Edwin Diaz’s horse wins at Saratoga as 19/1 underdog

The Mets is probably not doing a variety of successful on the sector lately, however they’re at the least claiming some victories off of it.

Mets nearer Edwin Diaz’s horse, Closethegame Sugar, gained the $150,000 Mahony Stakes as a 19/1 underdog Sunday at Saratoga.

Diaz is a co-owner of the horse, whose title references Diaz’s function because the Mets’ nearer and the 29-year-old’s nickname of “Sugar.”

The $102-million reliever is a big fan of horse racing and has a robust relationship with jockeys and fellow Puerto Rico natives Irad Ortiz Jr. and Jose Ortiz, who’re thought-about the most effective jockeys in New York.

Neither brother rode Closethegame Sugar on Sunday, with Jose Lezcano as a substitute driving the horse to the massive upset.

Diaz’s fellow co-owner is coach Adam Rice, and so they purchased the horse for $10,000 on the Keeneland Affiliation September Yearling Sale in 2021.

Rice told Bloodhorse.com he doesn’t know when Closethegame Sugar will run once more, though they’re contemplating operating the three-year-old on grime.

Closethegame Sugar has gained two of his three profession begins, together with one second-place end, and has earned $144,150.

“He’s certainly one of my favourite horses to experience day by day. I can’t discuss and I could be tearing up a little bit bit,” Rice stated after the win, in accordance with Bloodhorse.com. “I inform you what, there’s a lot combat on this horse it’s not even humorous. He offers each bit you ask of him.”

Diaz is rehabbing his torn patellar tendon in his proper knee that has sidelined him for the season to this point.

The Mets are uncertain if Diaz will pitch once more this yr however they’re leaving the door open for a return.

Diaz is within the first yr of his five-year report contract that paid him the most money ever for a reliever.

“It’s not near being a call we have to make, however in some unspecified time in the future I’m hoping that dialogue will get extra critical,” Mets manager Buck Showalter said last week. “Is it good for him? Not good for him? What occurs subsequent February when that’s the primary time [he pitches]. Is one thing that occurs right here that can tell us precisely the place he’s gonna be subsequent April? No. No person’s that good.”