Rags to Riches became the first filly to win the Belmont Stakes in 102 years when she won a thrilling stretch duel with Preakness champion Curlin to triumph by a head on Saturday.
Rags to Riches, unbeaten in four races this year against fillies, proved herself against the colts as the 4-1 third pick in the $1 million race contested by a seven-horse field chasing the final jewel of this year’s Triple Crown series.
She overcame a stumble out of the gate and made her move at the top of the stretch, going four wide to charge to victory with John Velazquez aboard and claim the $600,000 top prize in a time of 2:28.74.
Curlin, who went off as the even-money favorite, strode shoulder to shoulder with the filly but could not match her kick. Tiago finished third, 5 ½ lengths back.
The stirring victory ended a Triple Crown drought for Velazquez and trainer Todd Pletcher.
Velazquez, who had been 0-for-10 riding in the Belmont Stakes, captured his first Triple Crown victory, as did Pletcher whose horses had been 0-for-28 in the series.
“It’s a special feeling,” Pletcher said about winning one of the classic U.S. races for three-year-olds. “To do it with a filly, it’s a real credit to how good this filly is.”
Said Velazquez: “At first when the filly stumbled out of there, I thought, ‘Oh no.’ But we stayed patient. I just wanted to give her a good chance around the turn. We didn’t want a lot dirt kicked into her face, so going four wide helped her.”
The horse’s British owners, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, were ecstatic.
“It’s only the third time it’s been done. It’s a fantastic feat,” said Tabor.
Smith said the stretch run was pure excitement.
“Your heart’s in your mouth,” he said. “We had a great jockey, a great trainer, and girl power won in the end.”
Rags to Riches, the first filly to win the race since Tanya in 1905, paid $10.60, $4.40, $3.20 for a $2 bet in the 139th running of the race.
“The filly ran a great race on the right day,” said Steve Asmussen, trainer of Curlin. “And they’re taking her picture now.”
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