Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Slew — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:34:06 GMT

Hooray..glad to see my Pants are still On Fire! Nice win from a great team.

Terrible about AK, that an injury should sideline him during an important part of the season. I just hope he will be able to return to racing at some point.

I never thought Rajit's interference was intentional...and I cannot consider it now. It happens. Controlling a 1/2 ton creature is not as easy as the jockeys make it seem. 110 lbs. of finesse vs. 1200 lbs. of hot blooded brute force....not easy at all. Suspending a jockey for 3 months penalizes the family he must care for when you remove his only source of income. Intentional acts would lose his license. I think everyone who is jumping to the conclusion that the interference was intentional is way off the mark. Careless...yes; revenge...NO! It is so totally out of character for RM.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

dr.fager — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 07:49:25 GMT

Splendid, exciting and colorful coverage of a nice

"folksy" story of about a hardknocking horse that

knocks harder when it is

sorely needed, and of a hard

working trainer who did it

the hard way: His way. The

"pointy headed intellectuals"

in the clubhouse never gave

this strikingly handsome on-

the-muscle gelding much of a

tumble because of too much

overripe hype on the other

side of other bridles, I fear.

Ruler On Ice has "almost

perfect" breeding -- Roman

Ruler was a FIERCELY FAST

HORSE, and especially so on

off-tracks. I "didn't mind"

seeing the track monsooned

because, as you pointed out,

Ruler On Ice was the only

horse in the Belmont to show

a win in the slop. In this win

as a 2yo, only his 2nd start,

he blew the start by hopping

at the start, then closed in

the slop for the win. Call me

"irresponsible", but I LIKE

horses that close in the slop!

How many do? It shows will

to win, fierce determination

and class.

Once again, gelding's get the

shaft (no pun intended) when

push comes to shove in the

"love" that is racing. Woe to

those who forget the might

and grace under pressure that the mighty Forego dis-

played in the mid-70's! THIS

was a gelding AND heaven in

one package: A gelven! And

positively frightening toting

"routine" imposts of 133, 134

or 139 -- one helluva gelding!

I am not going to say that

Ruler On Ice is "a" Forego

Of course he isn't...yet! In

racing, hope springs eternal

until proven otherwise. Ruler

on Ice has a lot to prove -- &

plenty of time to do so since

he won't be whisked off to

stud duty EVER! This is one

hard-hammering gelding that

should be "around a while". I

think we should EMBRACE

the GELDING and hope for

a GELVIN -- give GELDINGS

a break, fellow turfers! It's

"wrong thinking" to not BET

a charge BECAUSE of the

cut, the altering, just as its

UNWISE not to EVER BET

those "spooky gray horses."

In closing, Steve, I laughed

then as I laugh now as I re-

call reading about the much

ballyhooed arrival of Master

of Hounds to his barn at Bel-

mont: The Master was ALL

WHIPPED UP at the scent &

sight of some mighty pretty

fillies -- yet another reason

to, especially at this time of

the season, to NOT TOSS

THE GELDING! The Ruler

has but racing on his mind,

bless him!

dr.fager

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Linda in Texas — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:53:16 GMT

Alex'sBigFan - Agree totally on the longer suspension.

Fran - you are every lawyer's dream, and i would not be chosen! I am just too cynical or critical and always have been to a fault. I do nothing half way. Sound asleep or full bore ahead on everything.

You are a fair and sensitive person.

Looking forward to Monmouth tomorrow and hopefully some success with Pant's on Fire. I hope Mr. Breen is on a roll.

Speedy Recovery goes out to Animal Kingdom and Nehro and any other horse i may have missed which needs a good wish sent their way.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Linda in Texas — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:38:53 GMT

I won't do that again. I will stick

to my long winded paragraphs.

Am not so sure on Maragh's actions. Between post drawing time and the race Saturday, too much idle time to come up with a plan. And that is all i will say.

Sorry Fran, usually i agree with you but not on this one yet. Would have to view a front view video in slow motion first. The stewards saw something, what was it?

And strangely Animal Kingdom comes up lame a day after. So being careless or reckless knocked out 2 competitors.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Karen in Texas — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:38:36 GMT

I was dismayed, but not surprised to learn that Animal Kingdom did, in fact, have a latent injury. Knowing the reputation of Team AK and of Drs. Dean Richardson and Larry Bramlage, everything needed will be done to return AK to optimum health with no compromising.

Alex'sBigFan----My remark to Deacon about Robby A. was to admit that although I don't think JV was culpable in the bumping incident, I wouldn't mind seeing a different jockey permanently chosen for AK. My reasoning is based on Robby's outstanding record with Curlin. He managed to keep Curlin safe, out of "trouble", and winning for two full years at many tracks (under various conditions--remember the slop at Monmouth in the 2007 BC?) in many states and on another continent. He had to have been under tremendous pressure, but didn't seem to flinch. I realize that a lot of people consider JV a better jockey, but Robby has a resume that includes having piloted the number one horse in the world according to Timeform, etc. So, those are just my thoughts on that subject...

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Fran Loszynski — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:02:17 GMT

Animal Kingdom has the curiosity of a cat you can see it in his eyes and this will enable him to heal quickly. He will watch his own progress and will want to get better. He'll be back and in full spirits! I have to say one thing though in Rajiv's defense, he became a jockey like all other jockeys because he likes to ride and loves racehorses; I don't think he intentionally meant to hurt anyone especially himself. We forget but any turn or move could have easily taken his life too and I applaud the trainer of Animal Kingdom because in his heart he knows that. To others it may have been a reckless ride but maybe Isn't he Perfect wasn't giving him a "perfect" ride either. After all were we in the saddle? That's a big NO. Animal Kingdom rocks and will again. He is just plain Awesome.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

derblin — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:10:15 GMT

Sure hate to hear about Animal Kingdom's injury. If I read it right, this could have been in the beginning stages even before the Belmont. After what he endured at the start, the injury worsened. W hen I heard about the horse being stiff the next day I was concerned. With Bramlage and Richardson looking after him, he has the best care there is and hopefully will be back in training soon but not too soon. Get Well soon, AK, and stay positive Mr Irwin.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Alex'sBigFan — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:23:46 GMT

Karen In Texas,

Good point, I like it. I think they should have let Robby A. decide if he was healed and strong enough to ride AK in the Preakness. As much as I love Johnny V, that seemed the fair thing to do. They won the Derby so why change a winning combination at a critical point? This 11th hour musical jockeying seems to be backfiring with strange rides and deliberate acts. No wonder their stress level is so high.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Alex'sBigFan — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:11:03 GMT

This is what I had feared from the heel clipping, now we have Animal Kingdom injured with a tiny fracture or fissure. Was it there before, who knows, but the incident surely exacerbated it. Now I am heartbroken that Animal Kingdom is injured. I had written to Rob of Liberation Farm that I hoped they (Motion) would be proactive and Xray AK anyway after the Belmont, he's in great hands at New Bolton. As for the 7-20 day suspension for Maragh? That is just a mere vacation, he needs a 60 - 90 day suspension which would pose more of a hardship where he can reflect upon the severity and repercussions of his action. Now a horse has to miss his entire summer season because of it. Get well Animal Kingdom, all Steve's bloggers love you!

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Sharon — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:24:17 GMT

So now I learn that Animal Kingdom was injured, and I'm not only sad but feel like really crying. I can only hope he will be back in time for Breeder's Cup. Oh, what an awful race that Belmont was!

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Linda in Texas — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:48:12 GMT

One sentence statements(i will try) to keep from being too long winded.

1. Thank You Steve for the backtrack stories. Loved Them.

2. If Maragh truly caused what

happened because of vengeance

toward Mucho Macho Man

then i feel his 10 day to 7

day suspension was not severe

enough. It needs to be doled out

to include the number of horses

he caused to be checked.

3. Loved Kelly Breen's walk to the

winner's circle, flipping his

hat into the air not unlike a

young kid on his way to a

basketball hoop in a park.

4. "The Horse is Nuts" comment

by Breen picked up by the mike

and once Ruler On Ice heard

his trainer he

walked right in, but no amount

of words from anyone would give

ROI the desire to accept the

blanket of posies they were

trying to load onto him

Breen's barn must be a fun place

to be every day.

5. Admired Stay Thirsty and his

ability to stay the course and

finish. He looked great in the

post parade and he did not

quit til he got to the wire.

6. No 3 year old has won the

title of best yet. Lots more

racing before that is deter-

mined and i think that is a

great thing for racing. Now we

all have to continue to follow

the races til one finally

stands above the others. Then

the comments will start all

over as to who deserves it.

7. Agree with Overwatch,

Silverfoot and Slew. Especially

with Overwatch on the training.

Numbering helps me cut down on my

habit of writing too much. Looks

a bit grade schoolish, but works!

TGIT =Thank Goodness It's Thursday.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

MikeM — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:19:46 GMT

Do you think RM would have rode the same way if MMM was trained by Pletcher. I don't think so. It's no big deal if Ritvo doesnt ride him again. Anyway,it was probably directed towards RD for snaking the mount from him.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Your Only Friend — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:37:35 GMT

Always wondered ....when coming out of the gate with Horse that size ...full of fire.....ready too go......how much control can a Jock have......always noticed the outside horse coming out of gate breaks too his right big time....

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Linda in Texas — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 04:04:13 GMT

Sharon-it was sad to watch Animal Kingdom,no other word would fit the moment. It was indeed a lost moment and one that won't be presented with odds like they were again. Mr. Motion was not disgusted, he is a man, his heart hurt just like mine does when things like that happen and i don't have a poker face either.

Zen's Auntie, on Uncle Joe, it is not easy for me to not respond to your call for 16 of us to claim him on Thursday. What could possibly be the reason a $220,000

yearling is going in a $16,000 claimer? I almost wish Mike Repole would claim him then he would have Uncle Joe and Uncle Moe.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Linda in Texas — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:36:57 GMT

Overwatch - i have to agree with you. The horses are pampered, kept in their stalls, and not out running or jogging around the track.

I remember the days of workouts everyday. None of this 1 practice session a week before a big race.

Horses are built to run. This idea of a racehorse only having a few races in him would not be true if

they had more training and built up their stamina and endurance.

Loved your article Steve, great notes from the Ruler and Pants Barn and not to forget Sweet Ducky, i wonder how he is?

Mr. Breen looked like a carefree teenager walking from his seat to the winner's circle flipping his hat in the air and skipping along like a kid going to a basketball game in a park!

Ruler was not going to have one thing to do with that blanket of posies they were trying to pitch over his posterior! Nor was he going into the winner's circle til Mr. Breen grabbed the reins and said so the T V camera picked it up, "this horse is nuts." Once Ruler heard that familiar voice he walked right in. That must be one fun barn to work in and around.

The Animal Kingdom issue was very disappointing. I saw it immediately and wondered what was wrong til finally the announcer caught it. The suspension of Maragh will do nothing to change the outcome. And i only hope that

Animal Kingdom comes back strong and all of the original 7 plus the new kid in the rink and race at Saratoga to make those races interesting to pull in lots of spectators. Saratoga Springs is a beautiful place and as i have said before, my original favorite racetrack or my favorite original racetrack of all.

Have to agree that right now there is no one single 3 year old standout or repeat performer yet. I am still watching and waiting!

So on to more races.

Sorry Alex'sBestFan that your Belmont trip was not a happy one.

Wear that fancy chapeau at the next

race you attend that has a pretty sunny day! And thanks for your

notes about the race.

Thanks again Steve, that was a good one and congrats to New Jersey and New York for the 1 2

finishers in The Belmont. I was so happy for Stay Thirsty and Mike Repole, at least he got a little redemption for all of his worries about Mo and it came in his home state of New York.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

The Deacon — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:20:58 GMT

Karen in Texas: Yes I agree, agreeing to disagree is a very fair stategy. It is probably more of a different opinion then a disagreement though. I always love your posts and respect your insight and knowledge. I just feel AK was the best horse in the race and didn't get to prove it. Kind of reminded me of the Belmont Stakes with Big Brown and Kent Desormeaux............

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Alex'sBigFan — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:01:13 GMT

Yes, kudos to the New York Stewards for the Maragh suspension. I find it hard to take that a jockey would take out his frustrations on a horse, namely Mucho Macho Man. The poor horse does not know and did not change him from being his mount, if he was upset he should have taken the issue up with the owners, not compromise the safety of other horses and riders during the race. Maragh did not act with a horse first mentality, he acted with a Maragh first mentality and should have rose above being taken off MMM and made the best of it with some dignity and degree of sportsmanship. Interfering with and deliberately endangering others is uncalled for. Hopefully Maragh will mature and learn from this act of misplaced anger and ride on more intelligently in the future.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Your Only Friend — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:48:19 GMT

Good article.....

Find interesting the Belmont winner was hardly mentioned before the race by expert horse race writers/commentators....

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Sharon — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:39:34 GMT

I agree with derblin. No, it doesn't change things but I do think AK didn't have a chance because of the near fall. Yes, I feel much, much better. Looking forward to lots more from AK!

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Slew — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:00:17 GMT

derblin:...agree. He was suspended for interference, and deserved it.

I still feel AK was the best horse in the race, considering what he went through, and still managed 6th.

BigTex: Forget the BC Classic. It appears Canford Cliffs is coming to the BC but will probably do the turf mile against Goldikova. That may be the biggest race of the BC, especially if Frankel joins the line-up, since Frankel might not take to a greater distance than the mile.

Deacon: Johnny V really didn't do anything wrong. He was impeded and this was validated by Rajiv Maragh's suspension.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

derblin — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:49:23 GMT

Kudos to the New York stewards in suspending Maragh for his reckless riding in the Belmont. Of course it wont change things but at least AK's fans feel somewhat vindicated not only by this decision but in races he has yet to run in.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Sharon — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:14:02 GMT

Not to take anything away from ROI, he is a wonderful horse, but I was so sad watching this race. Given a chance to run, Animal Kingdom would have won if not for the bumping. Thankfully, he didn't actually go down - but he was soo close. I admire Johnny V. for managing to stay on and actually get him running with no major injuries. After the race, I just walked away from the TV. Shackelford too ran a great race, didn't think he could go the distance, but the guys all heart.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Stellar Jayne — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:22:27 GMT

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the wonderful recap of the Belmont and connections involved - as always a great piece of writing.

I especially enjoyed it, because even though I was there and had a seat that was rained out - I couldn't see much of anything due to the crowding. So, thanks for everything I could not see. I'm happy for Ruler On Ice. I didn't bet on him, but that doesn't matter. He ran a very good race in the slop and it was slop! The synopsis on him in the PP book was not very flattering regarding his chances to win. Even though I liked his record of 6-2-2-1, the write-up changed my mind. But, it is a horse race and we take our chances - I'm an occasional bettor who places very small ones. I'm just happy that they all came home sound - that is more important to me than winning.

Thanks again for the great recap. Now, when I watch the tape, I'll have a better understanding of the race and how it unfolded.

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Karen in Texas — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:51:24 GMT

Deacon----Agreeing to disagree is always a fair strategy! Animal Kingdom has had 5 jockeys in 7 starts, and I would have been happy if Robby had been allowed to keep the mount...

re: Haskin's Belmont Stakes Recap: Ice, Rain, and Mud

Will — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:29:45 GMT

One of Steve's best pieces. Now, hopefully, a follow up story from Steve or Jason will be forthcoming on Velazquez's accusation against Maragh for careless riding that was possibly premeditated revenge against the connections of Mucho Macho Man and that ended Animal Kingdom's chances three or four jumps from the start. The head on replay certainly looks damning and calls into question Maragh's claim that his was but a slight move to the left.