Tiznow (CA)

Biography

The first horse to win consecutive runnings of the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Tiznow overcame a fractured bone in his left front leg and a slow start to his career to emerge as a true standout.

Bred in California by Cecilia Straub Rubens and trained by Jay Robbins, Tiznow did not race as a 2-year-old because of the fracture and needed three attempts to break his maiden once he made it to the track. He registered his first graded stakes win in July of 2000 in the Affirmed Handicap (Grade 3) at Hollywood Park. Tiznow then finished second in both the Swaps Stakes and Pacific Classic before earning his first Grade 1 victory in the Super Derby.

Following a win in the Grade 2 Goodwood Breeders’ Cup Handicap, Tiznow was supplemented to the Breeders’ Cup Classic at a cost of $360,000, as he was not nominated to the race as a foal. The field included Irish champion Giant’s Causeway, Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus, Belmont Stakes winner Lemon Drop Kid, and Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Albert the Great. Tiznow and Albert the Great went to the early lead while being stalked by Giant’s Causeway. As they entered the stretch, Albert the Great started to give way, but Giant’s Causeway was closing fast on the outside. Giant’s Causeway almost got even, but Tiznow, ridden by Chris McCarron, rallied gamely to win by a neck. The awards followed, as Tiznow was named Horse of the Year and Champion 3-Year-Old Male.

Tiznow started his 4-year-old campaign by winning the San Fernando Breeders’ Cup Stakes, then finishing second to Wooden Phone in the Strub Stakes. Carrying top weight in the Santa Anita Handicap, Tiznow dueled with Wooden Phone for a mile before finally drawing away to win by five lengths. Tiznow then missed a good portion of the year with back problems. He entered the 2001 Breeders’ Cup Classic following defeats in the Woodward Stakes and the Goodwood Handicap.

The 2001 Breeders’ Cup was held in October at Belmont Park, just 12 miles away from Ground Zero and under heavy security following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. The field for the Classic included European superstars Galileo, winner of the Epsom Derby and Irish Derby, and Sakhee, winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, both trying dirt for the first time. The American contingent was led by Aptitude, winner of three straight races, including the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Tiznow was the fourth betting choice in a field of 13. He tracked the leaders down the backstretch and made his move on the turn where he swung five wide. Tiznow dueled with Albert the Great but could not get by, and then both were overtaken midstretch by Sakhee. McCarron then hit Tiznow once left-handed and the colt responded with a final lunge, winning by a nose over Sakhee with Albert the Great two lengths back in third. Track announcer Tom Durkin roared, “Tiznow wins it for America!”

Tiznow won the 2001 Eclipse Award for Champion Older Male and was retired with a record of 8-4-2 from 15 starts and earnings of $6,427,830.

Achievements

Eclipse Award Horse of the Year — 2000
Eclipse Award Champion 3-Year-Old Male — 2000
Eclipse Award Champion Older Male — 2001

Breeders' Cup Highlights

Won the Classic — 2000
Won the Classic — 2001

Notable

Won the Affirmed Handicap — 2000
Won the Goodwood Breeders' Cup Handicap — 2000
Won the Super Derby — 2000
Won the San Fernando Breeders' Cup Stakes — 2001
Won the Santa Anita Handicap — 2001

Horse Profile for Tiznow | Equibase is Your Official Source for Thoroughbred Racing Information