Quarter Horses race Thoroughbreds down the backstretch at Ajax Downs in 2024. Thoroughbreds won the series 4 to 3 last year.

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AJAX DOWNS–MAY 26, 2025–Come out to the Quarter Horse races early on Wednesday, May 28, to catch the return of the popular Battle of the Breeds at Ajax Downs.

The first race on Wednesday, with a post time of 1:45 p.m., matches three Quarter horses against two Thoroughbreds at 770 yards, around a turn. After seven Battle of the Breeds races in 2024, the Thoroughbreds are leading four wins to 3.

The remarkable Quarter Horse mare Jess A Deal is the Queen of the Battle of the Breeds as she won three times last season and was second and third in two others. She holds the track record for the distance of 41.15.

Owned by Marie Broadstock and Picov Cattle Company, Jess a Deal is a 9-year-old Texas-bred by Dealagame, trained by Bob Broadstock. She has won 11 of 47 career races, and this will be her first start of 2025. Ramiro Castillo is her regular rider.

The two Thoroughbreds facing Jess a Deal are both trained by Fort Erie racetrack's leading conditioner, Julie Mathes. Determined Love, owned by Sovereign Award-winning owner Bruno Schickedanz, is a short-distance specialist who has 14 career wins, and this will be her first race of the season. Ismael Mosqueira is named to ride.

Mathes is also sending the mare Cherry Gardens to the battle of the Breeds for her husband, Dave Mathes. Cherry Gardens comes off a win in her season opener at Mountaineer Park on May 6 at 4 1/2 furlongs. Tony Phillips will ride.

The Battle of the Breeds field is completed by Ice Cream Cartel, who was fourth in her only attempt at the 770-yard distance, and Azures Royalty, who won the first pari-mutuel Battle of the Breeds race in 2023.

There are eight races on Wednesday's card at Ajax Downs, including the first Gridiron Gallop of the year, the shortest Quarter Horse race at 110 yards.

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, visit the expansive simulcast room or wager through www.HPIBet.com.

For more information, entries, news and how to reserve the VIP room for your group, visit www.ajaxdowns.com. If you want to get involved in owning a Quarter Horse, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at 905- 426-7050.

All Ajax Downs races can be seen at Q-Racing Video.com.

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