Tyson and jockey Rafael Hernandez winning the Seagram Cup on July 29, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Chris Lomon, Woodbine Communications / @WoodbineComms
TORONTO, On. – Tyson made it two straight graded stakes scores after taking the $175,000 Seagram Cup (G2), Saturday at Woodbine.
Sent off as the 2-5 choice, Tyson was sent to the front early by Rafael Hernandez in the 1 1/16-mile main track event for 3-year-olds and up, as Carrothers shadowed the leader from in second, with Clear Destination and Kingmax (IRE), positioned in third and fourth, respectively.
Reaching the opening quarter in a tepid :25.26, Tyson held a two-length advantage over Carrothers, as the trio of Clear Destination, Artie’s Storm and Kingmax (IRE) then watched the leaders duke it out through a half in :49.88.
As the field turned for home, the head-to-head battle continued on the front end with Tyson, along the inside, eventually emerging with a clear lead, taking a half-length advantage at the stretch call and converting it into a three-length win in a time of 1:43.26. Carrothers fended off a late rally from Artie’s Storm to secure second. Clear Destination was fourth, followed by Kingmax (IRE) and Seventyseven Stone.
Hernandez, aboard for Tyson’s Dominion Day (G3) triumph on July 1, was once again impressed by the determined effort from the 4-year-old son of Tapit-Honouring.
“He’s a really nice horse,” said Hernandez. “Josie [trainer, Carroll] told me, ‘Raffi, just play it by ear. It’s a small field, just see what happens and try to give a good race to the horse.’ He’ll do anything you want him to do. He showed up today.”
John Sikura, who co-bred and co-owns Tyson under the Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings Inc. banner, along with Stretch Run Ventures, LLC, lauded the effort of the colt he named after former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson.
“It’s one of our best pedigrees, one that we’ve cultivated for more than 30 years,” started Sikura. “I have great admiration for Mike Tyson, and I thought this is a special horse, so I wanted to name him Tyson. Wonderful horse, beautifully bred and I want to thank everyone at the farm for the great job they’ve done, and Josie, for being a magnificent trainer and holding this horse together and getting him on the right track. It looks like he’s going to be a champion. I love Canada and I love Woodbine. It’s great to be here, particularly when you win.”
Carroll, who won the 2011 Seagram Cup with James Street and the 2019 and 2020 editions with Mr Ritz (GB), also had rave reviews for the Kentucky-bred, now 4-0-1 from five career starts.
“This horse just improves steadily,” said Carroll. “He’s a very unseasoned horse compared to his competition. He has matured so much with racing. He’s gone from a big, goofy boy to a horse that has just settled down and turned into a very classic kind of horse.”
Tyson paid $2.90 for the win.
