Salute

America’s horse. While every victor in the Run for the Roses instantly becomes ‘America’s Horse’, only the very best of the rest are bestowed with that title. One such horse to earn that accolade was Tiznow. In 2002 , he fought back to defeat Sakhee, the reigning European champion, in a thrilling stretch duel to record the first and only back-to-back wins in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The previous year Tiznow had triumphed over another European invader, Giant’s Causeway, who earned the label of ‘Iron Horse’ while reeling off five consecutive Group 1 wins. It was that race in 2001 that forever cemented Tiznow’s reputation, for the victory was earned at Belmont Park, outside of New York City, in the aftermath of September 11, just when America needed some horsepower.

This year’s annual display of prime horsepower features a prominent son of Tiznow. The colt is named after Iraqi war veteran Lieutenant Colonel John Geider and is one of the likely favorites for the Kentucky Derby. Perhaps like father, like son, he will earn the title of ‘America’s Horse’ on the First Saturday in May. Should that happen, you’ll be saluting Colonel John.