Horse Racing

Horse Racing

Ruler On Ice Upsets Shackleford, Wins Belmont Stakes

by on Sat, Jun 11, 2011 at 7:30PM

NEW YORK — Ruler On Ice posted a huge upset in the Belmont Stakes, taking the lead from Preakness winner Shackleford in the stretch and winning the final leg of the Triple Crown.

Shackleford led from the start Saturday, 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 under Jose Valdivia Jr., and splashed home first, three-quarters of a length ahead of Stay Thirsty.

The much-hyped rubber match between Shackleford and Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom never materialized. Shackleford finished fifth, while Animal Kingdom got off to a terrible start, never got into contention and finished sixth. Jockey John Velazquez nearly fell off when Animal Kingdom collided with Monzon just after the start.

Ruler On Ice, trained by Kelly Breen, did not run in the first two legs of the Triple Crown.


Video

More Headlines