You may recall former Vikings coach Mike Tice cashing a big Pick Six score this summer at Del Mar Race Course.
Well, Tice continues to run hot at the race track.
Midnight Hawk, a two-year-old colt in which Tice reportedly owns a stake, drew off to win in fine fashion on Friday afternoon at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California.
According to Daily Racing Form, Tice and Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville are among the owners of the young gray/roan horse, who made his debut on Friday for trainer Bob Baffert. Tice was an assistant with the Bears from 2010 through 2012, serving as offensive coordinator in his final season.
Star jockey Mike Smith had the call on Midnight Hawk, who broke slowly, worked his way into closer contention, drew even on the turn, then pulled away for a stylish victory of a little more than six lengths. Midnight Hawk was timed in 1:29 and two-fifths seconds.
The winner’s share of the purse is $27,000. However, that’s only part of the story. Fast two-year-old colts can be very valuable; if Midnight Hawk is judged to have run fast, he could be worth quite a bit.
Now, we wait to see where Midnight Hawk runs next. Hollywood Park will close for good in less than two weeks, and Southern California’s thoroughbred racing shifts to Santa Anita Park. Given his debut, a shot in a stakes race could be coming in 2014 for Midnight Hawk.