In only two starts, Tyler's Tribe has reimbursed Tim Martin and Tom Lepic in ways far beyond monetary value.
Named for Lepic's 8-year-old grandson Tyler who has battled leukemia since his diagnosis in August of 2020, the pair plucked the gelding from the 2021 Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association Fall Mixed Sale for only $34,000.
"Before the sale I realized that he hadn't been named yet, and I was pretty excited because we have a grandson named Tyler who has leukemia. He's got a big following on Facebook and you can go on there and look at Tyler's Tribe," Lepic said.
"We thought what a super thing to do for him to get more exposure for leukemia, lymphoma, and the whole story. We named him Tyler's Tribe not knowing what kind of horse we were going to have."
The 2-year-old son of Sharp Azteca bred in Iowa by Clifton Farm and Derek Merkler has blown away expectations, becoming his sire's first stakes winner in the July 9 Prairie Gold Juvenile Stakes at Prairie Meadows, taking it by 8 1/2 lengths. His maiden victory was double that, finishing 16 3/4 lengths in front.
"Everything's been pretty easy for him," Lepic said. "We were going into the winner's circle and Tim said, 'Look, Tom, look at Tyler's Tribe, he isn't even breathing. It's not even like he ran a race; this is crazy.'"
Martin, who trains the gelding, says he is one of the most talented horses he has had within his stable.
"I've never had a horse even close to being this impressive ever, none of the same caliber," Martin said. "He isn't just a fluke. He's a big, good-looking horse; he's got a stride that is unbelievable.
"He's got a lot of brains for a 2-year-old, he's advanced in his mind a lot now. He's sharp. You take him out of the stall and he's like an old pony horse; he's quiet."
Though the gelding has already made what he was purchased for a couple times over, his earnings come second to his mission—spreading cancer awareness.
"We had fans from five or six different states that came in. We had people flying in from as far as Atlanta to come be part of Tyler's Tribe's big race," Lepic said. "After the race Tyler and I both spoke with the microphone on the apron and told the story about how it had come to fruition and the fans just went crazy. They said they were going to be there for every race; it's just a wonderful thing."
As for Tyler himself, Lepic says that he has faced many challenges throughout the past two years and is very aware of those who support him.
"He was blown away. He's kind of a quiet young man but that night he even had tears... He's had a couple friends in the hospital that he got to know very well when he was there that did not make it, so he knows that it's not a thing where everything is good, and it hasn't been for him. Even a few months ago he had a really scary time.
"To hold that trophy, he couldn't believe that he was holding onto a trophy like that and seeing everybody who was there to support him. It was pretty amazing. He understands how blessed he is by his following."
Both Tyler and his horse have promising futures ahead with the gelding likely aimed toward local stakes and a step up in class later this year while Tyler continues on a path of remission.
"He's had a lot of ups and downs and some very serious times," Lepic said. "As it is right now, he's four or five months away from being pronounced cancer free.
"We are very excited and we think this happened for a reason. It seems to be not only a blessing in our family but for so many people around us, and it's really making an exciting thing for horse fans to follow."
