AJAX, ONT—JUNE 20, 2021—The 2020 Ajax Downs Horse of the Year, Feisty Icon, will meet up with 2019 Horse of the Year Had To Be Ivory in a spectacular featured race at Ajax Downs, Wednesday, June 23.

The eighth race at 300-yards marks the season debut of both stars. Feisty Icon, owned and trained by Rick Kennedy capped a remarkable 2020 season with a narrow victory in the prestigious Alex Picov Memorial Champion over three-time champion Country Boy 123. Feisty Icon won three of nine starts last year and has 20 career wins. Ed Walton, last year's leading rider, will be on board the nine-year-old. .

Had to Be Ivory had a brief campaign in 2020 following his championship year. In two starts last season he won an allowance race and the Picov Maturity on July 1 before a minor injury laid him up for the season. Carol and Jaime Robertson's six-year-old gelding will be ridden for the first time by Cory Spataro. .

Also in the deep field is 2020 Distance Series champion Spy For The Senate and Ontario Bred Maturity winner Countrys Comin Bac. Chalk Cliffs, Firing Red Jess and Sprint Series champion Carneros complete the field. .

This is the second day of the 2021 Quarter Horse racing season and currently, the races will be held without spectators. .

First race post time on June 23 is 1:30 p.m. and you can bet the Ajax Downs races at www.hpibet.com and watch live streaming on the Ajax Downs Facebook page and at ajaxdowns.com.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Be sure to check out ajaxdowns.com for race selections, live streaming, and a free pocket program on race days as well as the latest news. You can watch and wager on the Ajax card at Horseplayer Interactive, hpibet.com. Follow Ajax Downs on Twitter and Instagram @AjaxDowns.

If you would like information on how to get involved in owning a Quarter Horse or to join a syndicate, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at qrooi.com.