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Vol. LVIX April 20, 2009
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In Memoriam: Tin Cup Chalice |
Tin Cup Chalice captured the world's attention when winning the 2008 Albany Stakes, at Saratoga. On that August day he became the first horse ever to sweep the OTB Big Apple Triple. In the fall, ThoroFan Voice had the privilege of providing its readership a trilogy of stories which offered a glimpse into the lives of owner-breeder Scott Van Laer, owner-breeder-trainer Michael LeCesse, and jockey Pedro A. Rodriguez. Their tales were unique, though they shared a commonality: the stewardship of this brilliant and breathtaking New York-bred colt. With great sadness we now report that Tin Cup Chalice, along with another horse, Zany, lost their lives this past Friday after a tragic accident during morning training hours at Finger Lakes Race Course.
Traveling clockwise along the outer rail, jockey Pedro A. Rodriguez was guiding Tin Cup Chalice through a morning exercise. Suddenly, another horse, Zany, breezing counter-clockwise, blew the turn coming into the stretch and bolted toward the outside rail. Pedro was headed eastward and at the moment was blinded by the new day's sun. Zany collided into Tin Cup. Due to the sun's angle Pedro never even saw the horse coming toward him. Both Zany and Tin Cup sustained fatal injuries and were euthanized. Pedro Rodriguez was taken to a local hospital and later released. Neither he, nor the other rider, Gennie Cook, sustained serious injury.
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His name came borrowed from a song, written and performed by the popular entertainer Jimmy Buffet. The lyrics speak of a beachcomber who each day wanders the shores, taking life as it comes and finding solace in its simplicity. He drinks wine from a mere tin cup, though he finds it as valuable as any golden chalice. The message being that happiness comes from within; it is a state of mind independent of material wealth or possession. |
Tin Cup Chalice lived up to his name. He brought no bids at auction, and illness nearly prevented him from ever seeing a racetrack. He was owned, trained and ridden by individuals whose names had previously received little recognition. Like Buffet’s beachcomber they too were humble, but their lives were made whole by the beauty and simplicity of the relationship they shared with their horse. Tin Cup also brought comfort to an adoring public. During a period of economic uncertainty he gave people hope. He brought smiles to their faces, and an awareness that although challenges await us all, we can persevere, succeed and even triumph. Tin Cup raced with courage and determination; always on the lead, he refused to be headed. His competitive spirit saw him live up to his farm name, the one affectionately given him as a yearling: Pistol. |
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We lament this tragedy and mark the passing of a great racehorse. In this same instance we remain thankful that neither rider sustained serious injury. Our hearts go out to Scott, Mike and Pedro, the entire Finger Lakes racing community, and all those whose hands have graced Tin Cup’s illustrious career. |
Though we may have seen the last of the wine let us raise our glasses in toast, for in this brief time our lives were more complete, and our hearts made lighter by the simplicity of the moments shared.
With great sympathy,
– ThoroFan Voice |
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