TORONTO, January 21, 2023 – The American Quarter Horse Association hosted its annual awards banquet this week, and Ontario Bred Had To Be Ivory completed the career hat trick, as he was named the Canadian Champion for a third time.
Had To Be Ivory was bred and is campaigned by Carol Robertson, and her daughter-in-law Jamie Robertson.
“Had To Be Ivory has just been an awesome horse to own. It’s been a blessing, and he’s the horse of a lifetime,” said Carol. “He just loves to run. We try to be careful not to overrun him, and he’s just an honour to own.”
Through 28 career starts, the seven-year-old gelding is showing no signs of slowing down.
He set track records in 2022 at Ajax Downs and established a career high speed index of 112 in the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario (QROOI) Distance Series on September 21, when he covered 440 yards in 21.410 seconds.
“He seems to get better every year,” said Robertson. “We are hoping that he will be racing next year. That’s our plan unless things change, but we definitely plan to race him next year. He’s sound, and he has a personality.”
The Robertson Family celebrating Had To Be Ivory's 2022 Alex Picov Memorial Championship.
Ivory, as Robertson calls him, is a horse the entire family has gotten to enjoy. Her husband Bryn trains him, and their son Mike is his exercise rider, blacksmith, and pony rider.
“It has been a family affair, which makes it pretty awesome,” said Robertson.
Had To Be Ivory’s six victories included the Alex Picov Memorial Championship, a special race at Ajax Downs.
“It’s quite the honour to win the Alex Picov Memorial championship and he won that this year,” said Robertson. “We are just blessed to own him.”
Had To Be Ivory is also up for Ajax Downs Horse of the Year, which will be announced at the QROOI banquet on Saturday, Feb 18
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