Bryn and Kim Robertson accept awards on behalf of their two-time champion Had To Be Fabulous and AQHA Dam of Distinction Had To Be Fandango.

© Emily Paulk, StallioneSearch

By Emily Paulk, StallioneSearch

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA–JANUARY 17, 2026–Had To Be Fandango was honored January 14 during the AQHA Racing Champions Ceremony at Heritage Place in Oklahoma City after earning the AQHA Dam of Distinction title. The honor recognizes her impact as one of the most accomplished producing mares in Quarter Horse racing.

The Dam of Distinction designation is awarded to mares whose produce records meet elite standards, including producing multiple AQHA racing champions, Grade 1 stakes winners, or top 10 money earners in a single year. Had To Be Fandango joins a select group of broodmares whose influence is measured by sustained excellence at the highest levels of the sport.

Bred by Jud Little, she was purchased at the 2009 Heritage Place Yearling Sale by Carol and Jamie Robertson for just $2,000. Had To Be Fandango is by Hadtobenuts and out of the winning Strawfly Special mare Grim Fandango. She has produced five foals from five starters, all winners, with progeny earnings totaling $819,913.

Her progeny record is led by champions Had To Be Ivory and Had To Be Fabulous. Had To Be Ivory, a gelding by champion sire Ivory James, compiled an exceptional career, hitting the board in 40 of his 43 starts, including 18 stakes victories. Had To Be Fabulous, a filly by World Champion sire One Famous Eagle, won 12 of her 13 career starts and recorded six stakes victories.

2-time Champion Had To Be Fabulous. © New Image Media

During the ceremony, Carol Robertson reflected on the mare’s lasting significance to their program. “She’s obviously raised some amazing babies for us,” Robertson said. “One thing that’s really special, every time we have a stakes race, my brother—he rides all the racehorses—and he takes each of the horses to the mare’s grave.”

AQHA Chief of Racing Janet VanBebber followed with remarks recognizing the depth of that commitment. “To be able to see them from birth to grave and bless them with the best care, custody and control that you can offer says a lot for how much we love our horses,” VanBebber said. “So thank you for doing so.”

Adding to the night’s recognition, Had To Be Fabulous was also honored as Canadian Champion during the ceremony, marking the filly’s second consecutive year to earn the title.

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