Umberto Rispoli guided King of Gosford to victory in the Del Mar Mile, Benoit Photo
Del Mar Press
King of Gosford, a 5-year-old British-bred horse ridden by Umberto Rispoli in an 11-horse lineup in the Grade II, $303,000 Del Mar Mile Saturday at Del Mar, proved extra game in the lane and clicked for a head tally in the 11th and final race on a banner card at the shore oval.
The chestnut horse scored his ninth career victory and earned a first prize of $180,000 as he covered the distance in 1:34.22. He is trained by Phil D’Amato, a veteran conditioner who does exceptionally well with Euro’s who come to race in the U.S. This triumph was the conditioner’s fifth in the Mile.
The victory made King of Gosford a millionaire as his bankroll expanded to $1,002,192 with his Mile earnings.
Finishing second in the turf test was Juddmonte’s Detain, who had a neck on the show horse, My Way Racing’s El Potente, the race favorite at 28-10.
King of Gosford returned $12.40 to his backers in the crowd of 15,187.
UMBERTO RISPOLI (King of Gosford, winner) – “I had a very good trip; that was the type of trip I wanted to have before the race. I was not afraid because when he was going in between the two horses, he kind of hesitated a little bit and once it was more clear, this horse he gave me another push. He has a big heart and he always tries. He can give you something more every single time. I was very happy with my trip and what a nice beautiful day.
“I’m very happy to have won three races today. I have been working hard to get back after having to take some time off from my injury.”
PHIL D’AMATO (King of Gosford, winner) – “I thought it was a great trip. He saved every inch of ground. Umberto (Rispoli) saw that the race was fast and sat off of it until just the right time. I think the horse on the inside and outside really invigorated him to fight there late and we had the strong finish and Umberto got the job done.”
FRACTIONS: :23.09 :47.08 1:10.79 1:22.65 1:34.22
The stakes win was rider Rispoli’s fifth at the meet and his 51st overall at Del Mar. He won this race last year with Formidable Man.
The stakes win was trainer D’Amato’s fourth of the meet, but the fifth time he’s won this race. He now has 78 stakes wins at Del Mar.
The winning owners Benowitz Family Trust, CYBT, Gevertz, Nentwig and Peskoff.
