quotes From the $350,000 shakertown (G2)

Click here for a replay of the race and the post-race interview with winning connections.

Irad Ortiz Jr. (winning rider of Golden Pal)

“He’s a really fast horse out of the gate. (Trainer) Wesley (Ward) did a great job with him since Day one. They taught him right, what he has to do. He’s a really nice horse. I did ask him (at the top of the stretch) and he responded really well. Then I looked around – and I’m already right there close to the wire. So I wrapped him up.” 

Wesley Ward (winning trainer)

“This is the fastest of the fast. He’s just blessed with speed and agility. He moves like a cat; he’s so quick. For a big, sturdy horse like he is – he’s just a once-in-a-lifetime horse.”

On whether the King’s Stand (G1) at Royal Ascot in England is the next target

“That’s where we’re headed.” 

Chris Phelps (co-owner of 70-1 runner-up Johnny Unleashed)

“It felt like we won. To be in a stakes race like this and to be second to a top-rated horse is absolutely fabulous. We are going to celebrate like we won.”

Brian Hernandez Jr. (rider of third-place finisher Gear Jockey)

“We had a great trip. We were down inside, and the winner was just a really fast horse. Our horse came along and ran a big third, so we have to be proud of him. There were two fast horses in front of us and they didn’t really come back to us. Our horse ran his race.”