Lake Ontario

Ajax Downs

Quarter HorseDirt
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Ajax Downs is a quarter horse racetrack in Ajax, Ontario. It opened in 1969, making it 57 years old in 2026. It races on a 6-furlong oval (completed 2009), originally a straightaway into a right-hand turn.

Its signature races are the Alex Picov Memorial and Rags to Riches Futurity.

Ajax Downs is Ontario's only Quarter Horse racetrack, founded as Picov Downs by Ukrainian-born immigrant Alex Picov on his family farm.

Track facts

Location
Ajax, Ontario
Racing
Quarter Horse
Surfaces
Dirt
Track
6-furlong oval (completed 2009), originally a straightaway into a right-hand turn
Opened
1969
Racing season
May to October
Operator
Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Inc.
Former names
Picov Downs (1969–2006)

Signature races at Ajax Downs

Race day

When to go. Live racing runs may to October. Check the official site for post times and the current stakes schedule.

The view. Our illustration shows Lake Ontario in the background.

Getting there. Directions to Ajax Downs and parking nearby.

Plan your trip to Ajax Downs

Hotels near Ajax DownsBook a stay for race day on ExpediaRace schedule & post timesLive racing dates and stakesParkingLots near the trackDirectionsMap to Ajax DownsTours & things to do in AjaxSightseeing, tours and more on ExpediaFood & drinks nearbySpots to eat before or after the races

Tracks near Ajax Downs10

  1. 1ThoroughbredWoodbine Racetrack — King's Plate (Toronto, Ontario)31 mi
  2. 2HarnessKawartha Downs — Harness racing (Fraserville, Ontario)39 mi
  3. 3HarnessGeorgian Downs — Harness racing (Innisfil, Ontario)44 mi
  4. 4HarnessWoodbine Mohawk Park — North America Cup (Campbellville, Ontario)55 mi
  5. 5HarnessFlamboro Downs — Harness racing (Hamilton, Ontario)63 mi
  6. 6ThoroughbredFort Erie Race Track — Prince of Wales Stakes (Fort Erie, Ontario)66 mi
  7. 7HarnessGrand River Raceway — Battle of Waterloo (Elora, Ontario)70 mi
  8. 8HarnessBatavia Downs — Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace (Batavia, New York)72 mi
  9. 9HarnessBuffalo Raceway — Harness racing (Hamburg, New York)79 mi
  10. 10HarnessHanover Raceway — Dream of Glory (Hanover, Ontario)101 mi

Questions about Ajax Downs

Where is Ajax Downs?

Ajax Downs is in Ajax, Ontario.

What kind of racing is at Ajax Downs?

Ajax Downs hosts quarter horse racing. Live racing runs may to October.

When did Ajax Downs open?

Ajax Downs opened in 1969.

What is the biggest race at Ajax Downs?

The signature race at Ajax Downs is the Alex Picov Memorial.

What other racetracks are near Ajax Downs?

The closest is Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario, about 31 miles away. See the full list of nearby tracks on this page.

Facts are for the 2026 racing season. Distances are straight-line miles. The illustration is original artwork, not a photo. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your track? Get the “Listed on HorsetrackAtlas.com” badge for your website.