Champion First Cold Wave will try to win the Ontario Sires Stakes Maturity for the second straight year this Sunday, September 1.

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AJAX, ONT–AUGUST 30, 2024–Celebrate the long weekend of Labor Day this Sunday, September 1, at Ajax Downs with exciting Quarter Horse racing and a fun afternoon OF prizes and giveaways.

Fans will receive a free t-shirt with a program purchase (while supplies last) and have a chance to win a $50 betting voucher, a foosball table/cooler, and other prizes. The first race post time is 12:55 p.m.

The 12th running of the $39,330 (CAN) Ontario Sires Stakes Maturity is among the featured races on Sunday and offers fans a fascinating betting race with no clear standout. Last year's Maturity winner, First Cold Wave, will try to regain his title in his first race since mid-July when he was a troubled sixth in the Ontario Bred Maturity behind Snow Moose.

First Cold Wave, the AQHA's Canadian High Point Horse of 2023, is winless in seven races since his Maturity win last year but has been racing against slightly tougher competition. Brian Bell will ride First Cold Wave from post position four for owner Robert Bailey and trainer Jason Pascoe.

Owner and trainer James Bogar has entered a tough trio on the Maturity, including the consistently good mares Hanover Hill Theresa, Pretty Runaway, and the gelding Im Aquick Corona. Hanover Hill Theresa, a two-time winner this year, was third in the Ontario Bred Maturity and recently third in the Princess Maturity. Christian Benitez will ride her from post five.

Pretty Runaway, who appeared on the "Kelly Clarkson Show" and many news programs this spring because of her head-banging moves to heavy metal, will have Tony Phillips on board, and Diego Benitez rides Im Aquick Corona.

The field is completed by Shaken, with Cassandra Jeschke up, and stakes winner Firstprize Charlotte, who will be ridden by Alexis Sanchez.

Ajax Downs' popular 2023 Horse of the Year Snow Moose is also in action on Sunday, competing in race four, an allowance race at 330 yards for owner Milena Kwiecien.

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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.

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.