Tiz the Law made history in 2020 by becoming the first New York-bred horse to win the Belmont Stakes since 1882. This remarkable achievement was a significant milestone in the world of horse racing, highlighting the potential of New York-bred horses in a sport traditionally dominated by those bred in Kentucky. Tiz the Law's success story is not just about his victories but also about the resurgence of New York's breeding program.
The Road to the Belmont Stakes
Tiz the Law's journey
to the Belmont Stakes began with a promising start in his two-year-old season. He made his debut at Saratoga, where he won a maiden special weight race by an impressive margin. This victory set the stage for his entry into the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park, a significant race for two-year-old colts. Despite stumbling at the start and encountering traffic, Tiz the Law showcased his talent by winning the race decisively.
His performance in the Champagne Stakes positioned him as a favorite for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. However, his trainer, Barclay Tagg, opted to skip the race, citing the close timing as a concern. Instead, Tiz the Law concluded his two-year-old season with a third-place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, run on a challenging sloppy track.
Dominance in the Three-Year-Old Season
Tiz the Law's three-year-old season began with a victory in the Grade III Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park. He followed this with a dominant win in the Grade I Florida Derby, solidifying his status as a leading contender for the Triple Crown races. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the rescheduling of these races, with the Belmont Stakes becoming the first leg of the series.
Despite the changes, Tiz the Law entered the Belmont Stakes as the favorite. The race was shortened to 1 1/8 miles, a decision made to accommodate horses that had not raced since the pandemic shutdown. Tiz the Law lived up to expectations, winning the race by a comfortable margin and becoming the first New York-bred to do so in over a century.
Legacy and Impact
Tiz the Law's success in the Belmont Stakes was a testament to the quality of New York's breeding program. His victory brought attention to the potential of New York-bred horses, encouraging breeders and owners to invest in the region. Tiz the Law continued to impress with a win in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga, further cementing his legacy.
While he finished second in the Kentucky Derby and did not compete in the Preakness Stakes, Tiz the Law's achievements in 2020 were significant. His story is one of breaking barriers and redefining expectations for New York-bred racehorses, inspiring future generations in the sport.
