Horse Racing Nation: Past the Grandstand: The Legacy of Tiznow
“Tiznow wins it for America!”
How appropriate Tom Durkin’s words were as the magnificent Tiznow crossed the wire in front in the 2001 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) at Belmont Park. The courageous Thoroughbred had captured the same prestigious race in a comparable manner the previous year at Churchill Downs and under both circumstances, the impressive Tiznow had denied international superstars victories in his nation.
As spine-tingling as his first victory in the Classic was, it was his second triumph that truly touched the hearts of Americans. Tiznow defended his title in New York, the state in which less than two months earlier, a terrorist attack on the World Trade Center had left our country in mourning. Belmont Park was just miles from Ground Zero and reminders of what had happened on September were everywhere, including heightened security – such as snipers on the grandstand’s roof, police dogs, armed soldiers – and a special opening ceremony honoring those lost in the attacks. America needed the presence of a true American champion, an American Thoroughbred that could prove to be a hero on that autumn day in New York. . ."
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