chasing Butterflies ran second in the Ontario Bred Derby, fourth in the QROOI Derby, and fifth in the Norman Picov Derby earlier this season. The Ontario Sires' Stakes $16,767 (US) paycheck boosted his earnings to $44,221, giving him his first career stakes win title from 12 starts.

Kennedy said, "I was really happy. He's been a slow developer and had some bad luck coming out of the gates, but today, everything went perfectly for him. He showed the talent he has and I think he's going to be a better horse next year.

Chasing Butterflies only has three starts in his freshman campaign, breaking his maiden in his last out of the season.

Kennedy commented, "He's very good now. He's a bit nervous; he was a little sick as a two-year-old, but he's doing better and coming around now."

Kennedy trains Chasing Butterflies for his owner-breeder, Howie Walton of Toronto, Canada, who started the Norseman Plastics company.

I've trained for Howard for a few years now and I've known him for a long time. I would like to thank him for giving me such a good horse to train and I am sure I'm going to get a phone call very shortly.

Bred in Ontario, Chasing Butterflies is out of the Brookstone Bay mare This Girl Is Wild.

Sugar Boy Perry, ridden by Rachael Isaacs, placed second 1 1/2-lengths ahead of Hot To Trotta, piloted by Tony Phillips, who came in third.

Trainer Bob Broadstock saddled Sugar Boy Perry for owner-breeder Heste Sport, Inc. The son of Sugarman Perry has lit the board ten of 11 starts with two wins and $33,544 in the bank. He is out of Dm Aurora by Dm Selexus.

Picov Cattle Co owns and bred Hot To Trotta, who is out of the First Down Dash mare Sammies Big Money. The son of Sugarman Perry, trained by Joe Tavares, has a record of 1-3-5 from 13 starts with $25,705 in earnings.

Snow Magically Sweet, Sweet Kara, Ivy League Sugarbaby, Special Spice, Pretty Magicall, Senator Rose and General Skywalker complete the ten horse field.

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Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on the race's trackside or from the expansive simulcast room. Wagering is also available through www.HPIBET.com.

Do you have a group or company event? Call ahead to reserve the trackside VIP room to enjoy food, drink, and mutuels. Do you want to get involved in Quarter Horse ownership? Contact the QROOI at 905-426-7050 for details on how to join the First Line Racing Syndicate.

Follow Ajax Downs on social media @AjaxDowns and visit our website, www.AjaxDowns.com for news, track programs, and more information. You can watch all of the Ajax Downs replays on our YouTube channel on our website.