My Royal Swinger and jockey Corry Beland score a breakthrough victory in race six at Ajax Downs on May 13, giving the young rider his first career win in just his seventh mount.

© New Image Media

By Jennifer Morrison

AJAX, CAN–MAY 14, 2026– The equine star of Ajax Downs' card of racing on a crisp, windy May 13, Had to Be Ivory, won for the 34th time while later in the afternoon, jockey Corry Beland won his first race of his young career.

The second day of Ajax Downs' 2026 Quarter Horse season, which followed a record-breaking wagering opening day, May 6, featured the return of multiple champion HAD TO BE IVORY, the richest Canadian bred Quarter Horse in history. Now 11 years old, the big bay Ontario bred gelding was as quick and slick as ever, winning the featured Gridiron Gallop dash at 110 yards by three-quarters of a length over another champion, Snow Moose.

Ridden by Ismael Mosqueira for owners Carol and Jaime Robertson, Had to Be Ivory raced the distance in a quick 6.855, just shy of his own track record of 6.761.

"He was just so happy, bouncing and on his toes" said Mosqueira, last year's High Point Jockey at Ajax Downs. "He was so relaxed walking to the gate and just walked in ready to go. The way he runs, he's like a three or four-year-old." Had to Be Ivory's young half sister, Had to Be Fabulous, was the 2025 Horse of the Year and won her 2026 season debut last week.

*Jockey CORRY BELAND earned his first career race when he guided My Royal Swinger to victory in race six for owner and trainer Joe Tavares. The Alberta-born son of former jockeys Stu Brown and Carole Beland was riding in only his seventh career race including his first three races late last season.

"I just got beat a nose in the race before so that gave me some motivation," said Beland. "I just tried to not override him and just sit chilly and let the horse do the work."

Fellow Ajax Downs jockeys awaited Beland to return from the winner's circle before dousing him with buckets of water, the typical initiation for a jockey when they win their first race.

Corry also hopes to also ride Thoroughbreds at Woodbine this year.

Racing continues at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, May 20 with a first race post time of 3:30 p.m. Admission is always free and you can watch and wager on the races from trackside tables or at www.HPIBet.com.

Be sure to visit www.ajaxdowns.com for the racing schedule and list of events coming up.

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