AJAX, ONT—AUGUST 5, 2018 –Reigning Horse of the Year Country Boy 123 put away previously unbeaten Had to Be Ivory in the late stages of Sunday's $10,217(US) QROOI Distance Series Overnight Stakes (not black type) and flew to a one-length victory in another stunning performance.

In the first meeting of the hotshot sophomore Had to Be Ivory and 5-year-old Country Boy 123, the pair bounced off each other soon after the start of the 400-yard race and hooked up for an early duel. Under Ajax Downs' leading rider Cory Spataro, Country Boy 123 then kicked it in high gear and took off to win in the scorching time of :19.640, good for a 108 speed index.

It was the fifth consecutive win from five races for Country Boy 123 in 2018 and his 16th victory overall from 24 career starts.

The flashy bay gelding is owned by Ruth Barbour and trained by Bryn Robertson, who also trains Had to be Ivory. Country Boy 123 was the Ajax Downs Horse of the Year in 2016 and 2017 and is better than ever this season.

Bred in Michigan by Carolyn Bay, from the Dash Thru Traffic mare Very Dashin 123, Country Boy 123 has banked $224,126.

Ajax celebrated Sports Day at the track with ticket giveaways to upcoming games for major Toronto teams. wagering was up 44 percent from the same day last season.

Upcoming events at Ajax Downs include the Ontario Sires Stakes Derby Trails on August 12 and the popular Family Day on August 19.

For more information please visit www.ajaxdowns.com.