Corey Nakatani (jockey, Tapizar, 1st) – “This never gets old. Winning a race on Breeders’ Cup day is special; it’s special just to get the chance to compete. It’s extremely gratifying. We had a good trip. He got away in good order. Last time (6th in the Kelso), he just didn’t handle the track. I told Steve (Asmussen) to go on to the Breeders’ Cup, and I’m glad he did.”
Ron Ellis (trainer, Rail Trip, 2nd) – “These championship races have a lot of traffic. He was game. He was not where he’s used to running; he was behind horses. I’m very proud of him. He took a lot of dirt. (Jockey) Jose (Valdivia) said he was almost clipping heels a couple of times. He ran a game race.
Jose Valdivia Jr. (jockey, Rail Trip, 2nd) – “Considering the way this track has been playing for speed, I thought he ran a great race. When Shackleford missed the break, I think that changed the whole complexion of the race. When I got through at the head of the stretch, I had a lot of horse, but we were just second best today. It is a credit to Ron Ellis that he gets this horse back after two years and he still has his number.”
Mark Casse (trainer, Delegation, 3rd) – “I thought he ran great. Patrick (Husbands) said he was trying to get out, but he had a good trip.”
Patrick Husbands (jockey, Delegation, 3rd) – “I had so much horse and I was coming on the rail. I was begging for a little break. When I finally got it, it was too late. He showed up like a champion. He ran a big race.”
Alan Garcia (jockey, Emcee, 6th) – “He broke good and I saw that Shackleford stumbled out of the gate, so I said ‘let me take a chance.’ We fell into the lead and he gave me all he could. Just no luck today.”
Dale Romans (trainer, Shackleford, 7th) – “It was the start; that’s it.”
Ramon Dominguez (jockey, Shackleford, 7th) – “He stumbled at the break and that was it. There is no two ways about it, he’s a frontrunner.”
