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The Canadian Quarter Horse Association (CQHA) is proud to celebrate a historic week for Canadian-bred racehorses as Had To Be Fabulous secures two monumental honours on July 2, 2025.
The standout filly claimed victory in the 14th edition of the Ontario Bred Derby at 300 yards and was also named AQHA’s 2024 Canadian Racehorse of the Year—officially placing her in contention for the prestigious AQHA Racehorse of the Year title.
“Fabby,” as she is affectionately known, was bred and is owned by CQHA’s 2023 Racehorse Breeders of the Year, Carole and Jaime Robertson, and is trained by CQHA’s 2022 AQHA Canadian Trainer of the Year, Bryn Robertson. She is a half-sister to CQHA’s 2024 Canadian Horse of the Year, Had To Be Ivory—making her pedigree as powerful as her presence on the track.
This undefeated filly is turning heads with eight wins from nine career starts. Her Ontario Bred Derby Trial saw her cruise to victory by 1¾ lengths with a 92 speed index, and her flawless follow-up win in the finals confirms her as one of the most dominant young Quarter Horses in the sport today. Ridden by Ismael Mosqueira, Had To Be Fabulous drew post one in the Derby final and did not disappoint.
As Quarter Horse racing continues to grow in popularity and prestige across Canada, days like this show the depth of talent and commitment within our breeding and racing communities.
The Twilight Race Card at Ajax Downs on July 2 also featured the exciting Battle of the Breeds, where top Quarter Horse mare Jess a Deal took on Thoroughbreds in a 770-yard showdown—another thrilling highlight in a stacked eight-race evening.
For full details on AQHA’s Racing Champions and Fabby’s national recognition, visit:
AQHA 2024 Racing Champions Announcement
Congratulations to the Hillerin Farms owned by the Robertson family, the entire Had To Be Fabulous team, and all the Canadian breeders and trainers helping to elevate Quarter Horse racing across the country.
