Remembering Tin Cup Chalice

Tin Cup Chalice, winner of the Big Apple Triple, was euthanized this morning, 04/17/09, at Finger Lakes, his home track. He was in a freak training accident on the Finger Lakes track this morning, colliding with another horse, Zany, who was also euthanized. His rider, Pedro Rodriquez, was hospitalized. The 4 year old gelding was beginning training for his 4 year old campaign. His first race was to be at Finger Lakes. As a 3 year old, Tin Cup Chalice, won three races last year at Belmont Park, Finger Lakes and Saratoga Racetrack to take the Big Apple Triple and win a $250,000 bonus from the New York State Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding program.

Tin Cup Chalice went on to win the Indiana Derby (Grade 2) on October 4 at Hoosier Park before finishing 13th of 15 in the $2.7-million Japan Cup Dirt (Jpn-G1) on December 7 in his 2008 season finale.

Tin Cup Chalice was bred, trained, and co-owned by Mike Lecesse, Tin Cup Chalice won eight of his ten starts over two seasons and earned $868,680.

Not very well known outside of New York, Tin Cup Chalice was a great story, a message of hope for all small time owners and trainers with a dream. Tin Cup Chalice, a gelding from a small track,went on to run in a Grade 1 and Grade 2 race. For a behind the scenes trainers journal of the trip to the Japan Cup Dirt, check out Mike Lecesse’s trainers journal at the Thorofan site.