In great company
June 7, 2015Frankie’s 2nd Derby
June 8, 2015MUBTAAHIJ ran his heart out in Saturday’s Gr1 Belmont Stakes over 2400m at Belmont Park and claimed his small slice of history in the shared glory of trainer Bob Baffert’s incredible racing machine American Pharoah (headline photo), who broke a 37-year jinx by becoming the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to win the US Triple Crown.
Mubtaahij (Irad Ortiz jr) was beaten 7.5-lengths into fourth in the prestigious Belmont after tracking the winner into the straight and trying his level best to keep up – a gallant performance in front of a record 131 680 crowd and one that warmed the hearts of his connections and supporters around the world.
“Mubtaahij ran a good race, we’re proud to have been a part of this historic occasion. Thanks to my team for their work in his preparation. Thanks also to Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum for making this journey possible for us. Mubtaahij took on some of the best in the world, he was beaten by a thoroughbred of the highest calibre and a few others on their home turf and we can all hold our heads high. We’ve done well in one of the world’s greatest races, we take home a share of the prize money and an invaluable experience.”
“This was an absolutely awesome experience,” echoed an emotional Diane de Kock, who enjoyed a sensational time in New York.
Mubtaahij (blue cap) – just a neck between third and fourth.
Mike congratulated Baffert and the connections of American Pharoah, who now enters the pantheon as the 12th US Triple Crown winner, joining Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977) and Affirmed (1978).
Jockey Victor Espinoza, 43, secured his first Belmont victory, having come up short with the Derby and Preakness winners War Emblem and California Chrome.
8 Comments
Proud of MUBTAAHIJ. He ran great.
Rest assure he is equally a super horse being the only one competing in the UAE and US Triple Crown series.
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! ! I am so proud to be a supporter of the De Kock team. So professional, yet with a human touch! All my hats off to you!!
Thank you for bringing Mubtaahij to the US for the Kentucky Derby and keeping him here for the Belmont. Any consideration being given to running him in some of the Breeder’s Cup US prep races this summer and early fall and entering him in one of the Breeder’s Cup categories at Keeneland in November? I’m sure his many fans here in the US would love to see more of him here!
Hello everyone,
I just wanted to post a comment to say thank you for bringing “Moobie” as we call him to America to race in the Derby and then staying over to race in the Belmont. It was indeed an honor and a privilege to have him here. It would be wonderful if he were to stay and race here through the Breeder’s Cup, but I realize that is probably not going to happen.
Mubtaahij was my pick to win the Derby and he had a lot of support from a lot of other racing fans as well. And if American Pharoah was to lose in the Derby, many of us hoped that it would be to him or Frosted.
Many of us were impressed by your “natural” training methods and applauded your standing firm about Lasix.
I wish Mubtaahij continued safety and health and success and will look for him in Dubai World Cup.
Please let him know that he does have fans in America that think he ran a very good strong race.
I hope your experience in Americas was pleasant and enjoyable and I look forward to more International horses coming here.
Again, thank you!
Where will Mubtaahij go after NY Belmont?
It was a fantastic race, and my heart was in my mouth when Mubtaahij made his move — a very gallant effort in the best of company. You have a great horse and a great team.
I was at Belmont Saterday – wonderfull day!
I was also hoping that if American Pharoah could not do it it would be Mub.. It was so exciting to have him and the team here for the Derby and the Belmont – for me a fan of Mike and now all of his team, including Mubtaahij – this was the best year ever! Best of luck for the rest of his racing career – will follow every move and please keep us (fans in the US) posted.
Best of luck with the Durban July! Love all your horses!
Thank you and come back again soon.
Proud South African
thanks team de kock u raise the bar