Copilot, My Royal Wagon Trial Wins Set Stage For Picov Derby Final
AJAX DOWNS, AUGUST 20, 2026 – Following this week’s two competitive Trial dashes for the NORMAN PICOV DERBY at Ajax Downs, the $50,000-added final for the prestigious 3-year-old race, scheduled for September 9, is set to be a memorable one.
The Derby Trials, plus two Trials for the $60,000-added Ontario Sires Futurity, made for a great day of racing on August 19, the last twilight program of 2026. Racing returns to a 12:55 post time schedule for the remainder of the season.
John Wilson’s COPILOT won the slightly quicker of the 400-yard Derby Trials at Ajax Downs for his fourth win this season, defeating Princess Derby winner OPEN A NEW CORONA and Ontario Bred Derby winner CHILLIN WITH PEEPS a closing third.
Copilot, trained by Scott Reid and ridden by Helen Vanek, led from start to finish and won by a length in 20.335 for a 90 speed index. The son of Paint Your Pilot was purchased by Wilson, a resident of New Liskeard, for $9,000 last fall at the Heritage Mixed Sale in Oklahoma.
The second Trial was won by MY ROYAL SWINGER, who is now undefeated in 5 races this year and is tied for the winningest horse in North America in 2026. Owned and trained by Joe Tavares, My Royal Swinger, with a motionless Corry Beland riding, edged Ontario-breds AGENT ICE, SUIT UP and JERONEMO, stopping the clock in 20.491 for an 88 speed index.
The 10 fastest times from the two Trials advance to the Final.
The Trials for the $50,000-added Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity for 2-year-olds saw a few late scratches, so all starters advance to the Sept. 9 final. The fastest Trial winner was STOLEN IVORY S DASH, who broke his maiden in the 330-yard race for Carol and Jaime Robertson and trainer Bryn Robertson. The flashy gelding raced the distance in 17.353 for an 84 speed index. Ismael Mosqueira rode the winner.
Katie Browne’s COLD HARD CHIEF sped away to victory in the second Futurity Trial in a time of 17.424 for an 82 speed index. The brown gelding is undefeated in two starts for trainer Jason Pascoe and Ajax Downs’ leading rider Cristian Benitez.
Our next racing day is SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, Ajax Downs’ popular FAMILY FUN DAY, a fun-filled day for the whole family in support of Lakeridge Health / Ajax Pickering Hospital! Live Quarter Horse racing, kids’ games, loot bags, face painting, Zoo To You, and more. First race post time is 12:55 p.m.
For more information on how you can become a Quarter Horse owner, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario about the First Line Racing Syndicate at (905) 426-7050.
To read the latest news about racing at Ajax Downs, get the latest dates and events, or reserve a picnic table on one of our bigger days ($25), visit our website, www.ajaxdowns.com. You can watch and wager on Ajax Downs racing trackside and up close to the action or through www.HPIBet.com.
