Disappointment for O'Brien in New York Ruler On Ice at 24/1 sprang a major surprise in the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the American Triple Crown at Belmont Park on Saturday evening for trainer Kelly Breen and jockey Jose Valdivia Junior. After heavy rain in New York, the race was run on a sloppy track and the winner showed tremendous courage down the straight to fend off fellow outsiders Stay Thirsty and Brilliant Speed. Preakness Stakes winner Shackleford led to the home turn before fading back to finish fifth while Kentucky Derby hero Animal Kingdom (5/2fav) raced in last for a long way after clipping heels shortly after the start. He made headway to chase the leaders turning in but emptied badly on the home straight. Aidan O'Brien's Master Of Hounds was slowly away and finished a well beaten tenth of the twelve runners. In the previous race the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap O'Brien's other run on the night, Viscount Nelson finished a disappointing eight of nine, well behind the winner Mission Approved.
