Had to Be Ivory, the richest Ontario bred Quarter Horse in history, headlines the $52,200 Alex Picov Memorial Championship on Thanksgiving Monday

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AJAX DOWNS–OCTOBER 10 2025–Get ready for an exciting Thanksgiving Monday racing day, United Way Day and Pumpkin Day, at Ajax Downs, complete with two important stakes races.

The annual Race Day for United Way supports the United Way of Durham Region with raffles, popcprn and cotton candy (for a minimum donation), hot dog special, and a pumpkin giveaway to the first 100 kids for decorating.

Those in attendance who bring a gently used item of clothing or household item will receive a $2 voucher for betting. You can't miss the turkeys vs. chickens Battle of the Breeds' race featuring the Ajax Downs jockeys. All proceeds go to the United Way.

On track, a big, 7-race card includes the 52nd running of the prestigious Alex Picov Memorial Championship and the 14th running of the Ontario Sires Stakes Derby.

The $52,200 Championship, at a testing 440 yards, has been won by some of the greatest Quarter Horses in Canadian history including Had To Be Ivory, a two-time Horse of the Year and the richest Ontario bred Quarter Horse in history with over $508,000 in earnings.

Had to Be Ivory will be competing in his fifth Championship; he won it in 2022 and was third last year to 2024 Horse of the Year Queen Charlotte and his younger half-brother Had To Be Relentless.

This year, Had to Be Ivory, owned by Carol and Jaime Robertson of Hillsburgh, has won all three of his races, including the Ontario Bred Maturity. Ismael Mosqueira is back to ride the 10-year-old gelding from post position three.

Not only is Had to Be Ivory racing against his younger half-brother but also his younger full sister, Had to Be Ivy.

Queen Charlotte (post one) won the 2024 Championship over Had to Be Ivory and will be ridden by Brian Bell, while her younger half sister Relentless Betty has Tony Phillips up and post five.

A large field of 10 will race for $56,430 in the Ontario Sired Stakes Derby at 350 yards. Stakes placed Peighntmeadiamond, owned by Richard Wincikaby and trained by Joe Tavares, will be one of the favourites following an easy allowance win on Oct. 1. Last Cold Bud, a four-time winner this year and Elvis The Famous are also contenders.

*Admission and parking are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on our exciting races trackside, up close to the action, at our picnic tables. To reserve tables in advance for $25 or book the VIP room for your party or group, contact www.ajaxdowns.com.

There is also an expansive simulcast wagering room with tellers, or you can wager through www.HPIBet.com.

If you want to get involved in owning a Quarter Horse contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at 905- 426-7050.

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