Jess A Deal (second from left), the Queen of the Battle of the Breeds against Thoroughbreds, goes for another win on Wednesday.

© Laurie Overton

AJAX, ONT–SEPTEMBER 16, 2024–The seventh edition of Ajax Downs' popular Battle Of The Breeds races kicks off the September 18 card of Quarter Horse racing going as the first race with a 12:55 post time. Also racing on Wednesday is reigning Horse of the Year Snow Moose in the Gridiron Gallop, and in the seventh race, stakes winner and top sire Maryland Magic makes his 2024 debut.

Marie Broadstock and Picov Cattle Company's tough mare Jess A Deal, a two-time Battle of the Breeds winner this year and track record holder, takes on fellow Quarter Horse Azures Royalty and three Thoroughbreds in the unique 770-yard race around a turn.

The 8-year-old won a Battle of the Breeds in her second outing of 2024 on May 29, setting the time mark of 41.15 in that win. She returned and defeated the Thoroughbred Lion of the Sea in the next BOTB on July 21. Ramiro Castillo rides the Bob Broadstock-trained mare and they drew post position three.

Fellow Quarter Horse Azures Royalty, third three times in the series, has post two with Neil Husbands riding for owner Magen Finnessey.

The Thoroughbred Sea To Air, owned by Robin Voyce, won the most recent Botb on Aug. 21 at 870 yards under jockey Josh Scott. His victory tied the score between Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in the series at three wins apiece. Sea to Air has post position one. 

Fort Erie invader Silver Tunes makes her first start at Ajax Downs for Radcliffe Racing Stable and trainer Josh Robillard and she has post four with Tony Phillips up, while Red Maple, second to Sea to Air last month, has post five with Mark Lee Buchanan riding,

Snow Moose, winner of two of his last three races, including the Ontario Bred Maturity in July, will tackle the 110 yards of the Gridiron Gallop for the second time in race three. The 4-year-old, owned by Milena Kwiecien, is preparing for the year's final major stakes race, the Alex Picov Memorial Championship.

Maryland Magic, a leading sire in Canada and one of Ajax Downs' top runners for eight seasons, makes his first start of the year in the seventh race against 2021 Horse of the Year First Cold Wave. Maryland Magic has won 18 races in his career and has the distinction of winning at nine of the 10 distances run at Ajax Downs.

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

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 mutuals. Want to get involved in Quarter Horse ownership? Contact the QROOI at 905 - 426-7050 for details.

Follow Ajax Downs on social media @AjaxDowns and visit our website, www.AjaxDowns.com, for news, track programs, and more information.