2016 News
Lani wraps up American Triple Crown races with 3rd in Belmont Stakes  
After showing promise with a late charge in the Preakness Stakes, Japan-trained Lani proved the Preakness performance was no fluke and took the American crowd by surprise with another blitzing run to finish 3rd in the 2,400-meter Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 11 at Belmont Park. Creator avenged his 13th-place run in the Kentucky Derby by edging Destin by a nose at the wire, with Lani crossing the line 1 1/2 behind the top two runners. Lani became the first Japan-trained horse to run in the Belmont Stakes and all three of the American Triple Crown races. The three races are contested over about a 1-month period, making it physically and mentally demanding for the 3-year-olds. In fact, only two horses – Lani and Preakness Stakes winner Exaggerator – contended in all three races this year, and last year, Triple Crown winner American Pharoah was the only horse to run in all three. Exaggerator ran out of gas in the Belmont, finishing in 11th place. This wraps up Lani’s long journey outside of Japan, which began with a trip to Dubai (UAE Derby, 1st place) in March, crossing oceans to Kentucky (Kentucky Derby, 9th), and travelling within the US for the Preakness (5th place) and Belmont. “The horse was in great condition and he ran his race,” Lani’s jockey Yutaka Take said after the Belmont. “Coming into the final stretch, there was a moment where I thought we could win the race, so it is a bit frustrating. But to run in all three of the tough Triple Crown races – and improving in the process and giving excitement to the Triple Crown series – my hat goes off to Lani. I thank the owner and the connections for giving me this wonderful opportunity and experience.” “He fought his heart out,” trainer Mikio Matsunaga said. “He jumped well, and because the distance was longer this time, the pace settled down and he was able to keep up with the others. Lani ran his race and we were very close. He showed us that he has the potential to contend on the global stage, so I’m looking forward to challenging with him again overseas.” Please visit the following websites for more information: Belmong Stakes website: Equibase website: |
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