Ortiz brothers in arms as Tapwrit wins Belmont Stakes
NEW YORK: Puerto Rican jockey Jose Ortiz guided Tapwrit to victory in the 149th Belmont Stakes here Saturday -- a year after his elder brother triumphed in the prestigious US racing showpiece.
Tapwrit, a 5-1 shot for the New York event which is the third leg of American racing’s Triple Crown, stunned favorite Irish War Cry in the final stretch.
The horse trained by Todd Pletcher produced a perfectly timed late charge to surge clear and take the line honors and the 800,000 first prize.
Ortiz’s victory came 12 months after Irad Ortiz Jr won the one-anda-half mile classic on Creator.
Irad Ortiz Jr. was in the field again on Saturday, riding the Kentucky- based Looking at Lee trained by Steven Asmussen, but did not place.
However the two brothers shared a hug in celebration at a family double as they galloped back to the paddock after the win.
“It’s unbelievable,” Jose Ortiz said afterwards. “I can’t explain, I’m very happy right now, very happy for the owners who gave me the ride.”
Asked about what his win meant to his brother, Ortiz said: “He had his his run today for his connections of course, but I’m sure he’s happy for me just like I felt happy for him last year.”
Victorious trainer Pletcher meanwhi le was delighted at the performance of Ortiz and Tapwrit in upsetting the pre-race favorite.
“Tapwrit was getting a beautiful trip,” Pletcher said. “It was everything we talked about in the paddock before the race.
“We were just hoping he had enough in the tank when it came to the crunch. It looked like Irish War Cry had something left, but in that last stretch ( Tapwrit) really dug down deep,” Pletcher added.
Tapwrit had also benefited from the New York- based Pletcher’s local knowledge.
“It’s our home base so it’s always an advantage,” Pletcher acknowledged.
Third place went to Patch with Gormley finishing fourth.
A field which contained neither Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming nor Preakness victor Cloud Computing was diminished further early Saturday when highly rated Japanese colt Epicharis was suddenly scratched following a veterinary examination.
The horse’s participation had been in doubt since mid-week after he failed to train at the track on Thursday or Friday following a problem with his right front foot.
A veterinary exam ruled the horse was not fit to take part in the Belmont.
“This was a minor issue, but the team has done a great job to care for the horse over the past few days, and while we are greatly disappointed for the fans of Epicharis, we have to face the fact that he is not able to compete today,” trainer Kiyoshi Hagiwara said in a statement.