Dominguez, Pletcher take home Belmont titles

Jockey Ramon Dominguez continued to dominate the competition in New York with

his fifth straight riding title, and trainer Todd Pletcher won his 20th

individual training title as Belmont Park's 33-day Fall Championship Meet

concluded Sunday.

Dominguez, New York's leading rider, won two races on Sunday's card to finish

with 39 victories, five more than Rajiv Maragh. John Velazquez finished third

with 32 winners.

On Saturday, Dominguez won four straight stakes on New York Showcase Day to

move into a commanding lead in the standings.

"Having won five riding titles is a highlight in itself," said Dominguez, who

is in his first full year riding in New York. "Here, the competition is so tough

that you can never take anything for granted. "

Earlier this year, Dominguez set a modern-day record for victories at the

Belmont Park Spring/Summer meet with 98 total winners. Dominguez was also the

leading jockey at Saratoga Race Course, Aqueduct Racetrack's inner track meet,

and Aqueduct's spring meet.

Pletcher, with 20 victories, earned his seventh Fall Championship Meet title

with a number of outstanding performers, highlighted by Frizette S. (G1) winner

DEVIL MAY CARE (Malibu Moon), Jamaica (G1) hero TAKE THE POINTS (Even the

Score), Pilgrim S. romper ESKENDEREYA (Giant's Causeway) and Miss Grillo S.

victress DAD'S CRAZY (Langfuhr).

"It's been a good meet," Pletcher said. "Our two-year-olds ran very well.

Anytime you have 28 second-place finishes as we did at Saratoga, you hope they

turn into wins the next meet. It doesn't always work out that way, but

everything came together. The two Grade 1's were key as well."

Chester and Mary Broman were the leading owners with nine victories,

including wins by MINERALOGIST (Mineshaft) in the Maid of the Mist S. and Joseph

A. Gimma for New York-bred two-year-old fillies.