Ben Ali (horse) him to shun the Derby. News traveled in the East Coast horse racing circuits of Haggin's treatment in Louisville, causing many Eastern horsemen to boycott the Kentucky Derby during the 1890s and early 20th century. Bookmakers returned for the 1887 Derby, but the field quality and race profits dropped dramatically over the years until Churchill Downs was facing closure in 1903. Churchill Downs was sold to a syndicate led by Matt Winn in 1903. Ben Ali is reported to have died at around 20 years of age (c. 1903) at Haggin's Rancho del Paso stud in California. Ben Ali (horse)
Ajax Downs 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