Belmont Stakes 2011 - Ruler on Ice wins against all odds, Stay Thirsty and Brilliant Speed followed
Two minutes and 30.88 seconds, that’s all it took to defy the odds for the 143rd Belmont Stakes winner, Ruler on Ice, on a rain stricken day and a muddy track.
He shook up the three year old division with the pre race odds of 24-1, Ruler on Ice was an outsider and many did not expect him to be successful let alone win a Triple Crown race.
Ruler on Ice was sired by Roman Ice and mare Champagne Glow. His father was a Kentucky Derby winner and now Ruler on Ice has added the Belmont Stakes win to the trophy case.
It was a sloppy race but it still needed to be won. Animal Kingdom, the favourite, placed at 5-2, clipped his heels, while breaking and lagged behind the leaders throughout the race.
He managed a cameo comeback but it was too little too late. Animal Kingdom’s woes increased when Mucho Macho Man and the Kentucky Derby winner bumped into each other and made jockey John Velazquez lose control.
All the excitement was at the far end of the race track where Shackleford, Stay Thirsty, and, Ruler on Ice were battling it out for the lead. Shackleford was leading and gliding on top of the muddy track but Ruler on Ice and Stay Thirsty were right on his
tail waiting to latch on to a single mistake and turn the tables.
The first quarter of a mile was covered in 23.92 seconds and then to reach the half way mark things slowed down with a time of 49.08 seconds and 1 minute 39.95 seconds to cover the mile. Pacesetters did vary speeds every now and the race looked to be a lot
closer then it ended up.
Owned by Mike Repole, Stay Thirsty was on the inside next to the rail and Ruler on Ice was on the outside giving Shackleford a run for his money. Suddenly Ruler on Ice picked up the pace and took the lead, with Stay Thirsty in second and Brilliant Speed
third.
By the time Shackleford had faded, the race changed completely, Brilliant Speed and Stay Thirsty were trying vigorously to catch Ruler on Ice.
It wasn’t to be and Ruler on Ice cruised through to the wire, giving jockey, Jose Valdivia Jr., his debut win at the Belmont Stakes, needless to say it was an emotional moment for Jose.
Stay Thirsty second, Brilliant Speed third, Nehro fourth, Shackleford fifth, Animal Kingdom sixth, Mucho Macho Man seventh followed by Santiva, Monzon, Master of Hounds, Prime Cut and Isn’t He Perfect.
Ruler on Ice earned $51.50, $26 and $13.60 as the winner. Stay Thirsty earned $19.40 and $10.80 as the runner-up. $7.90 went to the third placed Brilliant Speed.
Kelly Breen was over the moon and could not believe that her horse had won the Belmont Stakes. Ruler on Ice is back at Monmouth after his stunning performance.
Attendance this year was a stunning 55,779, despite the weather and total of $10million was wagered.
Tags: