Winloc’s John Lee Grabs 2nd Place in Belmont Race Sunday

Roncari family’s Script R Farm’s bay gelding, named after beloved former Windsor Locks selectman John Lee, showed dramatic improvement Sunday afternoon to nab second place in a statebred maiden special weight race at historic Belmont Park in Elmont, NY. The race was contested at 1 1/16ths miles on the inner turf course labeled "good" after all the recent rain.

Drawn into the seven hole in the starting gate, John broke alertly under new jockey Jose Espinosa, who positioned him on the outside about mid-pack in the 10-horse field. About midway around the far turn, Espinosa asked John for more run, and the big bay responded with an impressive outside rally.

While turning for home, John picked up horses all through the stretch; however, he could not get closer than three lengths to the winner—the 2 horse named Doublespeak—who showed significant improvement under new jockey Ryan Curatolo. It was about five lengths back to third place.

Prior to the race, John’s behavior in the paddock improved dramatically. He seemed on edge a bit, but his coat was shiny and dry unlike in his previous races where he was visibly sweating. Also, his physical presence was impressive. He seemed to be in great condition and was "on the muscle"—a tribute to his conditioner, trainer Mike Miceli.

Script R Farms owner Leslie Roncari Marconi had visited John in the barn before the race and was present with him in the paddock. As Leslie had helped to raise him from birth, her presence may have helped to calm him down. Good karma in the presence of John Lee’s daughter, Sheri, and his granddaughter, Emily, may have also helped move John forward.

Both had traveled to Belmont to meet John and to cheer him on. After the race, jockey Jose Espinosa told Leslie that John was ‘still a bit green" but was improving and should get even better.

It was John’s fifth career race and clearly his best. His second place finish earned him 20% of a $41,000 purse and effectively doubled his career earnings to just over $17,000.

According to his connections, he will most likely race again sometime in mid November on the grass at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. With just a little more improvement, it shouldn’t be long before Winloc’s John Lee finds his way to the winner’s circle.