"The farther she went, she just wanted to go faster," said Mosquiera.
AJAX DOWNS, JUNE 12, 2025 - There seems to be no stopping the fast filly HAD TO BE FABULOUS as Carol and Jaime Robertson's 3-year-old coasted to her sixth consecutive win at Ajax Downs on June 11, taking the fastest of two Trials for the $55,000 Ontario Bred Derby.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd on a warm afternoon, Had to Be Fabulous and jockey Ismael Mosqueira breezed to a 1 3/4 length win in the 300-yard dash, stopping the clock in 15.538 for a hefty 92 speed index. At the finish, Mosquiera was simply trying to slow the Bryn Robertson trainee down.
Track announcer Frank Ferrari said Had to Be Fabulous was out for a 'stroll in the park' - New Image Media Photo
"The farther she went, she just wanted to go faster," said Mosquiera. "It's important to qualify for the final but you want to save something."
Had to Be Fabulous, a half sister to multiple champion Had to Be Ivory, has won 8 of 9 starts.
There was plenty of excitement for the first Trial as first time starter EMBRACE YOUR FATE, the first racehorse owned by famous Canadian stunt performer and animal trainer RICK PARKER, charged to an impressive win, overcoming a step-slow start to score in 15.711 for an 87 speed index.
Parker and his actress/stunt performer wife Sue own Canadian Wrangler, which supplies animals for films. They won an ACTRA Award in 2019 for lifetime achievement. The couple are from Schomberg, ON.
"Sue used to work with [trainer] John McInerney at Woodbine and she was coming to Ajax Downs to help him," said Parker. "I told her she might as well have a racehorse. It's fun and it was great seeing the crowd here." Embrace Your Fate was bred by McInerney's partner Michelle Woodley.\
EMBRACE YOUR FATE, the first racehorse owned by famous Canadian stunt performer and animal trainer RICK PARKER. - New Image Media Photo
The final for the Ontario Bred Derby is July 2, with a first race twilight post time of 4:15 p.m.
BRIAN BELL won career race number 799 on Wednesday aboard Jennifer Zurowski's NADIR, who broke his maiden by 2 3/4 lengths, racing 330 yards in 15.839 for a stunning 99 speed index. Bell, the winningest jockey in Quarter Horse racing history, has a chance to reach 800 wins this Sunday, June 15 on a special Father's Day racing program beginning at 12:55 p.m.
Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on the races trackside or from the expansive simulcast room. Wagering is also available through www.HPIBET.com.
Do you have a group or company event? Call ahead to reserve the trackside VIP room to enjoy food, drink and mutuels. Fans may also reserve outdoor tables at the track for $25. Want to get involved in Quarter Horse ownership? Contact the QROOI at 905 – 426-7050 for details.
Follow Ajax Downs on social media @AjaxDowns and visit our website, www.AjaxDowns.com for news, track programs and more information.
Source: Ajax Downs
