AJAX DOWNS, JUNE 6, 2024 - He did it again. HAD TO BE IVORY romped to his 27th career win in front of a big crowd at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, just missing the track record for 300-yards by three-tenths of a second. The ageless 9-year-old Ontario bred gelding was winning for the 11th consecutive time at his home track for Carol and Jaime Robertson of Hillsburgh, ON who own and bred the son of Ivory James. Bryn Roberston trains and Josh Scott was the winning rider.
Had to Be Ivory, one of the most successful Quarter Horses bred in this province, was coming off an easy win in the Norman Picov Maturity on May 15 and was heavily favoured in the $17,450 Open Allowance at 1 to 10. The big bay, a 2-time Horse of the Year at Ajax Downs, was quickly in front right out of the gates and won by 1 3/4 lengths over First Cold Wave, the 2022 Horse of the Year. The time of 15.31 was not far off Country Boy 123's record of 15.10. Had to Be Ivory earned an impressive 107 speed index.
"This horse is unbelievable," said Scott. "You really can't get much better than this. He leaves the gate faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo."
Carol Robertson, wife of Bryn, said, "We just take it race-by-race with him. As long as he still enjoys it he will keep racing."
*There were also two exciting Trials for the $30,000-added Unclassified Stakes for 3-year-olds and upward on Wednesday and both races were run in fast times. CINDY LOO WHO edged Tcb Stormy Episode in the fastest 330-yard Trial. The two fillies put on a show as they opened up almost three lengths on the field and battled to the wire. Cindy Loo Who is owned by Robert Bailey and trained by Jason Pascoe. JB Botello rode the New Mexico-bred who was bought for $4,500 by Bailey last fall at an Oklahoma sale. Cindy Loo Who sped the distance in 16.941 for a hefty 95 speed index.
In the second Trial, James Bogar's homebred SENATOR ROSE won a blanket finish by a neck in 17.095 for a 90 speed index. The 3-year-old filly, by the Ontario stallion Caviar and Corona, is trained by Bogar and Diego Benitez rode her. Recent winner Expediant was a close second over the lone colt in the field, Ill Go to War.
The 10-fastest times from the two Trials will compete in the final for the Unclassified Stakes final on June 26.
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