Arthur’s Ride Dominates Top Older Horses, Secures Whitney Stakes Win

In his first stakes appearance, Arthur’s Ride proved his mettle by dominating the $1 million Grade 1 Whitney Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on August 3. Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, Arthur’s Ride broke quickly from post nine in the field of 10 and led the race from start to finish. Under the skilled guidance of jockey Junior Alvarado, Arthur’s Ride set the pace through fractions of :46.63 and 1:10.28, never looking back on the muddy and sealed main track. The talented colt crossed the finish line 2 1/4 lengths ahead of his competitors in a final time of 1:48.54, securing his first stakes win in impressive fashion.

This victory in the Whitney Stakes was a significant milestone for Arthur’s Ride, as it marked his fourth career win and earned him an automatic, fees-paid berth to the Longines Breeders‘ Cup Classic on November 2 at Del Mar. The Whitney Stakes is not only a prestigious race in its own right but also serves as a crucial prep for the Breeders‘ Cup Classic and the upcoming $1 million Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup on September 1 at Saratoga.

Trainer Bill Mott expressed his satisfaction with Arthur’s Ride’s performance, highlighting the horse’s journey from overcoming hoof and soft tissue issues to achieving success at the highest level of competition. Owner Karl Glassman of Glassman Racing was equally thrilled with the victory, emphasizing the emotional significance of being part of Mott’s first Whitney win.

Despite facing tough competition from horses like Crupi and Post Time, Arthur’s Ride maintained his lead and crossed the finish line with authority. Even the favorite, National Treasure, who was seeking his third Grade 1 win of 2024, could not keep up on the wet track and finished sixth under the guidance of jockey Flavien Prat.

The victory in the Whitney Stakes solidified Arthur’s Ride as a rising star in the world of horse racing. With his impressive performance and automatic entry into the Breeders‘ Cup Classic, Arthur’s Ride has firmly established himself as a contender to watch in future races. The colt’s ability to handle the class jump with ease and dominate a field of top competitors is a testament to his talent and potential for even greater success in the future.