Quarter horse racing in North America is overseen by the AQHA, the American Quarter Horse Association, which was established in 1949 in Texas with the primary objective of establishing a registry for American Quarter Horses. The AQHA maintains a stud book for registered breeding horses, including an appendix for crosses between first-generation Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, as well as crosses between Thoroughbreds and Appendix Horses. Presently, there are over 2.8 million Quarter Horses registered in the books.
Known for their rapid acceleration and sprinting ability, Quarter Horses compete with purebred horses in short-distance races. Official racecourse distances typically range from 201 to 796 meters, often leading to photo-finish determinations of the winner.
The AQHA operates 49 branches across US states and 34 in other countries, including 7 in Canadian provinces. In 1993, the association introduced the Quarter Horse Racing Series consisting of 60 races held across the Americas. The culmination of these races is the Bank of America Racing Challenge, offering $6 million in prize money.
The CQHA, or Canadian Quarter Horse Association, is closely affiliated with its American counterpart. It focuses on supporting Quarter Horse owners in Canada and promoting the sport. Quarter Horses are versatile and excel not only in sprint racing but also in various Western disciplines. The CQHA hosts championships in Western Horsemanship, Western Saddlebred Horsemanship, Under Saddle Hunt, and other Western disciplines, with branches organizing horse racing events across Canada.
History of Ajax Downs Racecourse
Ajax Downs, Canada's largest horse racing track featuring regular quarter horse racing, is situated in Ajax, Ontario, approximately 50 km from Toronto. The races are managed by the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario, an association of provincial breeders.
Originally named Peak Downs in honour of its founder, Russian immigrant Alexander Pikov, who arrived in Canada in 1921, the track underwent several transformations before becoming Ajax Downs. Pikov, a fervent supporter and promoter of quarter horses, imported them to Canada from the USA. In 1969, he and his son Norman constructed a racetrack on 65 acres of the family farm, which eventually bore their surname. Prior to this, impromptu races were held by local residents in the backyard of the Al Greco ranch in Kleinburg. With the establishment of their own track, enthusiasts of horse racing erected fences, a judge's tower, and a jockey room. The inaugural competitions under the auspices of the AQHA took place in 1971, during which the track received permission for several days of betting.
During the initial years of operation, race participants did not receive prize money; instead, they paid for their participation. However, in the mid-1980s, Norm Pikov began sponsoring competitions, alongside organizing the operations of a sports equipment store. During this period, race days resembled village festivities or club events, with friends competing against each other and subsequently celebrating together.
As the slot machine industry burgeoned, the racetrack's identity underwent a transformation. Following several years of renovation, the revamped track reopened in 2009 under the new moniker "Ajax Downs," featuring stables, upgraded stands, a restaurant, a television broadcast room, and slot machines.
Quarter horse competitions are held on the 6-stadia (1.2 km) oval track from May to October. Parking and admission are complimentary, and within the racecourse building, a How To Bet 101 stand provides beginners with comprehensive information on placing bets, either independently or with assistance from staff.
Stakes Races at Ajax Racecourse
Ajax Racecourse serves as the stage for qualifying events linked to the prestigious AQHA Bank of America Racing Challenge program.
For two-year-old contenders, the racetrack offers a range of thrilling races including the Ontario Bred Futurity, Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity, and the notably rewarding Alex Picov Memorial Futurity.
Meanwhile, three-year-old prospects compete in events such as the Ontario Bred Derby and the exclusive Princess Derby, tailored specifically for fillies.
Participation in these stakes races varies depending on certain criteria. Notably, the offspring of stallions featured in the 2020 auction can enter the 2024 Stallion Auction Futurity.
Moreover, the Ontario Sires Stakes Maturity welcomes the top ten highest-earning equine athletes to vie for victory.
For seasoned competitors, the Inclassified HB 79 Maturity race offers a chance to shine for four-year-old or older horses with a speed index that has never surpassed 79.
Alberta Quarter Horse Racing
Alberta's passion for quarter horse racing is showcased at two premier venues: Century Mile Racetrack and Century Downs Racetrack and Casino.
Century Mile Racetrack, situated adjacent to Edmonton Airport in Leduc County, took over from Northland Park Racecourse in 2019, inheriting its legacy of equestrian events. While its predecessor never featured quarter horse racing, Century Mile now proudly hosts races for Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, and Quarter Horses on its expansive 8-furlong track, the longest in western Canada.
Meanwhile, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, located near Calgary, has been a hub for racing enthusiasts since its inception in 2015. Boasting a diverse lineup of races, including thoroughbred, trotter, quarter horse, and chuckwagon racing, Century Downs offers a thrilling experience for spectators and bettors alike.
In 2024, quarter horse racing enthusiasts can mark their calendars for September, October, and November, when Century Mile Racetrack hosts a series of 12-stakes races. Among these prestigious events are the Alberta Bred RG3 Futurity and Alberta Bred Derby, featuring a staggering prize fund of $50,000, attracting top talent from across the region.
Despite its relatively modest media coverage, quarter horse racing in Canada enjoys widespread popularity among the public and gambling aficionados who eagerly place their bets. The sport's affiliation with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) serves to fortify the industry, ensuring a promising future and fostering widespread competition across the country.