Picov Derby and Ontario Sires Stakes Trials This Wednesday!
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AJAX DOWNS, AUGUST 18, 2026 – A jam-packed nine-race card, including exciting Trial races for the finals of the Picov Derby and Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity, gets underway at AJAX DOWNS at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19. This is the final ‘twilight’ card of racing for 2026 as first race post time will revert to 12:55 p.m. for the remainder of the season.
The top 3-year-old Quarter Horses at Ajax Downs will square off in two Trials for the $50,000-added Norman Picov Derby at 400 yards. Princess Derby winner OPEN A NEW CORONA, owned and trained by Joe Tavares, and Ontario Bred Derby winner CHILLIN WTH PEEPS contest the first Derby Trial, race 5. Owned and trained by Chantelle Bourgeois, CHILLIN WITH PEEPS is looking to get back on the winning track after being upset by Open a New Corona in the Princess Derby. The two fillies have a stern challenger in the gelding COPILOT, winner of the Open Derby in May.
The second Picov Derby Trial, race 6, has lured the season’s current top 3-year-old male, MY ROYAL SWINGER, who is undefeated in four starts in 2026 for Tavares. The Unclassified Stakes winner meets stakes-placed SUIT UP and the promising JERONMENO. The top 10 horses by finishing time from the two Trials will advance to the Derby final on September 9.
The Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity Trials are races 2 and 3 at 330 yards for 2-year-olds. The final, also on Sept. 9, is worth $60,000-added. Earl Foster’s BAREF HURRICANE RUSH, a determined second in the Ontario Bred Futurity in her last start is a contender in the first Trial while Katie Browne’s COLD HARD CHIEF, who won his first career race impressively, headlines the second Trial.
Following this week’s twilight card, the 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, free 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.
