This is the icing on the cake. It ranks way over any other accomplishments that I've had in my career. This is something you only dream about. It's unbelievable. I'm very, very appreciative. I still can't believe it.

256

We were just basically getting some air in him. It was a while since his last race, so 'Big Dale' wanted to work him a mile and get some air underneath him, and then come back with a little five-eighths next week and sharpen him up a little bit.

195

He showed a lot of heart and determination to get to the wire. He showed everybody what kind of horse he was.

178

I wasn't doing it for any kind of press. I was just doing it to try to help out.

165

No excuses, he ran hard. It's tough to get beat like that.

147

We followed the game plan (to be on the pace). It went real well. We had some concern at the eighth pole, but my horse fought back real hard.

128

I knew we had it at the wire. I was wondering why it took so long to put up the finish. Now, at the eighth pole I did not know I had it. But Dale's a great horseman. They're always ready and always have that little bit extra when you need it.

102