August 23, 2022
By Ajax Downs / Jennifer Morrison
AJAX DOWNS, AUGUST 22, 2022 - Ajax Downs' popular Family Fun Day returned to the Quarter Horse track for the first time in three years on Sunday, August 21 and it was standing-room only for an afternoon of racing and fun events, kid's games and prizes with proceeds benefitting the Ajax Pickering Hospital.
The crowd roared for every race on the afternoon and wagered with enthusiasm and the highlight dash was the 11th running of the Ontario Bred Maturity worth $39,240.
The country's top older horse HAD TO BE IVORY rolled to his fourth consecutive win in the 400-yard Maturity, overcoming a bump at the start and then surging past his tough rival Countrys Comin Bac to win by a long neck.
The 7-year-old, bred and owned by Hillsburgh's Carol and Jaime Robertson, recorded yet another stellar clocking, speeding the distance in 19.779 for a 102 speed index.
The Had to Be Ivory team from left to right, Mike Robertson, Jaime Robertson, Had to Be Ivory, Zac Kennedy, Carol Robertson, Paul Sauve, and Cory Spataro. Trainer Bryn Robertson was absent. (New Image Media Photo, crowd photo by Laurie Overton)
Trained by Bryn Robertson, Had to Be Ivory was ridden by Cory Spataro, who was subbing for an absent Josh Scott. It was the 20th career win from 26 starts for the Ontario bred and he has earned over $327,000.
"He was a pro as always," said Spataro. "When a horse beside him, Twixt of Fate, acted up, he got a bit scared so we had to reset the way he was standing. But then he broke like a rocket, I was bumped and then we had to re-rally. You can't ever count out Countrys Comin Bac but I feel like I had it with about 100 yards left."
Heading into the next racing day at Ajax Downs, Wednesday, August 31, there is an exciting four-way tie for leading jockey by victories. BRIAN BELL, RAMIRO CASTILLO, TONY PHILLIPS, and ISMAEL MOSQUIERA all have 12 wins.
Bell leads in Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario points with 154 over Castillo's 152. The points leader at the end of the racing season is honored with the leading rider trophy.
Keep up to date on news and entries for Ajax Downs on social media and at
www.ajaxdowns.com. To find out more about how you can own a Quarter Horse
or join a syndicate, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at
www.qrooi.com.
Video replay of the Ontario Bred Maturity
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