Quotes from the $300,000 Bryan Station (G3)

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

Billy Koch (of Little Red Feather Racing, co-owner of winner Balnikhov-IRE)

“(Jockey) Tyler (Gaffalione) did an amazing job. That was a crazy ride. I haven’t even watched the replay, but I know he was buried down on the rail. It got a little nerve-wracking, but then I saw once he got clear – he has that big turn of foot. Congratulations to (co-owner) Madaket (Stables) and Sol (Kumin of Madaket), Andrew Molasky (of co-owner Old Bones Racing Stable) – I know he’s watching too. And (trainer) Phil (D’Amato), what an incredible job. Special thanks to (trainer) Chris Davis, who helped us out while we were here. Incredible ride by Tyler. To all the Little Red Feather (Racing) partners out there, congratulations. Listen, any day at Keeneland is amazing. The weather’s been beautiful and the people here are so nice and so gracious. So any win at Keeneland is special, but to win a race like this is really special.”

Tyler Gaffalione (winning rider)

“I want to thank the connections for this opportunity. That was a lot of fun to ride. Also (California-based jockey) Umberto Rispoli (who rode Balnikhov at Del Mar in his previous two races) – he helped me out a lot, telling me how to ride the horse. It worked out well. Man, he’s got some turn of foot. All I had to do was find space. I was wanting to get out but they were fanning out. A spot opened up inside and I followed Joel (Rosario on Ready to Purrform) and I was able to find some room.”

Jose Ortiz (rider of runner-up Wit)

“Horse had a great run. We hit the quarter pole and I was just waiting, and I was able to wait as long as I wanted to. When I asked him to go, he just ran really nicely. The last couple jumps the horse (Balnikhov) came running and beat us. I think my horse ran a very good race and I had no problem with my trip. It was perfect.”