Unraveling the Legacy of Jazil: How a Modest Contender Captured the Belmont Stakes and Redefined Thoroughbred Racing Excellence

• Early Life and Pedigree of Jazil
• Training Regimen and Development
• Racing Debut and Early Performances
• The Road to the 2006 Belmont Stakes
• Belmont Stakes Victory: Race Analysis
• Jazil’s Racing Style and Strengths
• Career Highlights and Notable Races
• Retirement and Stud Career
• Influence on Thoroughbred Bloodlines
• Legacy and Impact on Modern Racing
• Sources & References

Early Life and Pedigree of Jazil

Jazil, a bay colt foaled in 2003, emerged from a lineage distinguished by both stamina and class, hallmarks of elite Thoroughbred racing. Bred in Kentucky by Skara Glen Stables, Jazil was sired by Seeking the Gold, a prominent stallion known for producing versatile and durable progeny. Seeking the Gold, himself a son of the legendary Mr. Prospector, contributed significantly to the North American bloodstock, with his offspring excelling at classic distances and on various surfaces. Jazil’s dam, Better Than Honour, further elevated his pedigree. Better Than Honour, a daughter of Deputy Minister, became one of the most influential broodmares of her era, producing not only Jazil but also other classic winners, including Rags to Riches, the 2007 Belmont Stakes winner, and Casino Drive, a notable international competitor.

The combination of Seeking the Gold and Better Than Honour in Jazil’s pedigree brought together two powerful genetic lines. Mr. Prospector, through Seeking the Gold, is renowned for imparting speed and adaptability, while Deputy Minister, through Better Than Honour, is celebrated for stamina and soundness. This blend of attributes was particularly suited for the rigors of American classic races, especially the Belmont Stakes, known as the “Test of the Champion” for its demanding mile-and-a-half distance.

Jazil was purchased as a yearling by Shadwell Stable, the racing operation of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a major international owner and breeder. Shadwell Stable is recognized for its commitment to excellence in Thoroughbred racing and breeding, with operations spanning the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. The stable’s investment in well-bred yearlings like Jazil reflects its strategy of acquiring horses with both proven pedigrees and the potential for classic success (Shadwell Stud).

From an early age, Jazil’s pedigree marked him as a colt with the potential for greatness. His bloodlines combined the best of American and international breeding, and his early development under the care of experienced horsemen set the stage for his later achievements on the racetrack. The influence of his sire and dam, both in terms of genetics and racing legacy, positioned Jazil as a notable contender among his generation, ultimately culminating in his memorable victory in the 2006 Belmont Stakes.

Training Regimen and Development

Jazil, a bay colt foaled in 2003, was trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, a respected figure in the American Thoroughbred racing community known for his patient and methodical approach to racehorse development. The training regimen for Jazil was carefully tailored to maximize his stamina and late-running style, which would become his hallmark on the racetrack. McLaughlin’s program emphasized a balance between physical conditioning, mental readiness, and gradual exposure to competitive environments, reflecting best practices in elite Thoroughbred training.

Jazil’s early development included a foundation of long, slow gallops to build cardiovascular endurance, a critical component for horses expected to excel at classic distances. This aerobic conditioning was complemented by interval training—shorter, faster breezes designed to enhance speed and recovery. The regimen also incorporated regular schooling at the starting gate and exposure to various track surfaces, ensuring Jazil was adaptable and composed under race-day conditions. Such comprehensive preparation is standard among top-level stables and is recommended by organizations like the The Jockey Club, which oversees Thoroughbred breeding and racing standards in North America.

Attention to Jazil’s mental development was equally important. McLaughlin’s team prioritized a calm, consistent environment, minimizing stress and allowing the colt to mature at his own pace. This approach aligns with guidance from the American Association of Equine Practitioners, which advocates for individualized training schedules and careful monitoring of young horses’ physical and psychological responses to increasing workloads.

Jazil’s progression through his two- and three-year-old seasons was marked by incremental increases in training intensity and race distance. After a series of preparatory races, his connections targeted the 2006 Triple Crown trail, culminating in a victory at the Belmont Stakes—a race that demands exceptional stamina and tactical patience. The success of his training regimen was evident in his ability to close strongly over the 1½-mile distance, a testament to the foundation laid by McLaughlin and his team.

Throughout his career, Jazil’s development was supported by a collaborative effort involving veterinarians, exercise riders, and grooms, all adhering to industry best practices for equine welfare and performance. This holistic approach, endorsed by leading organizations such as The Jockey Club and the American Association of Equine Practitioners, underscores the importance of comprehensive care and individualized training in producing elite Thoroughbred athletes.

Racing Debut and Early Performances

Jazil, a bay colt foaled in 2003, began his racing career with considerable anticipation due to his distinguished pedigree. Bred by Shadwell Farm, the American breeding operation of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Jazil was sired by Seeking the Gold out of the mare Better Than Honour. Shadwell Farm is recognized as one of the leading Thoroughbred breeding and racing organizations in the United States, with a history of producing high-caliber racehorses (Shadwell Farm).

Jazil made his racing debut as a two-year-old in 2005. His first start was at Belmont Park, a premier racetrack operated by the New York Racing Association, which is known for hosting some of the most prestigious races in North America, including the Belmont Stakes (New York Racing Association). In his maiden race, Jazil finished a promising second, demonstrating early potential but also indicating a need for further development and experience. Over the course of his juvenile season, he raced three times, consistently placing but not yet securing a win. These performances suggested that Jazil possessed stamina and a strong closing kick, traits often associated with his sire line.

As a three-year-old, Jazil continued to compete at major tracks, gradually improving with each start. Early in his sophomore season, he participated in allowance and graded stakes company, facing increasingly competitive fields. Notably, Jazil finished second in the Grade III Wood Memorial Stakes, a key prep race for the Triple Crown series. The Wood Memorial, also held at Aqueduct Racetrack under the auspices of the New York Racing Association, has historically served as a proving ground for top three-year-olds aiming for the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.

Jazil’s early performances were characterized by his running style: he typically settled at the back of the field before making a late, sustained drive in the stretch. This closing ability, while sometimes leaving him with too much ground to make up, also hinted at his potential for success in longer-distance races. His connections, including trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, recognized these attributes and began to target races that would best suit his stamina and late speed. These formative races laid the groundwork for Jazil’s eventual breakthrough on the national stage, setting the stage for his memorable run in the 2006 Triple Crown series.

The Road to the 2006 Belmont Stakes

Jazil, a bay colt foaled in 2003, began his journey to the 2006 Belmont Stakes with a pedigree that promised stamina and class. Bred in Kentucky by Skara Glen Stables, Jazil was sired by Seeking the Gold, a prominent stallion known for producing versatile runners, and out of Better Than Honour, a mare who would later become renowned for producing multiple Belmont Stakes winners. Owned by Shadwell Stable, the global racing operation of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Jazil was trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, a respected American trainer with international experience. Shadwell Stable is a major force in Thoroughbred racing and breeding, with operations in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, and is recognized for its commitment to excellence in the sport (Shadwell Stud).

Jazil’s early racing career was marked by steady improvement. As a two-year-old, he showed promise but did not win in his first few starts. It was not until his three-year-old season that he began to emerge as a contender on the national stage. In the spring of 2006, Jazil competed in several key prep races for the Triple Crown. His most notable performance came in the Grade I Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack, where he finished in a dead heat for fourth place. This effort earned him enough graded stakes earnings to qualify for the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown.

In the 2006 Kentucky Derby, Jazil was considered a longshot in a large and competitive field. Despite breaking slowly and trailing the pack early, he closed strongly in the stretch to finish in a dead heat for fourth place, demonstrating his stamina and late-running style. This performance established him as a horse to watch for the longer Belmont Stakes, known as the “Test of the Champion” due to its demanding 1½-mile distance. The Derby effort also influenced his connections’ decision to skip the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, and instead focus on preparing Jazil specifically for the Belmont.

Leading up to the Belmont Stakes, Jazil’s training was carefully managed by Kiaran McLaughlin, who emphasized the colt’s ability to handle the distance and his improving form. The team’s strategy was to capitalize on Jazil’s closing kick and stamina, qualities that are often decisive in the Belmont. With a strong pedigree, a patient training approach, and a promising Derby performance, Jazil entered the 2006 Belmont Stakes as a legitimate contender, poised to make his mark on one of American racing’s most prestigious stages.

Belmont Stakes Victory: Race Analysis

Jazil’s most notable achievement came with his victory in the 138th running of the Belmont Stakes, held on June 10, 2006. The Belmont Stakes, the final and longest leg of the American Triple Crown, is contested over 1½ miles (12 furlongs) at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. This race is renowned for testing the stamina and endurance of three-year-old Thoroughbreds, often earning the nickname “The Test of the Champion.” The event is organized by the New York Racing Association, a prominent body overseeing major Thoroughbred racing in New York State.

Jazil entered the Belmont Stakes as a relative outsider, having finished in a dead heat for fourth in the Kentucky Derby and skipping the Preakness Stakes. Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin and ridden by jockey Fernando Jara, Jazil was known for his late-running style, often coming from the back of the field with a strong closing kick. The 2006 Belmont field was considered wide open, with no clear favorite due to the absence of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners.

At the start of the race, Jazil broke slowly and settled at the rear of the 12-horse field, consistent with his typical racing pattern. The early pace was set by Bob and John and High Finance, who led the field through moderate fractions. As the field approached the far turn, Jara began to urge Jazil forward. Displaying remarkable acceleration and stamina, Jazil weaved through traffic and advanced rapidly along the rail. By the top of the stretch, he had overtaken the leaders and drew clear, ultimately winning by one and one-quarter lengths. His final time for the 1½ miles was 2:27.86, a respectable performance on a fast track.

Jazil’s victory was significant for several reasons. It marked the first Belmont Stakes win for both his trainer and jockey, and it underscored the importance of stamina and tactical patience in the race’s outcome. The win also highlighted the influence of his pedigree, as Jazil was sired by Seeking the Gold and out of Better Than Honour, a mare who would later produce additional Belmont winners. The 2006 Belmont Stakes further solidified the race’s reputation as a true test of Thoroughbred excellence, with Jazil’s performance standing as a testament to the value of strategic riding and late speed in classic distance races.

Jazil’s Racing Style and Strengths

Jazil, a bay colt foaled in 2003, was renowned for his distinctive racing style and notable strengths on the track. Bred by Shadwell Farm, the American operation of the global racing and breeding powerhouse Shadwell, Jazil was sired by Seeking the Gold out of Better Than Honour. His pedigree suggested stamina and a late-running ability, traits that became hallmarks of his racing career.

Jazil’s most defining characteristic was his deep-closing running style. Unlike front-runners or tactical stalkers, Jazil was typically content to settle at the back of the field during the early stages of a race. He conserved energy, allowing the early leaders to set a brisk pace, and relied on a powerful late kick to make up ground in the stretch. This approach was especially effective in longer-distance races, where early speed often fades and stamina becomes paramount.

His signature performance came in the 2006 Belmont Stakes, the final and longest leg of the American Triple Crown. In that race, Jazil was unhurried out of the gate and trailed the field for much of the early going. Under jockey Fernando Jara, he began to advance steadily on the far turn, unleashing a sustained drive down the stretch to overtake his rivals and win convincingly. This victory showcased his ability to handle the classic 1½-mile distance and demonstrated his exceptional endurance and closing speed. The Belmont Stakes is widely regarded as a true test of stamina, and Jazil’s performance underscored his suitability for such demanding conditions (Belmont Stakes).

Jazil’s strengths extended beyond his closing style. He possessed a calm temperament, which allowed him to relax during the early stages of a race and respond effectively to his rider’s cues. This mental composure, combined with his physical stamina, made him a formidable competitor in high-stakes events. While he did not possess the explosive early speed of some contemporaries, his ability to sustain a long, powerful run in the stretch was his greatest asset.

In summary, Jazil’s racing style was defined by patience, stamina, and a relentless late charge. These qualities, rooted in both his pedigree and temperament, enabled him to excel in classic distance races and secure his place among notable Thoroughbred racehorses.

Career Highlights and Notable Races

Jazil, a bay colt foaled in 2003, emerged as a prominent figure in American Thoroughbred racing, most notably for his victory in the 2006 Belmont Stakes. Bred and owned by Shadwell Stable, the global racing and breeding operation founded by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Jazil was trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, a respected figure in the industry. His racing career, though relatively brief, was marked by significant performances in some of the sport’s most prestigious events.

Jazil’s most celebrated achievement came in the 138th running of the Belmont Stakes, the third jewel of the U.S. Triple Crown. Entering the race as a longshot, Jazil was ridden by jockey Fernando Jara. Demonstrating a powerful closing kick, he surged from the back of the field to win by one and one-quarter lengths, covering the 1½-mile distance in 2:27.86. This victory not only secured his place in racing history but also underscored the stamina and late-running style that characterized his performances. The Belmont Stakes win was a significant milestone for both his connections and his sire, Seeking the Gold, further enhancing the reputation of Shadwell Stable in North American racing circles (Belmont Stakes).

Prior to his Belmont triumph, Jazil had shown promise as a three-year-old. He finished in a dead heat for fourth place in the 2006 Kentucky Derby, a race renowned for its depth of competition and historical significance. His performance in the Derby, where he closed strongly from the rear of the field, hinted at his potential for longer distances. Jazil also competed in the Wood Memorial Stakes, a key prep race for the Triple Crown, where he finished second, further establishing his credentials among the top colts of his generation (Kentucky Derby).

Although Jazil’s racing career was relatively short—he retired after only eleven starts—his record included two wins, five seconds, and two fourth-place finishes, with total earnings exceeding $890,000. His performances in the Triple Crown races, particularly the Belmont Stakes, remain the highlights of his career. After retirement, Jazil stood at stud at Shadwell Farm in Kentucky, contributing to the breeding legacy of his distinguished lineage (Shadwell Farm).

Retirement and Stud Career

After a notable racing career highlighted by his victory in the 2006 Belmont Stakes, Jazil was retired from competition and transitioned to a new role as a breeding stallion. His retirement was officially announced in late 2007, following a series of performances that, while respectable, did not match the peak of his classic win. The decision to retire Jazil was made by his owner, Shadwell Stable, the American racing operation of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a prominent figure in international Thoroughbred breeding and racing. Shadwell is recognized globally for its commitment to the improvement of Thoroughbred bloodlines and operates major breeding farms in both the United States and the United Kingdom (Shadwell Stud).

Jazil began his stud career at Shadwell Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, a facility known for standing elite stallions and producing high-quality racehorses. His initial stud fee was set at a competitive rate, reflecting both his classic-winning credentials and his distinguished pedigree. Jazil was sired by Seeking the Gold, a leading sire and influential broodmare sire, and out of Better Than Honour, herself a blue-hen mare who produced multiple classic winners. This pedigree made Jazil an attractive option for breeders seeking to infuse stamina and class into their bloodlines.

During his years at stud, Jazil sired a number of winners, though none reached the same heights as their sire. His progeny were noted for their soundness and versatility, with several achieving success on both dirt and turf surfaces. Among his most notable offspring were Jazil’s Dream and On the Backstreets, who earned stakes victories and contributed to their sire’s reputation as a source of durable and competitive runners. Despite not producing a superstar, Jazil’s influence was appreciated by breeders who valued consistency and classic stamina in their breeding programs.

Jazil stood at Shadwell Farm until his untimely death in 2014, when he was euthanized following a severe injury. His passing was noted by the Thoroughbred community, which recognized his contributions both on the track and in the breeding shed. While his impact as a sire may not have matched his racing achievements, Jazil remains a respected figure in the annals of American Thoroughbred racing and breeding, and his legacy endures through his descendants and the ongoing work of Shadwell Stud.

Influence on Thoroughbred Bloodlines

Jazil, the 2006 Belmont Stakes winner, has had a modest but noteworthy influence on Thoroughbred bloodlines, particularly in North America. Bred by Shadwell Farm, the U.S. division of the global racing and breeding operation owned by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Jazil was sired by Seeking the Gold, a prominent stallion known for producing both successful racehorses and influential broodmares. Jazil’s dam, Better Than Honour, is one of the most celebrated broodmares in modern racing history, having produced multiple Belmont Stakes winners, including Rags to Riches and Casino Drive. This exceptional maternal lineage positioned Jazil as a valuable genetic contributor to the breed.

Upon retirement, Jazil stood at Shadwell Farm in Kentucky, where he was incorporated into a breeding program that emphasized stamina and classic distance aptitude. While Jazil did not achieve the same level of commercial success as a sire as some of his contemporaries, he produced several stakes winners and his progeny have demonstrated versatility on both dirt and turf surfaces. Notable offspring include Jazzy Idea, a multiple stakes winner, and On The Backstreets, who found success in sprint races. These achievements, though not headline-grabbing, reflect Jazil’s ability to transmit soundness and durability—traits highly valued in the Thoroughbred industry.

Jazil’s broader influence is perhaps most significant through his dam line. Better Than Honour’s descendants continue to shape elite pedigrees, and Jazil’s presence in the maternal lineage of future generations ensures his genetic legacy endures. The emphasis on stamina and classic distance performance, hallmarks of the Better Than Honour family, remains a sought-after quality in breeding programs aiming to produce horses capable of excelling in prestigious races such as the Belmont Stakes.

Although Jazil’s direct impact as a sire may be considered moderate, his role within the influential Better Than Honour family and his contribution to the genetic pool of American Thoroughbreds are recognized by leading breeding authorities. Organizations such as The Jockey Club, which maintains the official registry of Thoroughbreds in North America, and Shadwell, his breeder and stud farm, continue to document and promote the significance of such bloodlines in shaping the future of the sport.

Legacy and Impact on Modern Racing

Jazil, the 2006 Belmont Stakes winner, holds a distinctive place in the annals of American Thoroughbred racing. While his racing career was relatively brief, his legacy is shaped by both his classic victory and his subsequent influence as a sire. Jazil’s triumph in the Belmont Stakes, the grueling third leg of the U.S. Triple Crown, showcased his stamina and late-running style, characteristics highly valued in classic distance racing. This victory not only cemented his reputation but also contributed to the enduring prestige of his sire line, as he was a son of Seeking the Gold and out of the Deputy Minister mare Better Than Honour, herself a blue hen producer.

Jazil’s impact on modern racing is most evident through his contributions to Thoroughbred breeding. Upon retirement, he stood at the renowned Shadwell Farm, a major international breeding operation founded by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. At stud, Jazil sired multiple stakes winners, including Jazzy Idea and On The Backstreets, who demonstrated versatility and competitiveness on the track. While he did not achieve the status of a leading sire, his progeny inherited his stamina and soundness, qualities that remain highly sought after in the breeding industry.

Jazil’s dam, Better Than Honour, is recognized as one of the most influential broodmares of her era, having produced not only Jazil but also Rags to Riches, the 2007 Belmont Stakes winner, and Casino Drive, a Peter Pan Stakes winner. This remarkable family has had a lasting effect on the breed, with descendants continuing to perform at the highest levels of competition. The success of this female line has reinforced the importance of strong maternal pedigrees in modern Thoroughbred breeding, and Jazil’s place within it adds to his enduring significance.

Although Jazil’s direct influence as a sire may be considered modest compared to some of his contemporaries, his legacy is amplified by his connection to one of the most productive families in recent racing history. His Belmont victory remains a testament to the value of stamina and classic distance aptitude, traits that breeders and racing enthusiasts continue to prize. Through his own achievements and his contribution to a distinguished bloodline, Jazil’s impact on modern racing endures, reflecting the interconnected nature of performance and pedigree in the sport.

Sources & References

• Shadwell Stud
• The Jockey Club
• American Association of Equine Practitioners
• New York Racing Association
• New York Racing Association
• Belmont Stakes
• Belmont Stakes
• Kentucky Derby