AJAX, ONT—JULY 1, 2020—With a great show of grit, 2019 Horse of the Year Had To Be Ivory won the 8th running of the $23,425(US) Picov Maturity on an exciting Canada Day of Quarter Horse racing at Ajax Downs.

While there wasn't the huge crowd that annually visit Ajax Downs on this country's birthday due to the COVID-19 pandemic keeping doors closed, fans watching on-line were treated to a fabulous finish which came down to four horses battling to the wire.

Bet down to a heavy 3 to 5 favorite, Had to Be Ivory and his regular rider Tony Phillips broke a bit to the right from their rail post in the nine horse field but quickly grabbed the lead.

A host of the track's top older horses charged at the champ deep into the 300-yard dash but Had to Be Ivory held them off to win by a neck. The filly She's Sizzling, also an Ontario-bred, and Maryland Magic dead-heated for second while Spy for the Senate was a neck back in fourth. The time was 15.344 for a solid 97 speed index.

The inquiry sign was posted as both Ed Walton, aboard Carneros, and Regan Knowles on Chicksdigmymoneybags, claimed foul on the winner for possible interference at the start. But following several minutes of study by the stewards, there was no change in the order of finish.

"He wouldn't let them pass," said Phillips. "He fought for his supper today."

This was the second straight Picov Maturity for Had to Be Ivory, owned and bred by Carol and Jaime Robertson and trained by Bryn Robertson of HIllsburgh, ON and his 13th career win in 16 starts. The 5-year-old son of Ivory James, out of Had To Be Fandango by Hadtobenuts, earned $9,465(US) winner's purse. Had To Be Ivory's career mark is now over $178,000 .

Trainer Jason Pascoe saddled Maryland Magic for owner Milena Kwiecien. Helen Vanek rode the Maryland-bred son of Pyc Paint Your Wagon out of Purley Un Social by All Mitey Dash. The multiple stakes-placed earner shared $3,550(US) to bring his earnings mark to $71,145.

Joyce and Erik Lehtine's stakes winning filly Shes Sizzling also earned $3,550(US) for her effort. Erik Lehtine trained with Ramiro Castillo riding the 4-year-old daughter of Sizzlin Cartel from the Eyesa Special mare Shenandoah Special. She has banked $75,749 in 17 starts.

Spy For The Senate, Countrys Comin Bac, Not Whistlin Dixie, Chicksdigmymoneybags, Carnros and Rey Of The Night complete the field.

* * * * * * * * * * *

It was also a memorable Canada Day for longtime Ajax Downs jockey Ed Walton who won four races on the nine-race card to take the lead in the rider's standings. And Bowmanville's Scott Reid saddled three winners on the day.

Racing continues next Wednesday, July 8 with a first race post time of 12:55 p.m. Catch all the news and photos at http://www.ajaxdowns.com or on Instagram and Twitter @AjaxDowns.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Keep updated on news and handicapping visit the track's website ajaxdowns.com and follow them on Instagram, Twitter (@ajaxdowns) and on Facebook.

If you want to learn more about owning a Quarter Horse or a share in a Quarter Horse, visit the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario, Inc. website at qrooi.com