Five Wins for Mosqueira.
AJAX DOWNS, JULY 3, 2025 - In another flawless display of speed, HAD TO BE FABULOUS won the $57,105 Ontario Bred Derby at Ajax Downs on July 2 during the track's special twilight card of racing. The 4:15 p.m. first race post time was greeted enthusiastically by fans who crammed the track on a warm summer's evening.
Ridden by Ismael Mosquiera, who would win five of the day's eight races, Had to Be Fabulous led from start to finish and won the 300-yard dash by 1 1/2 lengths over fast-closing The Batmann and Peighntmeadiamond, The final time of 15.515 was good for a 94 speed index.
The Ontario Bred Derby was the sixth consecutive win for Had to Be Fabulous, who, earlier in the day, was named the 2024 Canadian Champion by the American Quarter Horse Association. Owned and bred by Carol and Jaime Robertson of Hillerin Farm in Hillsburgh, Had to Be Fabulous has nine wins in 10 career starts.
Win and Grin: Ismael Mosqueira smiles aboard the filly Had to Be Fabulous, who won the Ontario Bred Derby on July 2 at Ajax Downs. New Image Media photo
"She just knows what to do, and she is just so happy," said Mosquiera. "She loves to run and she simply focuses on the target."
Trainer Bryn Robertson, who sent out Had to Be Fabulous's champion older half brother Had to Be Ivory to win his 2025 opener earlier in the afternoon, doesn't know how good his 3-year-old filly could be.
"I don't know. She stands in the gate, watches the doors, and when they open, out she comes. She does her thing."
Had to Be Ivory won a 110-yard allowance race to kick off his 10-year-old campaign. The big gelding was winning for the 30th time in 40 career races.
Mosqueira, who also rides at Fort Erie racetrack, won on Had to Be Ivory, Determined Love in the Battle of the Breeds, Game Favorite in an allowance race, and Chasing Butterflies in a speed index dash.
*Sovereign Award-winning owner in Thoroughbred racing , BRUNO SCHICKEDANZ, won his first ever race at Ajax Downs when DETERMINED LOVE won the Battle of the Breeds at 770 yards over the top Quarter Horse mare Jess a Deal. Determined Love, an 8-year-old mare trained by Julie Mathes, scored by five lengths in a quick time of 41.567 for an 87 speed index.
Determined Love (second from left) becomes the first winner at Ajax Downs for leading Thoroughbred owner Bruno Schickedanz, taking the Battle of the Breeds.
"I think I'm going to be back and get some horses here," said Schickedanz, who is perennially among the leading owners in North America by wins.
Racing continues at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, July 9 with a first race post time of 1:45 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.
$57,105 Ontario Bred Derby replay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STkJUAQEgaA
Source: Ajax Downs
