Tiznow: America’s Horse

Its hard to believe that seven years have passed since the terrorist attacks on September 11. While watching a memorial for the victims (God rest their souls) last week I was feeling a bit more patriotic than usual, so I decided to think of a horse who exemplifies patriotism. One horse instantly came to mind-Tiznow, America’s horse.

Tiznow is from the sire Cees’ Tizzy, and out of the mare Cee’s Song. While he doesn’t have the  best pedigree, Tiznow has some capable runners in his family. Included in his family are Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew, and Kentucky Derby winner, Northern Dancer. Tizna, on the Cees’ Tizzy side, was a multiple Grade 1 winning mare.

Some of his most notable wins include the Santa Anita Handicap, Affirmed Handicap, Super Derby, and the Goodwood Breeders’ Cup Handicap. He won’t be remembered for any of those wins. Tiznow will go down in history for being the only colt to win the Breeders Cup Classic-twice.

His first Classic win came as a 3-year-old against Kentucky Derby winner, Fusaichi Pegasus, Belmont Stakes winner, Lemon Drop Kid, and last years Breeders Cup Classic winner, Cat Thief. Despite the long resumes of the previously listed horses, the presence of the Irish “Iron Horse” Giant’s Causeway was the most daunting.

Throughout his career, Giants Causeway won 9 of 14 races, and when he didn’t win he finished second. His wins included the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes, Group 1 Eclipse Stakes, and the Group 1 Sussex Stakes. Before racing in the Breeders Cup Classic, he had won 5 consecutive Group 1 races.

With Chris McCarron in the irons, Tiznow was on or near the lead the entire way in the 2000 Breeders Cup Classic. Having put pacesetter Albert The Great away near the top of the stretch, Tiznow kicked home. He looked to be all alone, until Giants Causeway came with a furious run down the lane. Neck and neck down the stretch, Tiznow prevailed with a late surge.

En route to winning his second Breeders Cup Classic, Tiznow had to defend his title against another European invader, Sakhee. This colt would prove even more salty than Giants Causeway. Sakhee was a winner of the the Group 1 International Stakes by 7 lengths. He was also the dominating victor in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. He was clearly the best Europe had to offer.

Tiznow would rate in third in the 2001 Breeders Cup Classic, while Albert The Great would set the pace yet again. When they hit the stretch, Tiznow looked like a beaten horse as Sakhee powered home down the lane. In between horses, Tiznow hadn’t given up yet. Although being passed in the stretch, Tiznow battled back to win by a nose. Tom Durkin called out “Tiznow wins it for AMERICA!” after the race was over.

Tiznow defended what is arguably America’s best race against foreign invaders not once, but twice. He has more heart than just about any horse I can think of. He has been a smashing success at stud so far, producing Travers winner Colonel John, and Belmont Stakes winner, Da’ Tara. Tiznow will always be remembered as America’s Horse.