The venerable Had To Be Ivory (#4), multiple champion and Horse of the Year, on his way to another win. Cassandra Jeschke is up.

© Jennifer Morrison

AJAX DOWNS, ONT–SEPTEMBER 26, 2024–The remarkable Ontario-bred Quarter Horse Had To Be Ivory romped to his 28th career victory on September 25 at Ajax Downs in his first-ever attempt at the unique 'Gridiron' distance of 110-yards.

With the win, the 9-year-old big bay gelding solidified his spot as one of this country's greatest Quarter Horses foaled. Wednesday's win, which came over a sloppy track, pushed Had to Be Ivory's earnings to over $456,000.

Owned and bred by Carol and Jaime Robertson and trained by Bryn Robertson of HIllsburgh, Ontario, Had to Be Ivory needed only a couple of strides to power to the lead in the Gridiron Gallop. He won by 1 1/4 lengths under jockey Cassandra Jeschke, who was substituting for regular rider Josh Scott.

"He was strong and very ready to go," said Jeschke, who had two winners on the afternoon. "I knew he would give it his all, and Josh had prepped him very well."

Had to Be Ivory sped the distance in 6.901 for a 99-speed index. His next start is scheduled to be the prestigious Alex Picov Memorial Championship on October 9.

Jeschke recently hit her own milestone with her 200th career win in the saddle. The Cobourg native began riding in 2013 and is currently fifth in the rider standings this year at Ajax Downs with 13 victories.

The Robertson family will have another sharp entrant in the Memorial Champion with One Fabulous Wave, a 4-year-old Ontario-bred who ran his best career race on Wednesday, winning an allowance event with a 103 speed index from a clocking of 15.247 for 300 yards. Diego Benitez rode One Fabulous Wave, who now has four wins in 15 starts.

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

Racing continues at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, October 2, with a first race post time of 12:55 p.m. Parking and admission are always free, and you can watch and wager on exciting Quarter Horse racing from the trackside picnic tables or in the track's large simulcast room. Coming up on Oct.14, Thanksgiving Monday, is the annual United Way Day featuring a pumpkin giveaway for kids, games, and prizes, plus a visit from the Headless Horseman.