2011 Belmont Stakes Winner
Ruler On Ice is best remembered as one of the great long shot stories of recent Triple Crown history, the colt who shocked the racing world in the 2011 Belmont Stakes. He was foaled in 2008, a son of the stallion Roman Ruler out of the mare Champagne Glow. He raced for George and Lori Hall, who campaigned him in their distinctive silks, and he was trained by Kelly Breen, a New Jersey based horseman who got his big career moment with this colt. Jose Valdivia Jr. picked up the mount in time for the Belmont and made the most of it.
Ruler On Ice had not won a graded stakes coming into the 2011 Belmont Stakes, and most fans took little notice of him on the morning line. The race was billed as a clash between Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom and Preakness winner Shackleford, with several other top three year olds rounding out the field. The Belmont track was sloppy that day after heavy rain, and Kelly Breen felt his colt would relish the conditions. He turned out to be exactly right.
Going off at odds of about 24 to 1, Ruler On Ice stalked the early pace under Jose Valdivia Jr. and kicked clear in the long Belmont stretch to win by a neck over Stay Thirsty. Animal Kingdom finished sixth, and Shackleford faded back as well. The crowd of more than 55,000 was stunned, but Kelly Breen and the Halls were over the moon. The win turned out to be one of the most surprising results in the long history of the Belmont Stakes.
Ruler On Ice never quite reached the same heights again, although he ran honestly through the rest of his career against tough company. He retired to stud after his racing days and stood at several farms over the years. He is remembered as a true Cinderella winner of one of America's biggest races, the kind of horse who reminds fans that on any given day, in the right conditions, a long shot can make racing history. Kelly Breen and the Halls got their moment in the sun, and Ruler On Ice delivered it.
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