2011 Belmont Action
All the big names were lined up in the starting gates for the running of the 143rd Belmont Stakes this weekend, including Animal Kingdom, Mucho Macho Man, Shackleford and a long shot named Ruler on Ice. There was great upset, disappointment, anger and spectacular victory at the Belmont this year, which not only created a sensational live horse racing for spectators, but created drama and excitement after the race as well. Ruler On Ice definitely left his mark on the Belmont Stakes this year.
The first upset and drama for the day occurred as soon as the starting gates swung open. Animal Kingdom started from post nine, with Mucho Macho Man in post ten and Isn’t He Perfect from post eleven. Isn’t He Perfect slammed into Animal Kingdom so hard that everyone, including jockey Johnny Velazquez, where holding their breaths as Animal Kingdom almost fell down, and Velazquez was left with only one iron after almost being launched right out of his saddle. He struggled for a while to get his foot back into the iron, and was left in tenth position. Hats off to Animal Kingdom though who worked tremendously hard to make up ground, but had to settle for sixth position. It was to be Ruler On Ice’s day for victory. Notoriously known for being a difficult horse, not enjoying a change of environment and had to be gelded just to calm him enough to be trained, showed his difficult side once again, after winning the 2011 Belmont Stakes, not allowing his blanket of flowers being draped around his neck.
Ruler On Ice was followed home by Stay Thirsty, Brilliant Speed, Nehro, Shackleford, Animal Kingdom, Mucho Macho Man, Santiva, Monzon, Master of Hounds, Prime Cut and Isn’t He Perfect. Trainer of Ruler On Ice, Kelly Breen said that Ruler on Ice would be loaded and heading for Monmouth Park, but has not confirmed his next start, and the Haskell Invitational could be on the cards. But for now, Breen and Ruler On Ice connections are basking in the glory of their first Grade 1 victory with this talented, yet temperamental, horse. It does seem that patience and hard work has most definitely paid off with Ruler On Ice.
