OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Dornoch was hoping to replicate his brother Mage‘s success by winning the Kentucky Derby. But, victory in the first leg of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown wasn’t meant to be. So, what does a little brother do to match his older sibling?

Answer: Win the third jewel, of course.

As Dornoch crossed the finish line first at the Belmont Stakes on Saturday in Saratoga, New York, cheers erupted in the Horse Capital of the World.

The elation came from Raul Reyes at King’s Equine farm in Ocala where the colt was broken and trained.

Raul Reyes, owner of King’s Equine, flashes a broad smile at his stables in Ocala on Monday, June 10, 2024. Reyes broke and trained Saturday’s Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

The early foundation that Reyes put under Dornoch helped him develop into the runner he has become.

“He had a nice gallop – a big, long stride. What you want to see in some horses,” said Reyes. “He possessed a lot of the attributes you want. He was also the full brother to a Derby winner, so that kind of makes him a little special.”

Dornoch, (6), with Luis Saez up, second from left, stays with the pack at the start of the 2024 Belmont Stakes. Courtesy: AP Photo/Seth Wenig
Dornoch, (6), with Luis Saez up, crosses the finish line to win the 156th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race, Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Saratoga Springs, NY. Courtesy: AP Photo/Seth Wenig

In last fall’s Remsen Stakes in New York, Dornoch lost the lead, but regained it to defeat Sierra Leone who was this year’s Belmont Stakes morning line favorite.

His wire-to-wire victory in this year’s Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, appeared to have him poised for the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby.

But less than stellar performances in the Derby and the Bluegrass Stakes a month earlier had the wagering public dismiss Dornoch for the Belmont Stakes, where betting odds were posted at 17-1.

That didn’t seem to bother Dornoch.

“I was hoping he would be close to the lead or on the lead,” said Reyes before heading off to the Ocala Breeders’ Sales auction Monday morning. “He chased the Preakness winner (Seize the Grey). He didn’t let him breathe too much.”

Reyes says Dornoch had to overcome physical adversity when he was going through his program. A bothersome testicle had to be removed. Once the procedure was performed, Reyes says it seemed to improve his personality.

Raul Reyes of King’s Equine on Monday, June 10, 2024, on the grounds of the Ocala Breeders’ Sale. The June auction begins on Wednesday. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

Ending up in the winner’s circle at the Belmont Stakes is the first classic victory for Reyes. He says it serves as the impetus for the future, now knowing what he can achieve.

“It makes you feel great,” said Reyes. “We’re all human. I had faith in that horse, but I also had a lot of faith in the other horses in my program. He didn’t let me down. The Breeders’ Cup races are very exciting, but the Triple Crown races have a little bit more spice to them. This was my first one, but I would love to win more.”