"I wasn't sure if he could go the 400-yard distance [in just his second race of the year]," said Robertson.
AJAX DOWNS, JULY 16, 2025 - Trainer Bryn Robertson wasn't certain if his family's superstar Quarter Horse HAD TO BE IVORY would be ready to tackle the 400 yards of the ONTARIO BRED MATURITY at Ajax Downs on July 16 since the 10-year-old champion had just one 110-yard dash under his belt this season. But the two-time Horse of the Year, under jockey Ismael Mosqueira, made it look easy as he broke fast from the rail post and was never challenged, winning by half a length over his younger full sister Had to Be Ivy in a time of 19.945 for a 98 speed index.
Had to Be ivory sails home in the Ontario Bred Maturity - New Image Media Photo
Photo at Right: Shower for the hero: Champion Had to Be Ivory after his 31st victory, which came in the Ontario Bred Maturity at Ajax Downs on July 16. New Image Media Photo
This was the fifth time Had to Be Ivory, owned by Carol and Jaime Robertson, has won the Ontario Bred Maturity, which offered a total purse of $40,140. Had to Be Ivory was winning for the 31st time in his career from 41 starts and he boosted his earnings to $499,065, making him the richest Ontario bred Quarter Horse in history.
"I wasn't sure if he could go the 400-yard distance [in just his second race of the year]," said Robertson. "He actually was off this week with a little abscess in his foot, but that cleared up. He ran super. He broke fast out of the gate, and they weren't catching him."
Had to Be Ivory, by Ivory James - Had to Be Fandango, was hammered down by the bettors to odds of just 1 to 9 and he paid $2.20 to win.
Mosqueira, the leading rider by wins at Ajax Downs, won three races during the afternoon to go to 18 wins for the season.
Snow Fun N Fancy - New Image Media Photo
Also on Wednesday was the $51,480 ONTARIO BRED FUTURITY for 2-year-olds at 300-yards and the winner was SNOW FUN N FANCY, a grey filly by PYC Fun N Fancy from the mare Taxing Queen Creek, owned and bred by Milena Kwiecien of Burlington. Snow Fun N Fancy was making her career debut and was ridden by Brian Bell, who won the first three races on Wednesday, bringing his total wins to 15.
Ajax Downs hosts a special event Sunday on July 20, its annual CRAFT BEER DAY with Quarter Horse racing beginning at 12:55 p.m., samples of local craft breweries, live music from The Blackstones and prizes.
Admission and parking are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on our exciting races trackside, up close to the action, at our picnic tables. To reserve tables in advance for $25 or book the VIP room for your party or group, contact www.ajaxdowns.com.
There is also an expansive simulcast wagering room with tellers or you can wager through www.HPIBet.com.
If you want to get involved in owning a Quarter Horse, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at 905- 426-7050.
Ontario Bred Maturity Replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y5f8v5Ymp4
Ontario Bred Futurity Replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAHTY3bkJ8s
Source: Ajax Downs
