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In partnership with the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association (OQHRA), all Oklahoma racetracks—Remington Park, Fair Meadows at Tulsa, and Will Rogers Downs—have announced expanded hair testing measures for the 2026 Quarter Horse, Paint, and Appaloosa race meets. While pre-entry hair testing has been a condition of entry since 2018, the updated policy builds on that foundation by introducing new layers of accountability and a unified approach across all tracks.

“We are expanding our integrity efforts and working to hold everyone accountable for the horses in their care,” said Krissy Bamberg, Executive Director of OQHRA. “This is a collective effort among all Oklahoma tracks to protect the integrity of the sport and the welfare of the horse.”

The 2026 updates include a new provision that will exclude any trainer from participating at Oklahoma tracks for the remainder of a meet if three or more horses in their care test positive through official pre-entry hair tests for any prohibited substance. In addition, any owner with three or more positive tests during the meet will also be deemed ineligible to participate for the remainder of that meet.

Another upgrade to the policy is the expansion of unofficial testing. This informational hair-testing option will be available beginning with the fall yearling sales. These test kits can be requested through OQHRA. The hair samples can be collected by the owner or trainer and submitted to the lab for testing; results of these unofficial tests will not be considered official for entry purposes, but they will allow owners or trainers who have acquired horses from other barns to voluntarily test them in advance of entry to ensure they are clear of prohibited substances. It offers peace of mind, particularly before making financial commitments such as nomination fees, training investments, or early race preparations. It is important to note that many Sale Companies offer hair testing as a buyer protection within 24 hours of the sale; buyers are encouraged to contact the sales companies about the options available.

“Integrity is the backbone of everything we do,” said Matt Vance, Executive Vice President at Remington Park. “These policies help preserve the integrity of the sport by holding those who choose not to play by the rules accountable. We are proud to work with other Oklahoma tracks and OQHRA to lead the way in promoting fair competition in Quarter Horse racing.”

The core hair testing requirement remains in place: every Quarter Horse, Paint, or Appaloosa must submit to a one-time, pre-entry hair test before starting at any Oklahoma track. Official test results are sent directly to the racetrack, and positive results will lead to exclusion for the duration of that meet. These exclusions are track-specific only and do not constitute regulatory suspensions; participants remain eligible at other tracks unless a separate jurisdiction elects to take action. All horses with official positive tests will be listed publicly at www.OQHRA.com, and test results may be shared with other jurisdictions upon request.

To make the process easier for horsemen, farm visits for hair testing will be available in January and early February for Oklahoma-based trainers with 40 or more horses.

All details of the 2026 hair testing policy, including the unofficial testing option, are available at www.OQHRA.com or by calling (405) 881-5120.

July 8, 2025 – AJAX DOWNS
One of the most unique races at AJAX DOWNS is the Gridiron Gallop, a 110-yard dash named for the length of a Canadian Football League field. It’s a popular wager with bettors as the start occurs virtually in front of the fans, and occasionally, a track record will be set.

This Wednesday, July 9, a featured event on the seven-race card is race 6, an allowance dash at the Gridiron distance for horses who have never won at the 110 yards. Three of the seven entrants have never even attempted the distance.

Two starters on Wednesday have come close to winning a Gridiron Gallop, including SHAKEN, who was second by a neck at the distance on May 28. The Ontario sired and foaled 8-year-old, owned, bred, and trained by Chantelle Bourgeois, is quick out of the gate which helps his chances at the short distance. His regular rider Cassandra Jeschke is on board and they will break from post position two.

Dan Giles’ homebred ICE WITCH, who has post seven with JB Botello riding, has tried the Gridiron distance nine times with two third-place finishes. He was a long neck behind Shaken when they tried the Gridiron Gallop in May.

Quarter Horses can go from standing in the gate to racing up to 75 km per hour in the blink of an eye. In 2019, Milena Kwiecien’s Carneros set a world record for the 110-yard distance when he stopped the teletime in 6.770 seconds in a win at Ajax Downs. That record was broken in 2022 by Divas Last Anita at the Hipodromo de Las Americas in Mexico City, who raced the distance in 6.660.

Carneros (photo below by Laurie Overton with Payton Kluczynski riding) is now retired from racing, works as a track pony, and greets fans at Ajax Downs during the afternoon races.

Caneros, World Record Setter

First race post time this Wednesday is 1:45 p.m. The popular Pick 5 wager begins on race 3, which appears to be a two-horse race between IVORY QUEEN (#3) and HESMAGICALYDELICIOUS (#5).

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. 

To reserve tables in advance for $25 or book the VIP room for your party or group, contact www.ajaxdowns.com.There is also an expansive simulcast wagering room with tellers, or you can wager through www.HPIBet.com.

If you want to get involved in owning a Quarter Horse, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at 905- 426-7050.

July 5, 2025 – LOS ALAMITOS RACE COURSE, CYPRESS, CA
Travis and Wendy Sexton’s El Dictator improved to perfect two for two to start his racing career while posting the fastest qualifying time to the Governor’s Cup Futurity on Saturday at Los Alamitos. 

Thirty-four juveniles competed in the 350-yard trials with the horses with the 10 fastest times moving on to the Saturday, July 26 final to be held on California Breeders Champions Night. El Dictator held absolute power in the opening trial, as he opened with a daylight advantage after the start before cruising home to a ¾ length victory. 

Ridden by Armando Cervantes for trainer Ramiro Castillo, El Dictator covered the distance in :17.654, faster than a pair of Mike Casselman-trainees who also posted trial victories, Mayor Humdinger and Grade 1 Ed Burke Million Futurity runner-up French Valley. El Dictator entered the trials after winning his racing debut by ¾ lengths on June 21.

“We’ve been in racing pretty much our whole life,” said Travis Sexton of Idaho Falls. “We keep buying horses at sales and keep running them and trying to get a better one. Midnight Mood last year qualified to a couple of big races so that was special.”  

“This has been a dream of ours for a long time, to have horses race (at Los Alamitos),” Wendy Sexton added. 

Jaime Gomez bred El Dictator, a gelding by Favorite Cartel out of This Boogie Fires, making him a half-brother to the champion and millionaire J Fire Up, the winner of the 2017 Governor’s Cup Futurity. The Sextons purchased El Dictator for $77,000 at the Heritage Place September Sale. 

Casselman bred, owns and trains Mayor Humdinger, a half-brother to his homebred You See That, who won the 2023 Governor’s Cup Futurity for Casselman. A gelding by Mpshinning out of Mindys Favorite, Mayor Humdinger won his trial by a nose over Hidden Speed to give him the second fastest time of :17.721. Cesar Franco piloted the winner of two of three starts.  

“(Mindys Favorite) has been a good mare for us,” Casselman said. “Everything that she’s had has tried to run a bit. He’s a real neat horse, a lot fun to train.”

Casselman also saddled Steve Burns’ French Valley, who led the Ed Burke for most of the way before settling for second behind EG High Desert Farms’ Jess Im Worth It. Also ridden by Cesar Franco, French Valley has won two of her four career starts.

“She just seems like she’s getting better and seems to be really enjoying her job,” the trainer said. “I’m happy with her.”

Sired by Favorite Cartel and out of Attack The Cartel, French Valley is a full sister to AQHA champion and 2023 Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity winner Trane Station V. French Valley covered the distance in :17.740 to give her the fourth fastest qualifying time. 

  Burns in partnership with Jose Flores, Gerardo Herrera, and Javier Alvarez also owns Brother Ray, who outdueled Ed Allred’s Next Norco to win the final trial of the night in the eighth fastest qualifying time of :17.826. Brother Ray has now won back-to-back futurity trial races, as he also posted a ½ length victory in a trial to the Ed Burke Million. Burns and Casselman also teamed up with seventh fastest qualifier Bear Down, who was third to El Dictator in the fastest trial of the night. 

Allred had a trio of second place finishers in these trials in Hidden Speed, Hurry Up, and Next Norco, but all three of them advanced to the futurity final. Eduardo Nicasio piloted Hidden Speed for trainer James Glenn, Jr. to the third fastest qualifying time, while Scott Willoughby conditions Hurry Up and Next Norco. 

The complete list of qualifiers is as follows: El Dictator (:17.654), Mayor Humdinger (:17.721), Hidden Speed (:17.729), French Valley (:17.74), Fancy Upp (:17.741), Hurry Up (:17.804), Bear Down (:17.805), Brother Ray (:17.826), Slatedtoshine (:17.862) and Next Norco (:17.863).

July 5, 2025 – (Ruidoso Downs, NM)
Trainer Tony Sedillo qualified four quarter horses to the $200,000 Zia Derby Saturday at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. The veteran trainer qualified Boot Scoots, Eye Im Flashin, Woody Rocks and Alamos to the July 19^th final.

Boot Scoots covered the 400-yards in the fastest time of the day by winning the fourth trial in 19.604 seconds. With jockey Salcedo Mauro on board, the gelding won by three-quarters of a length for CHR Racing and Juan Ramos. Boot Scoots is sired by Jess A Chicks out of the mare Shez Jessa Scooter by Heza Motor Scooter.

July 5, 2025 – LOS ALAMITOS RACE COURSE, CYPRESS, CA
A decorated group headed by multiple graded futurity winner Up To Party, Governor’s Cup Futurity Favorite Jesshawk, and graded stakes finalists Call Her Perfect, Walking Tool, Defending Champ and Party Time Tom were among the top runners to qualify to the Governor’s Cup Derby on Saturday at Los Alamitos.

Ten sophomores qualified to the 400-yard derby, which will be run on California Breeders Champions Night on Saturday, July 26.

Dunn Ranch’s Up To Party, winner of the Grade 1 Ed Burke Million Futurity and Grade 2 PCQHRA Breeders Futurity, posted the fastest time of :19.715 after winning the opening trial in :19.715. Ridden by Armando Cervantes for trainer Ramiro Castillo, Up To Party took the lead shortly after the start and inch farther ahead with each stride before crossing the finish line ½ length in front of EG High Desert Farms’ Favorite Jesshawk. A filly by Kiddy Up out of the Grade 1 winner The Partys On Fire, Up To Party improved to six wins in nine career starts. Ed Allred bred the career earner of $548,650.

Ridden by Ricardo Ramirez for trainer Jesus Nunez, Favorite Jesshawk finished with the second fastest time of :19.786 and will now look to sweep the Governor’s Cup series after winning the futurity last year. 

EG High Desert Farms has won the Governor’s Cup Futurity twice before with Magic Show Czech and Favorite Jesshawk and the Derby twice as well with Magic N Rhythm and Unclaimed Dividend. Favorite Jesshawk could give his owners a magic double while becoming only the ninth horse to sweep the Governor’s Cup series and the first to do it since Powerful Favorite in 2018-19. 

Allred’s Defending Champ won the other trial in what has become his trademark style, a solid start, a push the pedal at the midway point, and scintillating closing move to the wire. The Burns-bred gelding by Favorite Cartel out of Eagle On The Fly caught Party Time Tom, who is Up To Party’s full brother, in the final 50 yards to win by a neck in a time of :19.812, the third fastest of the night. Lara rode the winner for Willoughby.

“He got away from the gate solid, but he was still fourth, fifth there,” Willoughby said. “He really finished strong. He needed the race; it’s been quite a while since he had raced. I think this will set him well for the final. He was so big as a 2-year-old and we tried to get him ready for the (Los Alamitos Two Million) after we had turned him out. It just didn’t quite work out. He was close. He’s turned into a monster 3-year-old. He should be good all year. Those 400 yards have been difference for him.”

The complete list of derby qualifiers is as follows: Up To Party (:19.715), Favorite Jesshawk (:19.786), Defending Champ (:19.812), Call Her Perfect (:19.835), Party Time Tom (:19.852), Its On You (:19.901), Walking Tool (:19.962), Snow Bound (:20.078), Back At It (:20.118), and Personal Attack (:20.0137).

FORTUNE SEIS ACES PULLS HUGE UPSET IN THE $130,100 FIRECRACKER FUTURITY

July 4, 2025 – VINTON, LA
An enthusiastic crowd turned out at Delta Downs on Friday night as the track hosted a special Independence Day program featuring the $263,305 Firecracker Futurity (G2) and the $130,100 Firecracker Derby (G3).

The Firecracker Futurity was won by Davsam, with jockey Juan Garcia, Jr. in the saddle for trainer Vivian Hill and owner Chance Kiehne. The victory came after Davsam posted the fastest qualifying time for the race while breaking his maiden on June 13.

Breaking from the inside post position in a field of 10, Davsam broke behind the early leaders Swing Time and San Lorenzo Knockout. With 100 yards to go in the 350-yard showdown, Davsam gained momentum before collaring the leaders and driving to win by a head on the finish line over runner-up Swing Time. San Lorenzo Knockout wound up another 1-3/4 lengths back in third.

Davsam covered the distance over a fast track in a time of 17.619 seconds, which was faster than the 3-year-old ran in the Firecracker Derby just two races earlier. The clocking by Davsam equaled a speed index of 95.

Davsam earned $131,652 for the Firecracker Futurity win and now owns a bankroll of $155,054.

Bred in Oklahoma by Paul Tonderum, Davsam is a 2-year-old bay colt by Apollitical Jess, out of the Corona Cartel mare Little Kool Corona. He was purchased for $45,000 at the 2024 Heritage Place September Yearling Sale.

Sent to the gate as the wagering favorite, Davsam paid $3.80 to win, $2.60 to place and $2.60 to show. Swing Time returned $5.20 to place and $5 to show. San Lorenzo Knockout was worth $6.80 to show.

There was a huge upset in the Firecracker Derby as 41-1 longshot Fortune Seis Aces ($84.60) edged out a fast-closing Flyin Chilitos by a head and get the win with jockey Noe Castaneda in the saddle for trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr. and owner Fortune Seis Aces Venture (Riley Blanchet). Mark 536 finished third, another head behind the runner-up. The 350-yard running time for the winner was 17.712 (92 SI) seconds for 350 yards.

Fortune Seis Aces finished second in his Firecracker Derby trial breaking from an outside post position. On Friday night he started his winning run from the rail post and used a lightning quick start to garner the lead. Midway through the race he enjoyed a commanding lead before Flying Chilitos surged in the final strides to make it close. The win was only the second of Fortune Seis Aces’ career and he earned $65,050 for the tally. His lifetime bankroll now stands at $79,990.

Bred in Oklahoma by RJ Ranch, LLC, Fortune Seis Aces is a 3-year-old bay gelding by Tres Seis, out of the Carters Cartel mare Cartels Fortune.

For more information about the season, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.

Like father, like daughter. That is the best way to describe Tachas Secret. She carries his same sorrel coloring. She carries his same demeanor. She carries his same determination, and now she joins him as a winner of the Bradford Stakes at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Tachas Secret added her name to the impressive list of past champions in the 27^th running of the $50,000 Bradford Stakes with a hard fought win to the wire.

Starting from post six in the nine-horse lineup, Tachas Secret was only one of three mares in the race. Guided by Fernando Morin, she broke in mid pack and held her ground in the center of the track as Lethal Fast Cash and Isidro Banuelos had a short advantage along the inside. It’s a Ruidoso Weddin and Edgar Diaz were also in pursuit of the top spot from the outside. As the wire neared in the 400-yard dash, Tachas Secret seemed to lengthen her stride with every step, scoring the win by three-quarters of a length in :19.863. It’s a Ruidoso Weddin, one of the other mares in the race, finished second over Lethal Fast Cash.

Tachas Secret was the favorite, paying $5.20 to her backers. The five-year-old sorrel mare is owned by Chris Duke’s Duke Racing and trained by Ricardo Martinez, who bred and raised her. Martinez was also the owner and conditioner of her sire Habit’s Secret, who won the Bradford Stakes in 2014.

“She (Tachas Secret) didn’t break as hard as she normally does but she has a lot of heart and made up for it,” said Martinez. “She’s always been very professional. She’s the type of horse that when I tell you I don’t know she’s even in the barn, she is that quiet. And she’s the cleanest in her stall of all the horses. This year, she got a little bit of a late start, but she’s doing better. She will head back to the farm and get prepared for her next start.”

Duke, who is heavily involved in several disciplines of Quarter Horse competition, has her next start picked out for her. He’s pointing her to the Horseshoe Indianapolis Classic set for Thursday, Aug. 7 for fillies and mares.

“She got a clean start that was the key,” noted Duke. “If she doesn’t get bumped, she’s tough every time. So, I was excited that she had a clean trip, and she was gonna finish well and have a chance at winning it.”

Duke had his eye on the filly as a two year old. He recognizes excellence when he sees it. She racked up several awards following her four-year-old season where she won three stakes for the year, most of the time tackling the boys. She was named 2024 QHRAI Champion Aged Mare along with Indiana bred High Point Aged Mare, Champion Indiana Bred Aged Mare, Champion Indiana Bred Aged Horse, and Indiana Bred Horse of the Year.

“She (Tachas Secret) is just really a smart, quiet horse,” added Duke. “Her sire was the same. She takes those traits after him. She really doesn’t make too many mistakes and she’s professional. If they give her a hole, she’s gonna have a good chance to win.” 

The victory marked the 10^th time overall for Tachas Secret to enter the winner’s circle. She now has more than $412,000 on her career bankroll and is closing in on a top five ranking among Indiana horses all-time for purse earnings. In addition to conditioning her sire, Martinez also campaigned her mother, who competed in a few stakes races in Indiana before becoming one of his brood mares. Because of her success from Tachas Secret and younger sibling Sin Tachas Secret last year, Sin Tachas Angel was Indiana Broodmare of the Year. Habits Secret, who stands at Dr. Roger Beam’s Midwest Equine & Veterinary Hospital in nearby Trafalgar, Ind., was named 2024 Indiana Sire of the Year. 

The 23^rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs through Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.

HH Shakem Cate rattled and rolled home as the top qualifier Saturday, June 28 from the Gordon Mobley Futurity Trials. A total of 44 starters vied for a top 10 spot headed to the $195,800 final set for Saturday, July 19 at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

HH Shakem Cate and Giovani Vazquez-Gomez, Indiana’s all-time leading Quarter Horse jockey by wins, began from post one and never wavered, holding her ground inside with S Predestinado and Oscar Macias showing speed from the outside. As the wire neared in the 350-yard dash, HH Shakem Cate was able to get a larger advantage on her opponents and won easily by one length in a time of :17.815 seconds. Rock N The Beach and Rolando Pina finished second over Jess Shake Baby and Fernando Morin for third.

HH Shakem Cate was the favorite in the race, coming off a win in her only previous start for trainer Jessi Vazquez. Brisa Alle Ventura Hernandez owns the sorrel daughter of Escondido Beach. Larry Carter and John Myers bred the filly, who displays their farm moniker “HH” in her name.

HH Shakem Cate is a full sister to HH CJ Shake, who is among the top five all-time leading Indiana sired Quarter Horses in Indiana with more than $444,000 on his card and 10 career wins. The multiple Indiana stakes winner was campaigned by breeders Carter and Myers along with Rusty Hawkins and was a longtime member of the Paul Martin barn before he passed away. His daughter, Shawna Martin, took over training duties for the talented gelding, who is now eight.

Another top contender for the Mobley Trials was also a filly with a rich past in Indiana. CV Denali won her racing debut in the very first trial of the day, coasting home in :17.991 to rank third on the list headed to the Mobley Futurity Final.

The Escondido Beach filly broke out of the gate on top from post three for jockey Edgar Diaz and never looked back, scoring her trial win by three-quarters of a length. Moonin to the Jazz and Giovani Vazquez-Gomez finished second over I Stoli Yo Ferrari and Eduardo Diaz.

“This was a first time starter (CV Denali) so I was just hoping for her to not panic or do anything crazy,” said Claudio Barraza, who trains. “But she did everything right. I had a lot of faith in her. We bought this one as a yearling. We decided to wait to run her until the trials.”

CV Denali was a bit of a surprise for the win, paying $15.40 to her backers. She follows full sisters Shakeitonthebeach and Botticelli Beach into the Mobley Futurity Final. Both older siblings won the event with Shakeitonthebeach winning in 2019 followed by Botticelli Beach in 2021. Barraza also trained Botticelli Beach. CV Denali was renamed by current owners Campos Family Ventures after being purchased from breeder Sheri Miller. Barraza sees similarities in the two fillies.

“They are both really hot headed, always on their toes, they have a lot of energy, and they’re spunky,” said Barraza. “They’re similar when it comes to body, attitude and everything. The only difference is the color; Botticelli Beach was gray. This filly is chestnut.” 

In between HH Shakem Cate and CV Denali was the second fastest trial winner of the day, TW No Beach Secrets. Ridden by Diego Villamil Bocenegra for trainer Natasha Perez, the gelding, also by Escondido Beach, used the outside path from post nine to find his way to the winner’s circle, winning by one and one-quarter lengths at the wire in :17.961. Political Winnr and Daniel Martinez finished second over One Sweet Wagon and Fernando Morin for third.

TW No Beach Secrets was a mild upset winner, paying $10.60 to win. Tom Wylie bred and raised the gelding, who was making his second career start in the Mobley Futurity Trials.

The entire field, in order of time with jockey, for the Mobley Futurity Final includes: HH Shakem Cate (:17.815, Giovani Vazquez-Gomez); TW No Beach Secrets (:17.961, Diego Villamil Bocanegra); CV Denali (:17.991, Edgar Diaz); Rock N The Beach (:17.991, Rolando Pina); Beachum (:18.03, Jose Ruiz); Lil Mz Win (:18.07, Eduardo Diaz); Jess Shake Baby (:18.113, Fernando Morin); Moonin to the Jazz (18:123,Giovani Vazquez-Gomez); S Predestinado (:18.162, Oscar Macias); and Lead Me to the Beach (:18.174, Edgar Diaz). Jessi Vazquez (HH Shakem Cate, Moonin to the Jazz), Claudio Barraza (CV Denali, Lead Me to the Beach), Tim Eggleston (Rock N The Beach, Lil Mz Win), and Ron Raper (Beachum, Jess Shake Baby) will all saddle two horses in the final.

All five trial winners advanced to the final, including HH Shakem Cate, TW No Beach Secrets, CV Denali, Beachum, and Lead Me To the Beach.

The Gordon Mobley Futurity Final will be one of four Saturday, July 19 during Quarter Horse Stakes Day. Purses will exceed $700,000 for the day dedicated to the sprinters. First post is set for 10:45 a.m. and will be complemented by numerous activities trackside, including food trucks, inflatables, face painting, and winner’s circle promotions. Martha Claussen, nationally known Quarter Horse racing analyst, will be trackside to assist during Quarter Horse Stakes Day.

The 23^rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs through Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.

Heza Hawkeye and German Rodriguez established themselves as the top pair to catch during the Heartland Futurity Trials Saturday, June 28 at Horseshoe Indianapolis. A total of 53 starters were included in six trials to narrow the field down to the top 10 headed to the $172,480 Heartland Futurity Final, offering the largest purse in the 17-year history of the race.

Heza Hawkeye was out of the gate with a blast from the outside post nine and took control early on in the 350-yard dash. As the race unfolded, so did Heza Hawkeye, opening up with every stride to win by two and one-quarter lengths in :17.555. Remember Da Queen and Eduardo Diaz won the tight photo with Suzys Kristine and Giovani Vazquez-Gomez to finished second.

Heza Hawkeye is unique in Rodriguez serves as both his trainer and his jockey. The grey son of Hawkeye was a bit of a surprise, paying $19.80 for the win. It was his second start for owner Chavez Racing, managed by Roberto Chavez. The Texas bred was a $8,500 purchase from the Texas Quarter Horse Association Yearling Sale last fall.

When asked what changed between his first and second start in the past month, Rodriguez replied, “What changed was he (Heza Hawkeye) grew up (from) the first race. He was a kid. I put a flipping halter on him. We broke him out of the gates on the backside (in the morning), and he just popped it over the chute. He corrected himself a lot, and that’s what happened today. We put him on the rig again, and he ran his race.” 

Heza Hawkeye is part of the third crop of Texas stallion Hawkeye, who was the second leading second-crop sire last year. Chris Duke, president of the Quarter Horse Racing Association of Indiana, has had great success with another son of Hawkeye, Hawkeye Vision who competed in the recent Grade 1 $1.1 million Heritage Place Futurity at Remington Park.

“Chris Duke has a hot guy right now (Hawkeye Vision) and this hot guy right here (Heza Hawkeye) is the same breeding but a different mama,” said Rodriguez. “But I told Chris this hot guy (Heza Hawkeye) is something else. I told him since the beginning when we broke him, he was good.”

Rodriguez has insight into his horses since he’s the one that gets on them every morning. Heza Hawkeye stood out from the beginning for the accomplished jockey and first year trainer.

“There is an advantage to being the jockey and the trainer,” smiled Rodriguez. “You can ride your horse in the morning, the trainer is not gonna ride him in the morning you have to believe everything the rider is telling you on your horse. I don’t have to tell that to myself.” 

Rodriguez is optimistic about the horses in his barn this season.

“I think this is one of the biggest horses we got running,” added Rodriguez about Heza Hawkeye. “I think it’s one of the best. But you know some horses might jump up and surprise us this year.”

A horse that wasn’t a surprise in the Heartland Futurity Trials was WR Hott Shott, a recent addition to the Tim Eggleston barn. The One Famous Eagle son, ridden by Eduardo Diaz, made his first start over the Horseshoe Indianapolis surface a winning one, scoring the second fastest time of the day in his trial and second on the list of times behind Heza Hawkeye in :17.609. Roses After Midnight (Giovani Vazquez-Gomez) finished a nose back in second over Delreys Rollin Bayou and Francisco Quintero.

WR Hott Shott was making his third start after a win at Remington Park. It was the first start out of the Eggleston barn for the Oklahoma bred owned by Raymond Whitmire.

“He shipped him from Remington,” noted Eggleston, who is the track’s leading Quarter Horse trainer this season. “We’ve had him about 40 days or so and he’s just a really nice horse to train. He ran well out there. He comes from a great breeder Mr.Whitmire.” 

It’s been a good week for the Eggleston barn. He connected with Jolie Laide in the $132,080 Horseshoe Indianapolis QHRAI Derby the week prior. The filly’s younger brother, The Unsung Hero came back to score his second win in as many starts in his trial of the Heartland Futurity, the fifth fastest time of the day.

“That’s a half sibling to Jolie Laide,” said Eggleston of The Unsung Hero. “He’s a nice horse. He made a couple little mistakes but had a good race. I expect him to come back in the finals and will be tough. They are a lot alike. I think it comes from the mama. Both are very quiet, very laid back horses. They are very nice horses. You know, they get in the barn and relax.”

Eggleston will saddle three for the Heartland Futurity Final, WR Hott Shott, The Unsung Hero, and Remember Da Queen. He is joined by Jessi Vazquez, who saddles two (Roses After Midnight, Suzys Kristine) along with Claudio Barraza, who also saddles two (Paint Me Sass, First Angel).

The entire field, in order of time with jockey, for the Heartland Futurity Final includes: Heza Hawkeye (:17.555, German Rodriguez); WR Hott Shott (:17.609, Eduardo Diaz); Roses After Midnight (:17.617, Giovani Vazquez-Gomez); Remember Da Queen (:17.929, Eduardo Diaz); The Unsung Hero (:17.941, Eduardo Diaz); Paint Me Sass (:17.945, Edgar Diaz); First Angel (:17.975, Edgar Diaz); Suzys Kristine (:17.983, Giovani Vazquez-Gomez); Mr Blood Carver (:18.007, Francisco Quintero); and Delrays Rollin Bayou (:18.022, Francisco Quintero). 

Five of the six trial winners advance to the final (Heza Hawkeye, WR Hott Shott, The Unsung Hero, First Angel, and Mr Blood Carver. Apollitical Speed, the sixth trial winner, was ranked 11^th and will be an also eligible for the Heartland Futurity Final.

The Heartland Futurity Final will be one of four Saturday, July 19 during Quarter Horse Stakes Day. Purses will exceed $700,000 for the day dedicated to the sprinters. First post is set for 10:45 a.m. and will be complemented by numerous activities trackside, including food trucks, inflatables, face painting, and winner’s circle promotions. Martha Claussen, nationally known Quarter Horse racing analyst, will be trackside to assist during Quarter Horse Stakes Day.

The 23^rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs through Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.

Ariatt and FDD Dreams from La Feliz Montana Ranch were one-two qualifiers in the trials for the $700,000 Rainbow Derby for three-year-old Quarter Horses at Ruidoso Downs today.

“It’s always a team effort,” owner Javier Rodriguez said in the winner’s circle following Ariatt’s three-quarters of a length victory in the tenth trial in which four horses qualified for the July 12 final. “We have been working with Ariatt all year to try and fix his gate issues after the All American last year.”

Ariatt ran the 440-yards in the fastest derby time of the day, 21.238 seconds, to win for the first time since the All American trials last August. The gelding is trained by Xavier Rodriguez and Francisco Calderon rode Ariatt for the first time. Ariatt paid $41.60, $9.00, and $5.40.

“I was thankful and lucky they gave me the opportunity. Obviously that’s a nice horse having qualified for the All American last year,” Calderon said.

FDD Dreams and jockey Luis Martinez won for the fifth consecutive start in the sixth trial in a time of 21.278 seconds for 440-yards. The gelding has already won the Grade-1 Ruidoso Derby June 7 and still has the opportunity to sweep the Triple Crown derby races this season.

In trials for the $550,000 Rainbow Oaks for three-year-old fillies, Curl Happy Wagon and jockey Jesse Levario won the first trial in a time of 21.042 seconds for 440-yards which was more than two-tenths of a second faster than any other Oaks qualifier. Curl Happy Wagon paid $6.00, $4.00 and $2.40.

“She did her job today and got some help from a wind gust,” said trainer Ricardo Armendariz Jr. who qualified two for the Oaks including Elizabeth Alexandria in the fifth race winning in a time of 21.432 seconds. The finals of the Rainbow Oaks will be held Saturday, July 12.

The Quarter Horses will have their first twilight racing card at Ajax Downs this Wednesday, July 2 , with a first race post time of 4:15 p.m. A fantastic, eight-race program will kick off with the BATTLE OF THE BREEDS pitting Quarter Horses against Thoroughbreds around a turn at 770- yards and wrap up with the final of the $57,105 Ontario Bred Derby for 3-year-olds.

Wagering opportunities include the popular Pick 5 wager, beginning on race 4 and two Pick 4 wagers.
The 14th edition of the Ontario Bred Derby at 300 yards has a field of 10 from two Trials held on June 11. The 2024 High Point 2-year-old filly HAD TO BE FABULOUS has yet to be beaten this year from three races as she won a Trial for the Open Derby, the final, and waltzed to a big win in her Ontario Bred Derby Trial. The stout bay filly of Carol and Jaime Robertson has eight wins from nine career races.
Had To Be Fabulous won her Trial by 1 3/4 lengths with a speed index of 92. Ismael Mosqueira returns to ride the half sister to Horse of the Year Had To Be Ivory. The filly drew post position one.
The dark horse in the field is EMBRACE YOUR FATE, an impressive winner of the second Derby Trial in his first career race. The gelding overcame a bit of a slow start to win handily under Tony Phillips for owner Rick Parker and trainer John McInenery. Embrace Your Fate earned an 87 speed index and is the first horse owned by Parker, who, along with wife Sue, is an award-winning stunt actor and animal trainer.Embrace Your Fate drew post position three.
The Battle of the Breeds features the top Quarter Horse mare JESS A DEAL going for her sixth BOB win for owners Marie Broadstock and Picov Cattle Company. Two Thoroughbreds are in from Fort Erie racetrack to challenge Jess a Deal: Red Maple and Determined Love.
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. To reserve tables in advance for $25 or book the VIP room for your party or group, contact www.ajaxdowns.com.
There is also an expansive simulcast wagering room with tellers or you can wager through www.HPIBet.com.
If you want to get involved in owning a Quarter Horse, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at 905- 426-7050.
The Field for the $57,105 Ontario Bred Derby Ajax Downs, July 2, Race 8, post time 7:17 p.m.
1 HAD TO BE FABULOUS I Mosqueira  B Robertson 3-1
2 MAGIC GUITAR             C Jeschke    C Bourgeois 12-1
3 EMBRACE YOUR FATE T Phillips      J McInerney 7-2
4 MAGIC IN WONDERLAND JB Botello R Kennedy  10-1
5 TOWANDA                     R Isaacs       J Pascoe 8-1
6 PEIGHNTMEADIAMOND B Bell        J Tavares 4-1
7 FIRST FOR YOU           T Phillips      J McInerney 15-1
8 LAST COLD BUD          D Benitez     S Reid 8-1
9 THE BATMANN            C Benitez      S Reid 6-1
10 RUSHN SPICE           C Jeschke     C Bourgeois 10-1

WR Desperado and jockey Edwin Escobedo proved fastest during day-one trials for the $1 million Rainbow Futurity for two-year-old quarter horses at Ruidoso Downs today.

“To be back in the winner’s circle again is amazing,” co-owner Lainie Whitmire said. “This is a dream come true. I can’t believe it’s happening again.”

Lainie and Raymond Whitmire own WR Desperado who is sired by Favorite Cartel out of World Champion mare Whistle Stop Cafe, winner of the 2020 All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs. The colt is trained by Mike Joiner.

The gelding won the second race by three-quarters of a length in a time of 19.582 seconds for 400-yards. WR Desperado paid $7.00, $4.40 and $2.80.

WR Desperado is the first horse foaled by Whistle Stop Cafe to appear at Ruidoso Downs. The colt was bred at the Whitmire Ranch in Oklahoma.

              Other Quarter Horses to qualify for the July 13 Rainbow Futurity final include:

              *Merkaba and jockey Jabob Enriquez, winner of the fourteenth trial in 19.641 seconds.

              *Russ Gus and jockey Luis Martinez, winner of the seventh trial in 19.687 seconds.

              *Sinnin Double and jockey Christian Ramos, runner-up in the second trial in 19.689 seconds.

              *Rock Star Martini and jockey Jesse Levario, winner of the twelfth trial in 19.72 seconds.

              Racing continues on Saturday with day-two trials for the $1 million Rainbow Futurity. There will be sixteen races on the card with first post at 11 a.m.

HH Shakem Cate rattled and rolled home as the top qualifier Saturday, June 28 from the Gordon Mobley Futurity Trials. A total of 44 starters vied for a top 10 spot headed to the $195,800 final set for Saturday, July 19 at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

HH Shakem Cate and Giovani Vazquez-Gomez, Indiana’s all-time leading Quarter Horse jockey by wins, began from post one and never wavered, holding her ground inside with S Predestinado and Oscar Macias showing speed from the outside. As the wire neared in the 350-yard dash, HH Shakem Cate was able to get a larger advantage on her opponents and won easily by one length in a time of :17.815 seconds. Rock N the Beach and Rolando Pina finished second over Jess Shake Baby and Fernando Morin for third.

HH Shakem Cate was the favorite in the race, coming off a win in her only previous start for trainer Jessi Vazquez. Brisa Alle Ventura Hernandez owns the sorrel daughter of Escondido Beach. Larry Carter and John Myers bred the filly, who displays their farm moniker “HH” in her name.

HH Shakem Cate is a full sister to HH CJ Shake, who is among the top five all-time leading Indiana sired Quarter Horses in Indiana with more than $444,000 on his card and 10 career wins. The multiple Indiana stakes winner was campaigned by breeders Carter and Myers along with Rusty Hawkins and was a longtime member of the Paul Martin barn before he passed away. His daughter, Shawna Martin, took over training duties for the talented gelding, who is now eight.

Another top contender for the Mobley Trials was also a filly with a rich past in Indiana. CV Denali won her racing debut in the very first trial of the day, coasting home in :17.991 to rank third on the list headed to the Mobley Futurity Final.

The Escondido Beach filly broke out of the gate on top from post three for jockey Edgar Diaz and never looked back, scoring her trial win by three-quarters of a length. Moonin to the Jazz and Giovani Vazquez-Gomez finished second over I Stoli Yo Ferrari and Eduardo Diaz.

“This was a first time starter (CV Denali) so I was just hoping for her to not panic or do anything crazy,” said Claudio Barraza, who trains. “But she did everything right. I had a lot of faith in her. We bought this one as a yearling. We decided to wait to run her until the trials.”

CV Denali was a bit of a surprise for the win, paying $15.40 to her backers. She follows full sisters Shakeitonthebeach and Botticelli Beach into the Mobley Futurity Final. Both older siblings won the event with Shakeitonthebeach winning in 2019 followed by Botticelli Beach in 2021. Barraza also trained Botticelli Beach. CV Denali was renamed by current owners Campos Family Ventures after being purchased from breeder Sheri Miller. Barraza sees similarities in the two fillies.

“They are both really hot headed, always on their toes, they have a lot of energy, and they’re spunky,” said Barraza. “They’re similar when it comes to body, attitude and everything. The only difference is the color; Botticelli Beach was gray. This filly is chestnut.” 

In between HH Shakem Cate and CV Denali was the second fastest trial winner of the day, TW No Beach Secrets. Ridden by Diego Villamil Bocenegra for trainer Natasha Perez, the gelding, also by Escondido Beach, used the outside path from post nine to find his way to the winner’s circle, winning by one and one-quarter lengths at the wire in :17.961. Political Winnr and Daniel Martinez finished second over One Sweet Wagon and Fernando Morin for third.

TW No Beach Secrets was a mild upset winner, paying $10.60 to win. Tom Wylie bred and raised the gelding, who was making his second career start in the Mobley Futurity Trials.

The entire field, in order of time with jockey, for the Mobley Futurity Final includes: HH Shakem Cate (:17.815, Giovani Vazquez-Gomez); TW No Beach Secrets (:17.961, Diego Villamil Bocanegra); CV Denali (:17.991, Edgar Diaz); Rock N The Beach (:17.991, Rolando Pina); Beachum (:18.03, Jose Ruiz); Lil Mz Win (:18.07, Eduardo Diaz); Jess Shake Baby (:18.113, Fernando Morin); Moonin to the Jazz (18:123,Giovani Vazquez-Gomez); S Predestinado (:18.162, Oscar Macias); and Lead Me to the Beach (:18.174, Edgar Diaz). Jessi Vazquez (HH Shakem Cate, Moonin to the Jazz), Claudio Barraza (CV Denali, Lead Me to the Beach), Tim Eggleston (Rock N The Beach, Lil Mz Win), and Ron Raper (Beachum, Jess Shake Baby) will all saddle two horses in the final.

All five trial winners advanced to the final, including HH Shakem Cate, TW No Beach Secrets, CV Denali, Beachum, and Lead Me To the Beach.

The Gordon Mobley Futurity Final will be one of four Saturday, July 19 during Quarter Horse Stakes Day. Purses will exceed $700,000 for the day dedicated to the sprinters. First post is set for 10:45 a.m. and will be complemented by numerous activities trackside, including food trucks, inflatables, face painting, and winner’s circle promotions. Martha Claussen, nationally known Quarter Horse racing analyst, will be trackside to assist during Quarter Horse Stakes Day.

The 23^rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs through Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.

Heza Hawkeye and German Rodriguez established themselves as the top pair to catch during the Heartland Futurity Trials Saturday, June 28 at Horseshoe Indianapolis. A total of 53 starters were included in six trials to narrow the field down to the top 10 headed to the $172,480 Heartland Futurity Final, offering the largest purse in the 17-year history of the race.

Heza Hawkeye was out of the gate with a blast from the outside post nine and took control early on in the 350-yard dash. As the race unfolded, so did Heza Hawkeye, opening up with every stride to win by two and one-quarter lengths in :17.555. Remember Da Queen and Eduardo Diaz won the tight photo with Suzys Kristine and Giovani Vazquez-Gomez to finished second.

Heza Hawkeye is unique in Rodriguez serves as both his trainer and his jockey. The grey son of Hawkeye was a bit of a surprise, paying $19.80 for the win. It was his second start for owner Chavez Racing, managed by Roberto Chavez. The Texas bred was a $8,500 purchase from the Texas Quarter Horse Association Yearling Sale last fall.

When asked what changed between his first and second start in the past month, Rodriguez replied, “What changed was he (Heza Hawkeye) grew up (from) the first race. He was a kid. I put a flipping halter on him. We broke him out of the gates on the backside (in the morning), and he just popped it over the chute. He corrected himself a lot, and that’s what happened today. We put him on the rig again, and he ran his race.” 

Heza Hawkeye is part of the third crop of Texas stallion Hawkeye, who was the second leading second-crop sire last year. Chris Duke, president of the Quarter Horse Racing Association of Indiana, has had great success with another son of Hawkeye, Hawkeye Vision who competed in the recent Grade 1 $1.1 million Heritage Place Futurity at Remington Park.

“Chris Duke has a hot guy right now (Hawkeye Vision) and this hot guy right here (Heza Hawkeye) is the same breeding but a different mama,” said Rodriguez. “But I told Chris this hot guy (Heza Hawkeye) is something else. I told him since the beginning when we broke him, he was good.”

Rodriguez has insight into his horses since he’s the one that gets on them every morning. Heza Hawkeye stood out from the beginning for the accomplished jockey and first year trainer.

“There is an advantage to being the jockey and the trainer,” smiled Rodriguez. “You can ride your horse in the morning, the trainer is not gonna ride him in the morning you have to believe everything the rider is telling you on your horse. I don’t have to tell that to myself.” 

Rodriguez is optimistic about the horses in his barn this season.

“I think this is one of the biggest horses we got running,” added Rodriguez about Heza Hawkeye. “I think it’s one of the best. But you know some horses might jump up and surprise us this year.”

A horse that wasn’t a surprise in the Heartland Futurity Trials was WR Hott Shott, a recent addition to the Tim Eggleston barn. The One Famous Eagle son, ridden by Eduardo Diaz, made his first start over the Horseshoe Indianapolis surface a winning one, scoring the second fastest time of the day in his trial and second on the list of times behind Heza Hawkeye in :17.609. Roses After Midnight (Giovani Vazquez-Gomez) finished a nose back in second over Delreys Rollin Bayou and Francisco Quintero.

WR Hott Shott was making his third start after a win at Remington Park. It was the first start out of the Eggleston barn for the Oklahoma bred owned by Raymond Whitmire.

“He shipped him from Remington,” noted Eggleston, who is the track’s leading Quarter Horse trainer this season. “We’ve had him about 40 days or so and he’s just a really nice horse to train. He ran well out there. He comes from a great breeder Mr. Whitmire.” 

It’s been a good week for the Eggleston barn. He connected with Jolie Laide in the $132,080 Horseshoe Indianapolis QHRAI Derby the week prior. The filly’s younger brother, The Unsung Hero came back to score his second win in as many starts in his trial of the Heartland Futurity, the fifth fastest time of the day.

“That’s a half sibling to Jolie Laide,” said Eggleston of The Unsung Hero. “He’s a nice horse. He made a couple little mistakes but had a good race. I expect him to come back in the finals and will be tough. They are a lot alike. I think it comes from the mama. Both are very quiet, very laid back horses. They are very nice horses. You know, they get in the barn and relax.”

Eggleston will saddle three for the Heartland Futurity Final, WR Hott Shott, The Unsung Hero, and Remember Da Queen. He is joined by Jessi Vazquez, who saddles two (Roses After Midnight, Suzys Kristine) along with Claudio Barraza, who also saddles two (Paint Me Sass, First Angel).

The entire field, in order of time with jockey, for the Heartland Futurity Final includes: Heza Hawkeye (:17.555, German Rodriguez); WR Hott Shott (:17.609, Eduardo Diaz); Roses After Midnight (:17.617, Giovani Vazquez-Gomez); Remember Da Queen (:17.929, Eduardo Diaz); The Unsung Hero (:17.941, Eduardo Diaz); Paint Me Sass (:17.945, Edgar Diaz); First Angel (:17.975, Edgar Diaz); Suzys Kristine (:17.983, Giovani Vazquez-Gomez); Mr Blood Carver (:18.007, Francisco Quintero); and Delrays Rollin Bayou (:18.022, Francisco Quintero). 

Five of the six trial winners advance to the final (Heza Hawkeye, WR Hott Shott, The Unsung Hero, First Angel, and Mr Blood Carver. Apollitical Speed, the sixth trial winner, was ranked 11^th and will be an also eligible for the Heartland Futurity Final.

The Heartland Futurity Final will be one of four Saturday, July 19 during Quarter Horse Stakes Day. Purses will exceed $700,000 for the day dedicated to the sprinters. First post is set for 10:45 a.m. and will be complemented by numerous activities trackside, including food trucks, inflatables, face painting, and winner’s circle promotions. Martha Claussen, nationally known Quarter Horse racing analyst, will be trackside to assist during Quarter Horse Stakes Day.

The 23^rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs through Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.

Mr High Five and jockey Sergio Becerra Jr. qualified for the $1 million Rainbow Futurity for two-year-old quarter horses at Ruidoso Downs today with the fastest time of the day, 19.602 seconds for 400-yards.

In a third start for the Tungsten Racing Partnership and Marcelino Gonzalez, the gelding won the seventh trial by one-and-a-half lengths. Mr High Five is trained by Eric Valenzuela who also qualified Remarkable Cowgirl to the July 13th Rainbow final.

Mr High Five is sired by Apolitical Jess out of the mare Ms Southern Dynasty by FDD Dynasty and paid $3.40, $2.60 and $2.40.

Other Quarter Horses that qualified today for the July 13 final include:

*Apolitical Valor and jockey Jacob Enriquez who won the ninth trial in a time of 19.747 seconds for MJR Investments and Yolanda Rogers. The gelding is trained by Clint Crawford.

*Envestor and jockey Ali Rivera won the tenth trial in a time of 19.797 seconds for owners Richard Young and Joe Yates for trainer Zack Stinebaugh. The son of veteran trainer John Stinebaugh, this will be Zack’s first Grade-1 final as a trainer.

*Cyber Courage and jockey Juan Pulido finished second to Mr High Five in the seventh race in a time of 19.817 seconds for owner/trainer Alex Torres-Casas.

*Remarkable Cowgirl and jockey Becerra won the sixth trial for owners Felix Rodriguez and Sergio Holguin and trainer Valenzuela in a time of 19.824 seconds.  

Racing continues on Sunday with trials for the $550,000 Rainbow Oaks and $700,000 Rainbow Derby for three-year-olds. There are eleven races scheduled with first post time at 1 p.m.

Kiss A Favorite and Martin Munoz kissed the field goodbye in the final trial of the Jaguar Rocket Futurity Thursday, June 26 at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The duo’s time of :17.673 seconds topped the group of 10 two-year-olds headed to the $134,200 final.

Starting from post eight, Kiss A Favorite came into the trial looking for his first win off three previous starts. The Ricardo Martinez-trained filly had focus out of the gate. The Kiss My Hocks filly carried her speed all the way through the 350 yard dash for the win by one length under wraps by Munoz. Candysfirst and Eduardo Diaz finished second over his older brother, Edgar Diaz, who rode Ima Dashin Cartel to a third place finish.

Kiss A Favorite was the favorite, paying $3.80 for the win. She is a homebred by Martinez, who also owns her. She is the latest runner from his tough brood mare Eyes A Favorite, who has produced multiple Indiana stakes winner Nachor Secret. 

Behind Kiss A Favorite was first trial winner Cowgirl Beach, who also comes from a stakes winning family. Trained by Jessi Vazquez and ridden by her husband, Giovani, Cowgirl Beach kicked off the trials with a commanding win by one and one-half lengths in :17.699. Tessla and Fernando Morin finished second over Thirty Six Bricks and L. Daniel Martinez.

“I was just worried that she (Cowgirl Beach) wouldn’t handle pressure inside the gates, that was my main concern,” said Vazquez, who is the track’s all-time leading female Quarter Horse trainer. “I know she could do it if she broke out of there. She’s always been good about breaking and she’s a runner.”

Cowgirl Beach was making her second career start in the trial for owner Darryl Murray. She was a $43,000 purchase from the Heritage Place September Yearling Sale last fall. The Flying Cowboy 123 filly was bred by Sheri Miller and is the daughter of former Indiana stakes contender Coco Beach.

“She keeps getting better and better,” added Vazquez. “She ran second in her first out which was a very muddy track. She did much better here with a better track. She’s gonna get more mature as she goes. I’ve liked her since the beginning. My husband knew the mama (Coco Beach). He rode her, and because she’s by Flying Cowboy 123, we knew she was probably the best out of the pack.”

The final 10 advancing to the Jaguar Rocket Futurity Final, in order with time and jockey, includes Kiss A Favorite (:17.673, Martin Munoz); Cowgirl Beach (:17.699, Giovani Vazquez-Gomez); Candysfirst (:17,833, Eduardo Diaz); Queenvn Chic (:17.850, Fernando Morin); Code Blu (:17.873, Rolando Pina); Lets Get After It (:17.888, German Rodriguez); Jess R Patriot (:17.941, Rolando Pina); Tessla (:17.959, Fernando Morin); Ima Dashin Cartel (:17.973, Edgar Diaz); and Thirty Six Bricks (:17.986, L. Daniel Martinez) and Vikina (:17.986, Martin Munoz) had the same times in a quest for a top 10 spot. A shake will take place to determine the horse that advances to the final.

Both Tim Eggleston and Claudio Barraza will saddle three for the final. Eggleston had Candysfirst, Code Blu, and Jess R Patriot qualify while Barraza will saddle Queenvn Chic, Tessla, and Ima Dashin Cartel. All trial winners are advancing to the final (Kiss A Favorite, Cowgirl Beach, Queenvn Chic, and Code Blu).

The Jaguar Rocket Futurity Final will be featured during the all-Quarter Horse racing program at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, July 19 at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The day features more than a half million in purses with four stakes on the program. Trials for the Gordon Mobley, Heartland Futurity, and Blue River Derby are set over the next few days to determine the final fields for Quarter Horse Stakes Day. Nationally known racing analyst Martha Claussen will be trackside to help present all races.

The 23^rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs through Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.

The 3-year-old filly ANNIES BEST CARD picked a good time to win for the first time in her young career as she took the $31,050 Unclassified Stakes at Ajax Downs on June 25. Owned and trained by Ajax Downs‘ leading conditioner Jason Pascoe, Annies Best Card and jockey Ismael Mosqueira broke on top and opened up in the stretch, pulling away to a commanding 3/4-length victory. The Oklahoma bred by Docs Best Card stopped the clock in 17.001 seconds for 330 yards, earning a whopping 94 speed index and paying $8.40 to win at 3-1 odds.
SW The Lion King, also trained by Pascoe, had defeated Annies Best Card by a nose in one of two Trials for the Unclassified, and the gelding closed ground to finish second in the final under jockey JB Botello. Longshot Stolin Secrets, ridden by Cassandra Jeschke for owner Robert Burns, grabbed third place at 25 to 1.
Pascoe, who is from Pontypool, ON, won four of Wednesday’s seven races, and he has sent out a total of eight winners in the last two racing days at Ajax Downs.
Pascoe plucked Annies Best Card out of over 1,000 horses for sale at the Heritage Place Winter Mixed Quarter Horse auction in Oklahoma City in January. He paid $7,500 (US).
“A good friend of mine asked me to go look at her,” said Pascoe, who was joined in the winner’s circle by his mother Sharon, and daughter Jessica. “I didn’t originally have her on my sheet, but when I saw her, I liked everything about her.”
Annies Best Card had raced once in the U.S. in 2024 for her previous owners and, off a year-long layoff, had two starts for Pascoe before the Unclassified Trial.
“Her Trial race impressed me. I thought she would keep getting better. But I didn’t expect this, I thought Lion King might win it.”
Earlier on the hot and sunny afternoon at Ajax Downs, the incomparable MARYLAND MAGIC won for the fifth time in 2025 ( from five starts) at the age of 11. Milena Kwiecien’s black stallion, trained by Pascoe, rolled to another win under jockey Brian Bell. Bell won his 800th career race on Maryland Magic on June 15, Father’s Day. This was Maryland Magic’s 24th career win from 70 starts.
Three races later, Maryland Magic’s 3-year-old daughter MISS SILKY MAGIC won for the second consecutive time this year for owner and breeder Amelie Aubut. Maryland Magic is one of several top stallions in Ontario.
REMINDER:  Racing at Ajax Downs continues July 2 with a special twilight post time of 4:15 p.m. The final of the $50,000 Ontario Bred Derby will headline the card.
Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on the races trackside or from the expansive simulcast room. Wagering is also available through www.HPIBET.com. 
Do you have a group or company event? Call ahead to reserve the trackside VIP room to enjoy food, drink and mutuels. Fans may also reserve outdoor tables at the track for $25.   Want to get involved in Quarter Horse ownership? Contact the QROOI at 905 426-7050 for details.

Follow Ajax Downs on social media @AjaxDowns and visit our website, www.AjaxDowns.com , for news, track programs, and more information.

Orphaned at just nine days old and a tornado survivor, SW THE LION KING roars into the final of the $31,050 Unclassified Stakes at Ajax Downs on June 25 as one of the favourites. A field of 10 Quarter Horses will race 330 yards in the Unclassified, which was introduced to the Ajax Downs stakes schedule two years ago for horses just below the top stakes category.  The race is the seventh dash on Wednesday with a first race post time of 1:45 p.m.
SW the Lion King was bred by Sherry Wingfield in Oklahoma, but his dam Rockin Miss Kitty, who raced at Ajax Downs, passed away soon after he was born. Not long after, the youngster was in the barn when a tornado hit near Wingfield’s farm, causing much damage to nearby trees and structures. SW the Lion King emerged unscathed.
In April of this year, Wettlaufer, a blacksmith, met the now 3-year-old at Milena Kwiecien’s Burlington farm and was so impressed by the big son of SW the Game Changer, he bought him. SW the Lion King made his Ajax Downs debut in early May and finished a troubled fifth before reeling off consecutive wins, including one of two Trials for the Unclassified. JB Botello will ride the gelding from post 10 on Wednesday.
RR ILLBEURHUCKLEYBERY won the other Trial for the Unclassified for owner Jennifer Zurowski and trainer Joe Tavares. Also an Oklahoma bred, RR Illbeurhucklebery has won two of his three starts with Brian Bell aboard. He starts from post position two.
Quebec-bred CG MEGA SPY, the first foal to race for Ontario sire Spy for the Senate (who won the Norman Picov Maturity on June 15), was a close second to RR Illbeurhucklebery in their Trial and he draws the rail with jockey Alberto Amador named to ride.
In race 2, the remarkable MARYLAND MAGIC, who has won all four of his races this season, is back in action 10 days after providing jockey BRIAN BELL with his 800th career win. Maryland Magic, who is 11, has 23 career wins and also has offspring racing at Ajax Downs. He is owned by Milena Kwiecien and trained by Jason Pascoe. 

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. To reserve tables in advance for $25 or book the VIP room for your party or group, contact www.ajaxdowns.com.There is also an expansive simulcast wagering room with tellers or you can wager through www.HPIBet.com.

If you want to get involved in owning a Quarter Horse, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at 905-426-7050.

$31,050 UNCLASSIFIED STAKES, 330 YARDS

Wednesday June 25, Ajax Downs

Post Horse Jockey Trainer Odds

1. CG MEGA SPY                     A Amador J Pascoe 8-1

2 RR ILLBEURHUCKLEBERY B Bell       J Tavares 3-1

3 FLYIN LADY                          C Benitez  S Reid 10-1

4  LITTLE MARGIE                  R Castillo  B Broadstock 15-1

5 IVORY QUEEN                     A Amador  J Pascoe 6-1

6 FAVORITE INTEREST        JB Botello  J Pascoe 8-1

7 RIDE THE HURRICANE     T Phillips    S Reid 12-1

8 ANNIES BEST CARD          I Mosqueira J Pascoe 7-2

9 STOLIN SECRETS             C Jeschke   C Bourgeois 10-1

10 SW THE LION KING        JB Botello    J Pascoe 4-1