…A perfectly good name for the the outcome of the yesterday’s Belmont Stakes when Ruler On Ice and Stay Thirsty upset the final jewel of Triple Crown in what can only be described as a disappointing outcome...Well, it obviously didn’t disappoint Ruler On Ice’s connections – jockey Jose Valdivia Jr., trainer Kelly Breen and owners George and Lori Hall.
Preakness winner Shackleford led from the start, but when the field of 12 turned for home in the 1 1/2 -mile Belmont, 24-1 long shot Ruler on Ice took over winning by three-quarters of a length. Stay Thirsy’s second place finish was small consolation to owner Repole Stable whose Uncle Mo was the favorite for the Kentucky Derby only to scratch because of illness.
The much-hyped contest between Shackleford and Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom never materialized as Animal Kingdom was involved in an incident just after leaving the gate almost losing jockey John Velazquez. Velazquez showed some spectacular athleticism by merely staying aboard, but the popular Derby winner lost too much ground to make up.
Brilliant Speed finished third followed by Nehro, Shackleford and Animal Kingdom.
An elated Valdivia, riding in his first Belmont, described the final seconds before crossing the finish line.
“I’m a couple of yards from the wire and I’m thinking, `Oh my god, oh my god, I’m going to win the Belmont,”’ he said.
Ruler On Ice paid $51.50 to win and the $2 exacta with Stay Thirsty paid $928.
We did not have it. Damn.
To see the full results, click here.