Ajax Downs
Ajax Downs, located in Ajax, Ontario, a suburb east of Toronto, has a deep rooted history of horse racing in Canada. For 40 years, it has been exclusively devoted to the sport of Quarter Horse racing. Many of Canada's top jockeys have started their careers on the old "J-track". Formerly called "Picov Downs" the name was changed in 2006 with the establishment of a new Slots facility and construction of a full 6 furlong oval racetrack which was completed in 2009.
Alex Picov came from the Ukraine in 1921 and is widely credited for establishing Quarter Horse racing in Ontario. The Picov family settled in Ajax, Ontario where The Picov families passions turned into riding horses, primarily Quarter horses and their company, The Picov Cattle Company and moved the majority of Quarter Horses coming into Canada during the 1960’s and 70’s. The Picov’s built the only race track, Picov Downs, which opened in 1969. The location for the tack was part of the family farm and totally devoted to the sport of Quarter horse racing. Many of Canada’s top jockeys started their careers on the old “J-track”. The track was re-name in 2006 to Ajax Downs with the creation of the new slots facility and construction of a full 6 furlong (1 furlong = 1/8th of a mile, 660ft, 220yards, or 201.1 meters) oval racetrack which was completed in 2009 and is still operated by the Picov family. Ajax Downs is home to many notable stakes races, including qualifying events for the AQHA Bank of America Racing Challenge program. The richest Quarter Horse race in Canada honors Alex Picovs memory with the name The Alex Picov Memorial and is run yearly at Ajax Downs. Live racing is May through October and is fun for the whole family. Many race days are host to a wide variety of events and fundraisers to support and engage the community.
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Coordinates: 43°52′15″N 79°00′10″W / 43.87089°N 79.00285°W