Champion Had to Be Ivory is in action on September 25 at Ajax Downs in the 110-yard Gridiron Gallop

© Clive Cohen/New Image Media

AJAX DOWNS, ONTºSEPTEMBER 23, 2024–This Wednesday at Ajax Downs, multiple champion Had To Be Ivory will prep for the upcoming Alex Picov Memorial Championship in the Gridiron Gallop, one of seven Quarter Horse races on tap for the September 25 card. The first race post time is 12:55 p.m.

The most successful Ontario-bred Quarter Horse in history, Had to Be Ivory, will be trying the unique Gridiron distance of 110 yards for the first time in his illustrious career, which includes 27 wins in 36 starts and over $449,000 in earnings.

The 9-year-old, owned and bred by Carol and Jaime Robertson and trained by Bryn Robertson, won his first two starts this year before he was upset in the Ontario Bred Maturity on July 17 by Snow Moose.

On Wednesday, Had to Be Ivory and jockey Josh Scott will meet four rivals in the Gridiron Gallop, race 4, sponsored by the Probus Club of Whitby/Brooklin.

There are several competitive allowance races on this Wednesday's card, but two of the most exciting races at Ajax Downs currently are the battles for leading jockey and trainer.

Just six wins separate six riders as Ajax Downs heads into its final six racing dates. Currently, Diego Benitez leads by wins with 17 over Ramiro Castillo, who has 15; Brian Bell, 14; Tony Phillips, 13; Christian Benitez, 12; and Cassandra Jeschke, 11.

Trainers Jason Pascoe and James Bogar each have 19 victories in 2024 and lead Bob Broadstock, who has 17 wins.

Last Wednesday, the Broadstock-trained mare Jess A Deal won her third Battle of the Breeds race this year against Thoroughbreds with a brilliant show of speed in the 770-yard race. The track record holder for the distance, Jess a Deal, held off the late charges of Red Maple and Sea to Air, both Thoroughbreds, to win by a neck for her 11th career win.

The 8-year-old mare is owned by the Picov Cattle Co. and Marie Broadstock, and she was ridden by Ramiro Castillo. (Photo below: Jess a Deal wins her third Battle of the Breeds over two Thoroughbreds- New Image Media Photo)

*******************

Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on the race's 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. Want to get involved in Quarter Horse ownership? Contact the QROOI at 905-426-7050 for details on how to join the First Line Racing Syndicate.

*******************

Follow Ajax Downs on social media @AjaxDowns and visit our website, www.AjaxDowns.com for news, track programs, and more information. You can watch all of the Ajax Downs replays on our YouTube channel on our website.