The Quarter horse is an American Breed of horse that has a mix of bloodlines which produced more compact, heavily muscled horses that can run short distances faster than any other horse. The modern Quarter horse has a small, short, refined head with a straight profile, and a strong, well-muscled body, featuring a broad chest and powerful rounded hindquarters. They usually stand between 14 and 16 hands (56 to 64 inches, 142 to 163cm) high, although some may grow as tall as 17 hand (68inches, 173cm). The name Quarter Horse came from the horses ability to out run other horse breeds in races of a quarter mile or less, some have been clocked at speeds of up to 55mph (88.5km/h). They have long legs and are leaner than other breeds, but are still characterized by muscular hindquarters and powerful legs. Their ability to sprint has earned them the nickname of “World’s fastest athlete”
The Quarter horse is best known as a race horse, but is also known as show horse, cutting horse, rodeo horse, as well as barrel racing, calf roping, trail riding and all round family horse. Quarter horses are also used in mounted police units!
Parking and admission are always free.
Yes, Ajax Downs Racetrack is very family/children friendly and offers family fun entertainment and kids will love our mascot AJ. However, children are not allowed on the Casino Ajax Slots gaming floor or into the off track betting area. You must be over 18 years to place a wager at the mutuel windows. You must be 19 or older to enter the slot areas.
Yes, There is a wheelchair accessible elevator available to access the lower patio .
Due to the proximity to the horses, no pets are allowed at Ajax Downs. Service animals are always welcome but may be asked to keep at a distance from the horses for safety reasons.
Yes, on the patio is a BBQ that serves Hamburgers/Hot Dogs and other food items as well as Pop, water & Alcoholic Beverages.
For more intricate meals, the Gateway restaurant and upper patio has a full service menu and bar.
Please contact the QROOI at www.qrooi.com or 905-426-7050
We have designated booth called "How To Bet 101," where our friendly and helpful staff will assist with you with any questions you have. They are always located at the side of the grandstand. Also, check out our “1st time visit” section under the “Plan your visit” header on our website for tips and insight before you arrive.
On the patio under the overhang there is a booth with tellers that can take your bets. They are helpful for anyone betting!
Yes, we have a wide variety of merchandise such as, Jackets, Sweatshirts, T-Shirts, and a wide variety of other souvenir items. Currently we do not sell online please visit the merchandise booth on race days.
Balls, balloons, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, Frisbees, flags, kites. We may also ask you to remove any items that we feel is unsafe around the horse.
At this time, Ajax Downs, does not provide free WIFI service.
Yes. Customers are welcome to use cameras and/or camcorders while visiting Ajax Downs Race Track. However, please refrain from using flashes around the horses, and from taking pictures of other customers.
Yes, we offer 2 bank machines located in our Off track betting Area. Most vendors and ALL wagering is strictly cash.
Yes, we over group packages please visit the event link on our website.
‘Post time’ is the time a race starts – When at the track look at the top right corner of our jumbotron ex: 4 MTR 1 = 4 Minutes To Race 1 (sometimes this abbreviation will be MTP=Minutes To Post)
When a horse scratches it is taken out of the race for many reasons, usually due to a safety concern for the horse. If you have bet on a horse that has been scratched then, in most cases, your ticket will be void and your money will be returned
Speed index (SI) is a numerical rating of just how fast a horse ran his or her race in comparison to other horses at the same track and distance the past three years – the higher the number the better.
At Ajax Downs many of our Ponies (these are the horses that escort the racehorses to the gates) are retired racehorses. Other retired Quarter horses from our track live on farms eating grass and enjoying their golden years.
ALLOWANCE RACE- A race other than claiming for which the racing secretary drafts certain conditions to determine weights.
MAIDEN RACE- A race for non-winners.
SPEED INDEX RACE is for horses whose average speed index is lower than a certain number. An example of a Speed Index condition would be “For three-year olds and upward with an average speed index of 85 and under.”
When horse racing odds are shown in the form of 7-2, 5-1, etc, it shows the amount of profit to the amount invested. So, odds of 7-2 mean that for every $2 invested, the better gets $7 profit in return. This means when you bet $2, the total return if the bet is successful is $9
The straight length of the track on the far side of the course from the stands where the stables are located.
Have another question? Our staff is always out and about during live racing and we can always help direct you to where you need to be or help you with betting, food, general info about racing or the facility.