By Jennifer Morrison

AJAX, ONT–JULY 9, 2025–Joe Tavares' Ivy League Sugarbaby posted a mild upset in the featured Gridiron Gallop (not black type) at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, July 9, breaking like a bullet and fending off five rivals to win the 110-yard dash by a neck.

The Ontario-sired and bred 4-year-old filly was winning for the second time in 2025 and fourth time in her 16th career start. Brian Bell, who won two of the seven races at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, was riding.

Ivy League Sugarbaby is a chestnut daughter of Sugarman Perry from the mare Misseditbyonehour and she is the first horse bred by KT Quarter Horses of Prince Edward County, a trio of women who were trackside to cheer on their homebred.

KT Quarter Horses is composed of sisters Kim and Kyla Traviss and Kim's daughter Kassidy.

"As breeders, we could not be more proud of Ivy's performance today," said Kim. "Ivy was our very first homebred to reach the track, and she blows us away every time she runs."

Breeders of Ontario-bred or sired winners in Ontario horse racing receive breeders' awards, which provide incentives for Ontario breeders.

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One of the hottest fillies at Ajax Downs is Relentless Betty who won for the fourth time in four races in 2025 on Wednesday, extending her winning streak that began last fall to five victories. Owned, bred and trained by James Bogar of Cameron, ON, Relentless Betty and jockey Tony Phillips won the 300-yard dash by three-quarters of a length as the 4 to 5 favourite over 21 to 1 longshot Upandover. It was the sixth career win in 10 races for Relentless Betty.

Racing continues at Ajax Downs next Wednesday, July 16, with the Ontario Bred Futurity for 2-year-olds. First race post time is 1:45 p.m. Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on the races trackside or from the expansive simulcast room. Wagering is also available through www.HPIBET.com.

Do you have a group or company event? Call ahead to reserve the trackside VIP room to enjoy food, drink and mutuels. Fans may also reserve outdoor tables at the track for $25.   Want to get involved in Quarter Horse ownership? Contact the QROOI at 905 426-7050 for details.
Follow Ajax Downs on social media @AjaxDowns and visit our website, www.AjaxDowns.com, for news, track programs, and more information.

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