Tim Ice

Trainer Tim Ice has gone from being a relatively unknown trainer based in Louisiana to one of the shining young stars in the profession, largely due to the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) and Shadwell Travers (gr. I) successes of Summer Bird.

A native of East Liverpool, Ohio who has lived in Louisiana since age 15, Ice became acclimated to racing at an early age by his late stepfather, trainer Frank Rapp. He paid his dues over the years, serving as an assistant to a number of trainers, including Cole Norman, Ralph Nicks, and Keith Desormeaux, whose brother, Kent, has ridden Summer Bird to his best victories.

Ice finally struck out on his own in spring 2008, getting a boost from Summer Bird’s owners – Drs. Kalarikkal K. and Vilasini Devi Jayaraman. Ice, who celebrated his 35th birthday June 6 by saddling Summer Bird to win the Belmont, is the trainer of one other stakes winner, the Jayaraman’s Affirmed Truth.

Although he has gotten his career off to a good start from his Midwest base, Ice had indicated before the Belmont he would consider relocating to an area where the opportunities and purses were more plentiful. His quick success will make that possibility a lot likelier.

Ice will be the featured guest on bloodhorse.com’s Talkin’ Horses podcast scheduled for Tuesday, September 8. Questions will be taken until 5 p.m. Monday, September 7.