The All Aged Stakes triple winner
Mighty galloper Ajax made the race his own
April 13, 2022
Schweppes All Aged Stakes day at Randwick is coming up this weekend. Only one horse in the long history of the All Aged Stakes has won the race more than twice. Ajax secured his third victory in 1940, having already taken the race in 1938 and 1939. He was a flashy chestnut much loved by the racing public as he raced into history with 18 consecutive victories all in group races.
Ajax was sired by Heroic and foaled at the historic Widden Stud in 1934. He began racing as a two-year-old in the autumn of 1937 winning the AJC Sires Produce Stakes and the Champagne Stakes. Unbeaten at these first starts his consecutive victories began with the Linlithgow Stakes in 1937. As he continued to win, he broke course, race, and Australian records including that for the All Aged Stakes.
The magical run ended when Ajax became the longest-priced beaten favourite in Australian racing history. Spear Chief (ridden by Maurice McCarten) timed his run to perfection and beat Ajax in the Rawson Stakes in 1939. Ajax had started at 40-1 on. Upon retirement, Ajax had raced 46 times for 36 wins and nine placings. He found success at stud too, with his son Achilles also winning the All Aged Stakes.
Join us at Royal Randwick on 16 April to watch the Schweppes All Aged Stakes. More details here.