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AJAX, ONT–JUNE 12, 2024–In just her second career start, Had To Be Fabulous continued her family legacy by scoring her first career stakes victory in the $22,567(US) (CAN) QROOI Bonus Futurity at Ajax Downs for 2-year-old American Quarter Horses.

Under jockey Josh Scott Had To Be Fabulous was a one-length winner from the outside post position while completing the 250 yards in 13.649 seconds, equaling an 80-speed index with a 7 mph tailwind.

"This is a really mature little filly; everything we've thrown at her she takes in stride; she just keeps getting better," Scott said following the win.

Trainer Bryn Robertson saddled the bay filly to her second win in as many starts for owner-breeders Carol and Jaime Robertson.

"She stepped up, didn't have any trouble, sailed up the outside, and kept going," Robertson said.

The $9,603(US) winner's purse boosted Had To Be Fabulous earnings to $15,100.

The filly by multiple stakes sire One Fabulous Eagle is from the stakes-winning and champion-producing Had To Be Nuts mare Had To Be Fandango.

Carol and Jaime Robertson purchased Had To Fandango for $2,000 in the 2009 Heritage Place Yearling Sale in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The filly was then taken home to Canada, where she won or placed in 16 of 24 career starts and banked $150,512. She also won the 2011 Maple Leaf Derby.

Had To Be Fandango quickly became a "blue hen" when she joined Robertson's broodmare band. From five foals to race, she is the dam of four black type winners, 1 black type-placed, and 1 champion with earnings over $625,000.

Her first foal, Had To Be Ivory SI 112, a three-time AQHA Racing Champion with earnings of $343,230, picked up his 27th career win last week at Ajax. The Ivory James gelding is the 2018, 2019, and 2022 AQHA Canadian Champion with 13 stakes victories and Ajax Downs track records at 440 and 400 yards.

Had To Fandango's other foals include stakes winner Had To Be Relentless SI 102 (7 wins to 6, 2024, $113,337), stakes winner Had To Be Ivy SI 99 (3 wins to 4, 2024, $48,459), and stakes-placed Five Bar Fandango SI 101(12 wins, $104,907).

Had To Be Fandango's last foal, Had To Be Fabulous, became her fourth stakes winner with today's QROOI Bonus Futurity win.

QROOI Bonus Futurity runner-up Fate Zoom picked up $4,802(US) for finishing second under jockey D.I. Benitez. Trainer John McInerney saddled the first-time starter for owner-breeder Richard Wincikaby. Fate Zoom is by Peighnt Your Fate from the Shazoom mare Eazoom.

Bobbis Magic Beans finished three-quarters back to get his second third-place finish in as many starts for owner-breeder Jennifer Deveaux. Trainer Jason Pascoe named jockey Brian Bell to ride the Maryland Magic colt out of the thoroughbred mare Bobbi Sioux by Indian Charlie. The colt earned $2,401(US) for his effort.

Jess A Blue T, Zedanelia, Firing Red Lucy, and Niigaanii completed the field.

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Ajax Downs hosts the popular Father's Day racing card this Sunday, June 16, with a first race post time of 12:55 p.m. In addition to another great card of Quarter Horse racing, there will be prizes and giveaways throughout the afternoon plus a t-shirt giveaway for each program purchase, while quantities last.

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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 mutuals. 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.