Ruler On Ice Reigns Over Belmont

On Saturday, June 11, twelve three-year-olds competed in the $1,000,000 Belmont Stakes going the distance of 1-½ miles over the Belmont Park surface. The track was sloppy due to rain over Elmont, NY.

In the final jewel of the Triple Crown, Ruler On Ice stayed close to win the 143^rd Belmont Stakes, Stay Thirsty was second and Brilliant Speed was third. Shackleford went for the lead, with “Ruler” and Stay Thirsty sat third. Santiva was sitting in fourth and the favorite Animal Kingdom was last.

By the mile and a quarter marker, Shackleford was starting to fade and Ruler was sitting close. “Speed” was moving up as Santiva was fading.

Ruler took the lead at the quarter pole and Shackleford was caught. “Thirsty” was following Ruler and Speed was with him. “Animal” was catching up and Nehro was starting his move. Ruler never lost command and won the Belmont Stakes by ¾ of a length.

Ruler On Ice is by Roman Ruler out of the Saratoga Six mare Champagne Glow. Ruler On Ice is trained by Kelly Breen and was ridden to victory by Jose Valdiva Jr.