(Nakatomi rallies late to win the G2 Phoenix Stakes at Keeneland on Friday / All Photos by Coady Media)

From the Keeneland Media Team / Amy Owens:

Quotes from the $400,000 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2) at Keeneland

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

Wesley Ward (trainer of winner Nakatomi and third-place finisher Whatchatalkinabout)

“This is his (Nakatomi’s) home court. That’s what I’ve been saying about him. By the end of this week, he knew he was running. You could just tell the change in his demeanor. He was kind of on his toes, bouncing around — he’s 6 but he was acting like he’s 3. It was good to have him come through on the big stage here at Keeneland on a big day. (Jockey) Irad (Ortiz Jr.) rode a great race. I think the key to keeping these (older horses), having a little longevity, is they go over to Fergus Galvin’s farm, and actually his daughter rides him before he comes in, so that makes this even more special.”

On whether Nakatomi will go to the Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1)

“Absolutely.”

Irad Ortiz Jr. (winning rider)

“It was perfect. He broke good, much better than last time I rode him at Saratoga (when third in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt-G2 July 19), so I was happy with that. I didn’t want to use him early. I think he’s the kind of horse that likes to have a target. I just bided my time from there. (Trainer) Wesley (Ward) told me to do whatever I think, so I went with the flow. There was a good pace in front of me, and I didn’t want to chase anybody. I rode my horse and he was there for me in the end.”

Fergus Galvin (representing winning co-owner Qatar Racing)

“It’s incredible, really. (Trainer) Wesley (Ward) and his team have done an amazing job. I mean, he’s a 6-year-old, and you have in the back of your mind if he’s maybe losing a step or two, but Wesley had him at concert pitch today. (Jockey) Irad (Ortiz Jr.)  gave him a fantastic ride, unbelievable. On behalf of Sheikh Fahad (Al Thani of Qatar Racing) and Jim and (co-owner Mrs.) Fitri Hay, just a big thanks to Wesley and his crew. They’re over the moon, they really are.”

David Jacobson (owner-trainer of runner-up Durante)

“I’m very happy. He’s like 20-1 and nobody had any confidence, but I did.”

“(The Breeders’ Cup) is always a thought.”

Tyler Gaffalione (rider of Durante)

“He ran so good it’s a shame we weren’t able to get the job done. No fault of his own. He broke alertly, put himself in the game, traveled great throughout, and he really fired home for us. Hats off to the winner.”

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Since its first race meet 89 years ago, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. The world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, Keeneland conducts five on-site sales a year, in January, April, September and November. Graduates of Keeneland sales dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. Keeneland will host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2026 for the fourth time, following 2015, 2020 and 2022. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a privately held company with a not-for-profit mission that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses and millions of dollars donated in support of horse industry initiatives and charitable contributions for education, research, and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. Keeneland also maintains Keeneland Library, a world-renowned public research institution with the mission of preserving information about the Thoroughbred industry. To learn more, visit Keeneland.com.

For more information email Keeneland Communications Associate Amy Owens at aowens@keeneland.com