Breeders’ Cup > Classic > 2001

The 2001 Breeders’ Cup Classic

Winner: Tiznow

The 2001 Breeders’ Cup World Championships took place at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York on October 27. It was the 18th edition of the premier North American horse racing event and featured a number of exciting races and finishes. One of the highlights of the card was the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

In what would turn out to be his final career race, Tiznow defended his 2000 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) championship by becoming the first racehorse to win back-to-back Breeders’ Cup titles after defeating Sakhee by a nose to claim the 2001 Classic. Albert the Great would finish in third by another 1 ¾ lengths.

The early pace was set by Orientate with fractions of :23.27 and :47.04 through the first half-mile after doing battle with Albert the Great. Albert the Great would take the lead from Orientate and lead after a mile. Tiznow would make his move on the turn and do battle with Albert the Great and Sahkee om the rail, and would eventually outduel both for the close victory. His winning time was 2:00.62.

Tiznow paid $15.80, $7.20, and $5.60 across the board for the win. Sakhee returned $7.80 to place and $4.40 to show. Albert the Great’s third-place showing returned $7.80. A $2 Trifecta of 10-6-9 paid $1,341.00.

“He’s outstanding. He’s a wonderful animal. He’s a lot more intelligent than others and he loves to be out on the racetrack. When I first pushed the button at the 3f pole, I didn’t get the acceleration I’m used to, like I got last year. But when Sakhee got to my hip, Tiznow saw him before I did and he accelerated. And I thought, ‘oh good, we got him’. In spite of the fact Sakhee got by him he did accelerate and outgamed him, gave more resolve,” said jockey Chris McCarron.

It was the second year in a row that the team of Tiznow, McCarron, and trainer Jay M. Robbins won the Breeders’ Cup Classic.