AJAX DOWNS

Track Rules

1. Ajax Downs will operate under the rules and regulations as set forth by the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and by American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). The rules of the AGCO, as set forth in the AGCO Online Rulebook (Rules of Thoroughbred Racing | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (agco.ca)) (with Quarter Horse Racing Appendix), take precedence over those of the

2. It is a privilege, not a right, to use the Premises and race at Ajax Downs

3. RACE OFFICE POLICIES: Entries will be received by the Race Office in person, by fax, telephone or The entry box closes at 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays for Sunday/Monday races and Friday at 10 a.m. for Wednesday races. Entries for races unfilled by 10:00 a.m. will close at the discretion of the Race Secretary,

In the event of “Holiday Monday” racing (following Sunday racing), entries will be conducted Fridays, following the aforementioned parameters described above.

Trainers must check the race conditions when entering and identify:

1. Changes of equipment (e.g., flipping halters, blinkers, no shoes)

1. Preference date: (Original Papers Received, Last Run Date)
2. Alternate entry conditions – give order of choice
3. Jockey – Trainers must “book” their jockey entering horses and identify an alternate Riders must confirm their mounts by 2:00 p.m. on Draw Day.
4. All horse entries must have their papers (original or photocopy) filed in the Race Office before being eligible to enter any Original papers must be on file prior to Post Time on race date.
5. Any horse entry that has obtained an official Workout from another recognized racetrack must provide that workout time directly from the Race Office of said track (or Equibase) and be published in the Official Race All Workouts are subject to the minimum time requirements (20 Speed Index) of Ajax Downs.

1. If alternate choices are not identified at time of entry, horse entries will not be considered for other race Additionally, horse entries will not be considered if entered less than five (5) days between starts.

1. All Races that have nine (9) horses (that are separate betting interests) will be considered All others will be listed on the Website/by Email at the Race Secretary’s discretion. Should a race be advertised for further entries, but subsequently

overfills; only those horses entered afterward will be subject to a preference date draw (with Coupled Entries being withdrawn initially).

As per rule AGCO TB Rules 6.13, there must be five separate betting interests in order to card a race.

1. The Race Office bears the responsibility in writing all race Horsepeople are asked to contact the Race Office before entries close with any questions they may have regarding said Conditions.

1. There will be no changes allowed to the Conditions of any race after the first entry for that race has been taken unless all entrants agree and an attempt has been made to notify trainers of all horses affected by the

1. The Scratching of a horse will be considered and brought in front of the Stewards if the Scratch is from a larger field (betting interests) going into a race with a smaller field (betting interests). The Stewards will make a final decision of whether the Scratch is
2. Any Ownership changes that occur after the entry of horses must be approved by the Stewards and accompanied by a bill of If approved this documentation shall be forwarded to the Race Office.

1. Any Stakes Race that receives less than five (5) entries at 10am will be reopened to allow for additional Horses entered into other races may move into the Stake race provided their original race has a minimum of seven (7) entries.

1. A Thoroughbred (TB) may enter any Overnight race at distances of over 400 yards (i.e. 440 yards and higher).

4. SPEED INDEX: Horse entries that have campaigned for their last two or more consecutive starts at Ajax Downs will be allowed to enter Speed Index All speed indexes are based on the average of the highest two of the last three official electronically timed starts at any track. Official starts are races that are eligible to be recognized as official by AQHA. If the electronic timer malfunctions and hand times are given, it will not be used in the calculation for a speed index. If a zero-speed index appears in the last three official electronically timed starts, it will not be used in the calculation and the horse will need to have another start in order to complete eligibility.

The calculation will then be based on the next available official electronically timed start. A zero may not be included in the average for any reason. Speed indexes will only be accepted at distances of 870 yards or less.

Previously started Ontario Bred or Sired horses are exempted from the last three consecutive start protocol, but not from Timer malfunction and hand times.

Maidens will be allowed to enter speed index races, but only after the two consecutive starts at Ajax Downs with proper electronically timed starts.

5. CLAIMING RACES: Electing Post-Race Observation:

There are two ways for the Claimant to elect for post-race observation:

1. By checking the box located on the claim The AGCO strongly recommends this method of opting in.
2. If the box is not checked, the claimant must notify the Paddock Judge located in the This must be done before the horses start unsaddling from the race that the horse was claimed out of. The Paddock Judge will then notify the stewards that the claimant has “opted in” to the observation period.

NOTE: All claim slips must include a contact number for the claimant, or their AGCO licensed Authorized Agent.

NOTE: Once the claimant has elected post-race observation, they cannot opt out.

Claiming Rule – Claiming Procedure for horses proceeding directly to the observation area

1. Race Secretary will notify Stewards and Paddock Judge there is a claim on a horse 15 minutes prior to post-time
2. After the race has ended and prior to the horse’s unsaddling, the claimant can notify the Paddock Judge they would like the horse (The observation request is best made before the race on the claim slip).

• The Stewards will notify the Official Veterinarian (OV) and Backstretch Manager via radio, whether the horse will be sent to Test barn and/or Observation

1. The original owner or representative and new claimant will walk with the horse to the observation barn and await the The OV will confirm the identity of the horse using a microchip reader. Observation shall take place as close to one hour after the race as practical.
2. The original owner or representative and horse shall remain in the observation area until the observation is
3. If the horse is placed on the Official Veterinarian’s list (i.e. Bleeding, Injured, Sick, Lame, or physically unfit to race or is Euthanized or Dies) the new claimant may request that the Race Officials invalidate the A claim may not be invalidated for a horse being outdistanced alone, unless it is going on the Vet’s list for additional reasons.

• If the claim is not invalidated, the claimant will take possession of the

If the horse has won the race or been chosen randomly to test and go to test barn, the following rules apply:

1. The Stewards will notify the Paddock Judge via radio if the horse is to be sent to the test barn and/or observation
2. The original owner or representative will take the horse to the Test Barn and the Backstretch Manager will accompany

• Upon completion of Testing, both the original owner or representative and Backstretch Manager will make their way to observation area as set out by the

1. The Test Inspector will notify the OV by radio that the horse has left the Test Barn and is proceeding to the observation
2. The existing trainer or representative, Backstretch Manager and new claimant will await the Official Veterinarian for the examination of the

The new owner will take possession of the horse if the claim has not been invalidated, and only after sample tags have been signed by the existing trainer or their representative.

If the horse is placed on the Official Veterinarian’s list for reasons such as Bleeding, Injured, Sick, Lame, or physically unfit to race or is euthanized or dies, the new claimant will have the right to ask Race officials to invalidate the claim.

The decision to invalidate the claim must be made immediately. The OV will notify the Stewards and let them know the horse failed the post-race observation check either by phone or radio.

After the Stewards have received notification from the OV, the Stewards will contact the claimant (via phone number on the claim slip). The Stewards will advise the claimant that the horse has failed the post-race examination, and the claimant will have the option to invalidate.

1. Upon confirming invalidation of the claim, the original owner or their representative must take the horse without delay to its original

• Once the claim has been officially invalidated the Stewards will provide confirmation to the Equibase Charter caller via The charter will then edit and publish the final version of the race chart.
• Should the claim not be invalidated, the OV will notify the claimant or its representatives in the observation The claimed horse will then be transferred to the claimant or their representative and exit the observation area with them.

6. JOCKEY FEE: The jockey’s fee shall be considered earned when the Paddock Judge calls “Riders Up” for that Jockey’s Fees for the AJAX DOWNS MEET for Overnight races will be: 10% – 1st; 2nd – 7.5%; 3rd – 5% (minimum $90); All others –

$65. Stakes competitors: 10% – 1st, 10% – 2nd, 10% – 3rd; $100 for the balance.

7. PADDOCK: For safety reasons, no more than two authorized people per horse (plus the jockey) are allowed in the saddling paddock, unless authorize by the Paddock All Grooms/Handlers of horses in the Paddock Area must be properly attired, and with Horse I.D. (smock/pinny).

8. POST TIME: The Post Time is designated by the Track and is as All Trainers and Horses must be on the property at least two and a half hours (2.5) before first Post Time.

All horses must be in their stalls, without bandages, ready for Vet Inspection two hours prior to first Post Time.

9. TEST BARN: Any trainer or his/her licensed representative attending in the test barn is required to have a valid AGCO digital paper license with QRI code on the person at all

10. DEFINITIONS: For the purposes of being eligible to race where the following terms are referenced; definitions are described in the document entitled Ontario Quarter Horse Breeding Program – annual Criteria booklet under the Ontario Quarter Horse Industry Development Plan, copies of which are available at the Race Office or at agco.ca.

• Ontario Foaled
• Ontario Bred
• Ontario Sired
• Ontario Resident
• Leases

Note: Recognition of Ontario Foaled, Ontario Bred and/or Ontario Sired must be received by the Program Registry, as administered by Ontario Horse Racing (OHR), prior to entry into races where these conditions apply.

11. PURSE DISTRIBUTION: Purse distribution for standard condition races will be as (50% – 1st; 25% – 2nd; 12% – 3rd; 8% – 4th; 5% – 5th). Payout of purses will be made through the Horseman’s Account of the Owner or Lessee of record at the time of the race. These percentages are also used when calculating Ontario Bred and Ontario Sired bonuses.

A Guaranteed Starter Bonus will be paid out to the remaining horses that will be earned when the Paddock Judge calls “Riders Up”.

12. DOGS: No dogs are allowed on the premises of Ajax Downs (exception Service dogs).

13.  STATEMENT OF TRACK POLICY AND MUTUAL RELEASE OF LIABILITY:

Ajax Downs reserves the right to cancel any race card with permission of the AGCO or change the dates and reschedule at its discretion upon application to and approval by the AGCO.

14. VEHICLES: Only vehicles pulling trailers will be allowed in designated parking areas in the Trailers will only be allowed near the barn area to load and unload. All others must park in the general parking lot.

15. RIGHT OF WAY: Horses have the right of way on track The Water Truck has the Right of Way on the Track surface.

16. TRACK AVAILABILITY: The track will be available (weather and track conditions permitting) on designated days as agreed upon between track and horse people, as posted in the Race

17. STARTING GATE: Starting gates can be used only at the officially designated training

18. AGCO LICENCES: AGCO digital License with QRI Code must be worn in a visible place at all times while on track property on race days and workout Person must also have proper Photo Identification to accompany digital license.
19. BACKSTRETCH ACCESS: Unlicensed people must remain in the company of a licensed member in order to visit the Refer to AGCO TB Rules 3.13

20. NO SMOKING POLICY: Refer to AGCO TB Rules 03.

21. HORSES: Horses must be attended to at all

22. PONY HORSES: Any person wishing to have a Pony with a horse in the Paddock must have permission from the Stewards (who will advise the Paddock Judge) Refer to AGCO TB Rules 11.02.02

23. STARTER’S LIST: Refer to AGCO TB Rules 07.03

24. FLIPPING HALTERS: Flipping Halters must be declared every time at Time of Entry

25. HORSESHOES: Refer to AGCO TB Rule 07 – “For racing, all horses shall be shod with racing plates, unless otherwise permitted by the Steward.” All horses must wear plates, unless given permission by the Stewards.

26. SAFETY EQUIPMENT: Refer to AGCO TB Rules 02

27. GATE APPROVED: Refer to AGCO TB Rules, Chapter 17 – The Starter

28. IMPROPER CONDUCT: No person shall use profane or indecent language or exhibit conduct toward any employee of Ajax Downs or any other person in authority while acting in the performance of his/her duties on the

29. TIMED WORKOUTS: First time starters must have two (2) timed work outs from the starting gate, one of which must be in company with at least one other Both times must make the AQHA chart for Ajax Downs (20 Speed Index) and be clocked on different dates (in the same calendar year). Refer to QH Appendix Rules – 6.30.01. All workouts will/must be posted on Equibase for public viewing.

During the race season there will be no workouts allowed on race days. The normal Workout Day will be determined based on the approved racing schedule. However, other Workout Days may be scheduled and will be identified on our website, www.ajaxdowns.com. All horses must have a copy, or their original papers filed with the race office in order to receive a workout time and have a completed workout form filed with the backstretch coordinator.

30. HOT WALKER FACILITIES: Ajax Downs provides hot walker Horsemen are responsible for walking their own horses.

31. SHIP INS: Ship in stalls is only available on Race Days and Workout No overnight stalls will be provided.

32. TRAINING – YEARLINGS: Yearlings will only be permitted to train on the Ajax Downs property on the last two scheduled training days (of the season). Trainers must wait until all horses of racing age have completed training before they can Gate training will not be permitted for Yearlings at any time.
33. COGGINS/VACCINATIONS: Coggins slips and Vaccination letters are required for horses and ponies competing at Ajax Downs and are valid for one (1) year past sampling or vaccination date as indicated on said slip or

34.  PREMISES:

1. There shall be no alcohol in the backstretch of Ajax The provisions of The Liquor Control Act (Ontario) and The Liquor License Act (Ontario) will be strictly enforced at all times. Any person found to be intoxicated on the Premises will be evicted from the Premises and/or turned over to the local Police.

1. No person on the Premises shall have in his or her possession or under his or her control, any narcotics, hallucinogenic drugs or derivative thereof, or any restricted or controlled drug under the Food and Drugs Act (Canada), unless such narcotic or other drug has been specifically prescribed by a medical Violations of this rule will result in the person being evicted from the Premises and/or turned over to local police.

35. FAULTY STARTING GATE: Ajax Downs will not be liable to any participant for the failure of any starting mechanism to fairly start a

36. ANIMAL MISTREATMENT: Ajax Downs takes a strong stance on the mistreatment of any Any licensee, horseperson or otherwise, deemed using unnecessary or excessive force will be referred to the AGCO.

37. AGE ENTRY RESTRICTIONS: Ajax Downs will not accept entries for horses six (6) years old and older that have never raced, or which have not raced in the previous three

38. CHILDREN: No child under the age of 12 will be allowed on the backstretch of Ajax Children attending the races at Ajax Downs must be supervised at all times.

39. ACCESS REQUIREMENTS: All individuals looking for access to Ajax Downs’ property must provide proof of adequate liability insurance or proof of QROOI membership (liability is included in membership).

40. TRACK OFFICIALS: Any verbal or physical abuse towards any Ajax Downs employee will not be Anyone who displays any of these types of behaviors will be given a formal warning in writing for their first offence and will be excused from an entry and a race day if the act or behavior occurs again within the same race season.

41.  TRESPASS:

1. Ajax Downs reserves the right under the Trespass to Property Act (Ontario) at any time to deny admission to any part or parts of the premises to an applicant or any of his agents, servants, employees, invitees, or any persons under his control, in the sole and absolute discretion of Ajax Downs, without any reason or cause existing or being stated or Nothing in the Track Rules shall in any way limit any other rights which Ajax Downs may have, whether at common law or in statue, including under the Occupiers’ Liability Act (Ontario) or the Trespass to Property Act (Ontario).

1. All persons using the Premises will abide by the lawful direction of all Security Officers for the purpose of protecting any and all patrons on the

1. The Applicant shall at all times abide by and comply with all applicable federal, provincial and local laws, regulations, by-laws, codes and other regulatory requirements in force from time to time, including laws and regulations relating to health and safety and the

PLEASE READ ALL RULES CAREFULLY

Last Revised May 2025