Seeing Pegasus in Person
It was a longshot, but while in Kentucky a week before the Breeders’ Cup to visit breeding farms with friends we had a very slight chance of getting to see Flightline close-up, at least in the light. Read on to see if our quest proved to be a success. ~ Steve Haskin
Seeing Pegasus in Person
By Steve Haskin
This is a story spanning all of one day about my attempt to meet the horse they say can sprout wings. Unlike other people I am not here to compare Flightline to Secretariat or Man o’ War or Bucephalus, Alexander the Great’s trusty steed who became one of the most famous horses in history. As Big Red’s owner Penny Chenery once said, “Each era had its great horses and we are simply privileged to have had the opportunity, past or present, to share in their greatness. They were all great.”
But the reason no comparisons of Flightline can be made with these equine immortals is because Flightline after only six starts exists alone in his own sphere. He is the stuff of dreams; that unbeatable, untouchable shining star that is beyond the reach of others, no matter how talented they appear to be. In short, we have never seen anything like him, and I am sure that Thoroughbred owners often lie in bed at night and try to picture themselves owning a horse that in the past has dwelt only in the imagination. After all, these horses are still flesh and blood and cannot be expected to decimate their foes with such total domination every time they step in the starting gate.
But Flightline couldn’t help it. He simply was born with more octane in his tank than other horses and could outdistance them race after race while barely stepping on the accelerator. A high-octane person or in this case horse is one who is “effective without wasting time or effort or expense.” Flightline, simply said, is great without even trying.
When I think of Flightline and what he has accomplished in every one of his starts, not just the Pacific Classic and Breeders’ Cup Classic, two sayings come to mind as well as the lyrics from a song.
Back in the mid-18th century there was a horse who was looked upon in Great Britain with the same reverence we look upon Flightline. His name was Eclipse and the phrase that followed him wherever he went was “Eclipse first, the rest nowhere.” That has been Flightline.
In the 1960s there was a song made famous by Peter, Paul, and Mary and also by Joan Baez about a fictitious horse named Stewball. When I think of one line from that song I can envision Flightline coming down the stretch in isolated splendor. “And a-way up yonder, ahead of them all, came a-prancin’ and a-dancin’ my noble Stewball.” Flightline in every race has been prancin’ and dancin’ a-way up yonder ahead of them all.
And finally there is Ernest Hemingway’s line from “For Whom the Bells Toll,” which I used once describing the scene at American Pharoah’s Belmont Stakes: “But did thee feel the earth move?” That is up to each person to decide how they felt following the Classic, but I am sure there were many like myself who could feel some sort of jolt watching Flightline draw away yet again from a field of talented, classy horses.
All this is a somewhat hyperbolic preface for the events of Saturday, October 29. But with Flightline hyperbole is more truth than embellishment.
Before we proceed let me go back to the 2021 Kentucky Derby trail and my regular text messages with Kosta Hronis, owner of the Derby favorite Rock Your World. In one of his texts, Kosta threw this often used cliché at me: “We have one in the barn that is unbelievable.” That would be the seed from which the legend would grow. Before he ever ran, Kosta said after watching him work, “Wow, this colt is different. His talent seems limitless.” Those turned out to be the most prophetic comments I have ever heard. To read about those early discovery days and the story behind Flightline you can visit my column of September 6.
But getting back to my trip and the Saturday before the Breeders’ Cup, here I was preparing to leave Connecticut for Lexington, Kentucky to visit breeding farms from October 27 to November 1 with my wife Joan and our friends Avi and Rhoda Freedberg, whose magnificent home located right on the Oklahoma training track has become our second home during the Saratoga meet for the past decade or so. The Freedbergs had bid on and won two nights in the now famous rustic “tree house” (which has been made into a B&B) on Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa Farm, known as the Biltmore of the Bluegrass where a good portion of the movie “Seabiscuit” was filmed. Among the stallions residing there are Curlin, sire of three Breeders’ Cup winners this year, and Violence and Ghostzapper, who each sired one Breeders’ Cup winner.
But in addition to visiting top stallions such as Flightline’s sire Tapit, Into Mischief, Medaglia d’Oro, American Pharoah. Justify, Uncle Mo and many others, there was a chance to finally see Flightline in person for the first time. A text from the colt’s co-owner Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds the day before we were to leave told me all I needed to know. “Steve, Flightline is working at 7:30 on Saturday.”
That was great news, but the bad part is that it doesn’t get light in Kentucky until 8 o’clock. But at least we would be able to get a glimpse of him. With my old pocket-sized Canon Sure shot camera there was no chance of getting a photo in the dark, as any slight movement would render the shot a blurry mess. With the Breeders’ Cup horses stabled who knows where behind Keeneland on Rice Road and coming on to the track by the seven-eighths pole I wouldn’t even be able to see the horse enter by the gap leading to the main stable area.
I made arrangements to meet Terry on the apron by the gap just to say hi and see how he was holding up a week before the race, and also to hopefully see some familiar faces I haven’t seen in years since my semi-retirement from Blood-Horse in 2015, although I did write for them freelance for the next five years continuing my Derby Dozen, which I now do along with the weekly Askin’ Haskin column for Secetariat.com.
We were out of the hotel before 6:30, expecting a throng of visitors to “see” Flightline and other Breeders’ Cup horses train. Sure enough they came out in number, even with small children, some of them wearing their Halloween costumes.
As I had hoped. I met several people from the “old days,” catching up on things, especially how the sport and the media have changed in recent years. At 7:30, waves of horses, many wearing Breeders’ Cup saddle towels, could be seen galloping or working through the darkness. We realized that even if we caught Flightline going by it would be a five-second blur. We did see a horse with the saddle towel number 102 signifying a Classic horse whiz by. Was that Flightline? All we saw was the light shining from the exercise rider’s helmet and a horse with four bandages striding out beautifully. By the time I raised my camera for whatever futile reason he was gone. No one else knew if that was Flightline. It didn’t really matter. It was like trying to recognize someone going by you in a speeding Amtrak express. Soon we came to the realization that the Breeders’ Cup works were over. Oh, well, at least we were in the presence of Flightline…we think.
Soon after, we saw Terry and he told us that Flightline was one of the first horses on the track and the blur we saw likely was him. We didn’t get to really see him or photograph him, but at least we had a date the following morning to visit his sire Tapit at Gainesway Farm and would be going to Ashford Stud later Saturday afternoon to see Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify. And we hadn’t even gotten to Xalapa Farm yet for our two nights there. So we put Flightline behind us and moved on knowing we at least gave it a shot.
As I spoke to Terry, he said, “Why don’t you drive out to the barn? You go out the back gate. He’s in Barn 60.” The chances of him still being out and getting his bath were practically zero. He had been back for a while and we still had to walk the length of the grandstand, get in our car and figure out where we were going. I had a rough idea where the back gate was, but finding our way past all the vans and winding roads it took up more valuable time.
We finally found the back gate but had no idea where Barn 60 was, so Avi asked every person we saw on the road. It probably didn’t matter, as none of us had Breeders’ Cup media credentials. We finally saw the small barn area and Barn 60 and Avi calmly drove in and flashed his owner’s badge and we were in. The great writer Bill Nack, who was a master at getting in places, always told me just act like you belong and avoid eye contact. There were plenty of media there waiting to talk to trainer John Sadler. As expected, Flightline was finished with his bath and back in his stall. We saw Terry and he told us they would bring him back out to wash his feet.
You mean there was still a chance we would get to see Flightline close up? Like the old days I listened to Sadler talk about the work. Thank goodness the days of shoving a tape recorder in front of a trainer’s mouth and then having to transcribe his words were over.
I heard him say that Flightline had worked five furlongs in 1:00 3/5 under assistant trainer Juan Leyva, which was exactly what Sadler was looking for. “I told Juan to go in a minute and change and out (seven-eighths) in 1:26, and that’s what he did,” Sadler said. “Juan’s a great work rider. It was not about going fast today, just getting around there happy. He’s had a good week and gotten settled in, and the track is a little similar to Del Mar. He’ll go to the track to jog Monday, gallop Tuesday through Friday and won’t go to the track the morning of the Classic.”
Sadler then went back in the barn. OK, now we wait for the horse to make another appearance. As the time went by I started getting antsy. Terry was still there being interviewed by a few reporters, but most of the media had departed by now, with only a few remaining, which was not a good sign. Soon there was hardly anyone left. Rhoda had approached someone who supposedly was close to the horse and he told her that Flightline was in for good and not coming back out. So close yet so far.
We figured we had stayed long enough and it was time to move on. Just then the doors to the barn opened and there he was in all his magnificence. No, he didn’t have wings, but Pegasus was there right before our eyes. And we had him pretty much all to ourselves. Yes, he indeed was getting his feet washed as Terry had said. As soon as he stepped out and on to the wash mat his head and his ears went up and he started looking around, either posing for the few of us that were left or wondering where everyone had gone.
Class exuded from every pore. Not once did his ears or his head go down. This was as alert a horse as I have ever seen. It was as if he was born to pose. Like the great ones, he knew he was special. After a while it seemed like my camera was shooting on its own. Now it was time to get Joan in the pictures, while Avi shot Rhoda with his phone. Still he posed. It was as close to a private photo session as you could get. We couldn’t believe our good fortune.
What seemed all morning like an unsuccessful attempt to see Flightline and get close to him had turned into an unforgettable experience, thanks in good part to Terry Finley, who I have followed through the years going back to the early days of West Point Thoroughbreds, which now occupies hallowed ground in the annals of the sport.
Flightline returned to the barn and we finally left, with all of us beaming inside and out at the unforeseen turn of events. The rest of our trip was memorable as well spending the following morning alone with Tapit for a good half hour and the recently pensioned Afleet Alex, then going to Ashford Stud and historic Airdrie Stud, and then the following day to see Curlin and company at Xalapa, and finally Lane’s End Farm, future home of Flightline, to see Quality Road, one of my favorites, and Candy Ride, the sire of Avi and Rhoda’s Westchester Stakes winner Nicodemus.
While at Lane’s End, although not a word was said, we all got the feeling they were about ready to roll out the red carpet. You could feel it and you could see it in their faces. There was no doubt in our mind that Flightline was going to be retired…and quickly. The day after the Classic the announcement was made. We had the narrowest of windows and the slimmest of chances to see Flightline up close and personal as a racehorse and we somehow managed to do it.
Even with all the great stallions we saw we will never forget our morning at Barn 60 getting to see Flightline, who one week later would once again be dancin’ and a-prancin’ a-way out yonder ahead of them all, finishing first with the rest nowhere. But most important, we like most everyone felt the earth move.
Photos courtesy of Eclipse Sportswire and Steve Haskin
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
Steve, have you read Timeform’s article “ Flightline: The Timeform Verdict – Big Red Still Top Of The Tree”? You are in good form as usual.
Hi Steve,
I greatly respect your perspective given your excellent knowledge of racing history, Pedigree and ability to assess well visually.
I must preface my comments by stating any perceived criticism is of the connections and their campaign and not of the horse.
To me there are several elements that measure thoroughbred race horde greatness.
Durability. This means not just showing up for races, but demonstrating championship level form over multiple year campaigns and running back in a reasonable amount of time. 3 to 6 months I do not see as a reasonable amount of time. 9 weeks is certainly more reasonable. Certainly a three race campaign raises questions if one seeks ti be considered for Horse of the Year. During the Eclipse Era there has never been a Horse of the Year with so slim a campaign. Flightline was healthy between June 11th and September 5th. Why didn’t he run in the Whitney Stakes which would have actually given him a test at the Graveyard of Champions? Failure to do this really muddied his campaign because there were no excuses for ducking Saratoga.
Competition. Flightline cannot be blamed for the competition he faced to the extent he announced his schedule in advance. However, he can be blamed when he announces two potential races and ducks the race with the tougher field which he did with the Whitney Stakes.
Also, unlike a horse like Arrogate who faced two future Hall of Famers in California Chrome and Gun Runner, both of whom ran faster than any competition Flightline faced, Flightline never faced horses so good and it is because he ducked the competition.
Speed. I will grant you Flightline is a talented fast horse. He is the speed figure horse. But he never set track records. Stakes records. World records. His Breeders Cup Classic was a lower BSF than Ghostzapper and Ghostzapper ran three of his races faster BSF wise in his championship year while facing a tougher field. 128, 124, 114 while Flightline was 126, 121, 112.
Accomplishments. He won but 4 graded stakes races. Justify’s Triple Crown was more impressive. Arrogate’s 4 wins were more impressive.
Adversity- great horses overcome Adversity. Flightline never faced because his connections never challenged him. Had he entered the Whitney Stakes he could have run on a good, not fast track. He never ran on an off track like Justify or against a field of more than 7 other horses.
For me Flightline had a chance to be one of the greatest ever, but I would not place him better than 4th this century. American Pharoah, Ghostzapper and Justify were better.
Looking forward to your historical comparison.
Reading the highly respected and historically accurate Timeform’s article “ Flightline: The Timeform Verdict – Big Red Still Top Of The Tree” may give you a more objective perspective on the actual rating of the greatest ever. We all have our favorites but that’s a subjective opinion.
Lynda, did you notice that Tapit’s son Cupid had the largest rise in mares bred from 2021 total to 2022 total. Cupid had 77 mares bred in 2021 to a whopping increase of 174. Moreover, Tacitus, the son of Tapit I’m really hoping will succeed, had 188 mares bred in 2022 which is extremely positive so far.
Greatest Honour is another Tapit son I hope makes his mark. Both Tacitus and Greatest Honour come from the worldwide successful family of Best in Show.
Flightline to make an early presence in Japan. Shamrock Rose purchased by Japan’s KI Farm for $3 million at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale is to be bred to Flightline before she is shipped to Japan.
I was ecstatic, when John Sadler announced after Flightline’s October 8 6F work, the dates of the final two planned works at Santa Anita. Planning commenced immediately, and my partner in crime for preposterous trips turned out to be available the 21-22nd, and signed on for the nine hour, one way, drive . A hotel room was booked close to the track, as he always worked so early. We set off binoculars and cameras in hand.
The week before the 10-22 work, John Sadler had intimated that he might work Flightline later in the morning due to darkness. We were not planning on taking chances, and then searching for any additional information, I thought of the Santa Anita Stable Notes for the previous day. Flightline would work at 6:30 as usual! We prepared to be there well in advance. Aside from the light on Leyva’s helmet, I knew exactly what color chaps he had been wearing, and other details to be sure I could spot Flightline in the dark. My camera gear was not ideal for this task, but might get something, so I toted it along
Arriving half an hour early, the track was just emptying for the harrows which soon carefully lined up in a precise phalanx do their work and make a perfect path for Flightline and others to do their work. As the harrows worked their way around, the horses began to assemble outside the track entrance at the head of the stretch. There were certainly a fair number of people around, but not as many as I was expecting. I hoped that Flightline’s fans would not be arriving too late to see him go.
The throng headed onto the track with Flightline near the front of the group. In the dark, I was struggling to be sure I was watching the right horse. “Leyva is wearing different colors.”, “That HAS to be him.”, “I am not sure it is him?”, “What if I miss him?”, Oh yes, THAT is Flightline!”. He disappeared into the darkness to start his work.
And then, before any others had time to get there, a light could be seen on the backstretch moving at a flying pace. We were positive (well, pretty sure) that we were watching the right horse. Leyva and Flightline tore around the turn and as Flightline passed us with his enormously powerful bounding stride, I took my eyes off just long enough to snap a couple of pictures. (Works of art they are not, but unmistakably Flightline, and the power comes through.)
Unfortunately, we were not in the know, that Flightline routinely exited the track through the tunnel and the paddock, so that was the last we saw of him. But it was not a sight I will soon forget.
There has been a lot of social media talk about whether a horse with only six starts could possibly be considered “great”. I think few people who have seen him live, either working or racing, will ever have any doubt of it. I also suspect that because he did not come to prominence through the Triple Crown races, he was below the radar of fans who don’t hear about an unbelievable performance by a 3yo to destroy older Gr1 sprinters, his third start out in a December race called the Malibu. I regret they did not have a chance to appreciate him before the BC Classic or at least the Pacific Classic. They missed him therefore, and may never understand or believe what, exactly, they missed.
A few literary quotes come to my mind also, though unfortunately I have lost several of the sources.
Flightline is truly a horse, “who revels in his own speed”, he “breathes different air”, and yes as while probably coined much earlier, I credit C.W. Anderson with teaching me what it truly means for a horse to have the “look of eagles.” There is no doubt in my mind that Flightline embodies those qualities. And funny enough, I had also been brought to mind of the quote, “Eclipse first, the rest nowhere.”
Thank you Flightline, thank you Juan Leyva, and thank you John Sadler and your entire team, for letting me see what I did in near pitch dark one morning last month. And thank you Steve Haskin, for once again capturing the essence of a horse, this one called Flightline.
So keeneland had another breeders cup. remember going to keeneland when I was a kid. There was NO public address system.! If you wanted to know what was going on in the race or even who won it was up to you. Or maybe another race fan standing next to you. Yes. This is the truth.
Flightline was incredible. Best horse I have seen since Bid. I don’t want to compare him to the horses who carried weight and ran for 3 years. Apples to oranges. I’ve been watching the great ones come and go since 1955. When flightline effortlessly won three in a row I thought oh my gosh. Then he won another three in a row effortlessly. Against the best anybody could throw up against him.
Girvin and Army Mule are now in the top ten in the first crop sires. Army Mule progeny won today, his 3rd stakes winner.
A California Chrome 2 year old just lost an (placed 2nd) in an undercard race leading up to the QE Stakes in Japan after leading most of the way. CC might well sire some nice turf runners. He seems take a fancy to grey mares and gets super excited around them. Maybe they should breed him only to grey mares, LOL.
Knew an Arabian stallion years ago who jumped a six foot fence and knocked down a second fence to get to a grey filly he was in love with. The foal was a filly who was the mirror image of her sire from the tip of her nose to the tip of her tail.
I think they’ll make Chrome a good sire….muscular mid-sized horse that liked 10 furlongs, I think he will make a good mid-distance turf sire! Not sure he will be able to transfer that stamina but he is a good sized….well muscled stallion!
Matthew W, Chrome’s foal crops have done very well in Chile (he shuttled there for several years when he was at Taylor Made).
All of the races that that I have been able to watch here and in Chile seem to indicate that they have his turn of foot and acceleration in the stretch. They also seem to have inherited his tenacity to throw down the best race they have in them each time.
One of best fillies here, Cilla, went for $550,000 at the Keeneland Sale after the Breeders Cup and she is booked to Jackie’s Warrior for 2023. She was purchased by a breeding farm on the West Coast.
He throws both turf and dirt foals.
I do think that if he is supported with the mares in Japan’s awesome broodmare bands that he will produce stakes winners in Japan. His books in Japan are on average 150 mares.
He looks absolutely wonderful. A couple of his American fans just got back from Arrow Stud and shared lots of photos of him.
He is very happy and looks so much better than when was at Taylor Made. Not knocking Taylor Made, just think horses respond differently in different environments. His groom in Japan adores him and it shows.
No matter if he ever throws champions or not he will go down in racing history as one of the most loved racehorses in the 21st century.
Lynda, what hue was the Arabian stallion? After watching the film “Lawrence of Arabia” as a young child I was obsessed in owning my own Arabian horse and gray was the color of choice. At fancy dress parties I always came as “Lawrence of Arabia.” Richard the Lionheart and Ivanhoe were other heroes, mind you, this was after the fads of being cowboys and Indians. We actually used to try and outdraw each other. Lol. Days of innocence.
Davids the stallion was a bay with lots of chrome, 4 perfectly matched stockings and a big blaze. The mare was grey. She eas very feminine and a long and thick mane and tail. She also had big dark eyes and a beautiful face. She was a dappled grey. If you recall what Frosted looked like when he was racing. She was supposed to be bred to a grey stallion but the bay jumped that fence and got to her first. That stallion loved the pretty, feminine little mares. LOL, typical man I guess. (Just kidding).
Grey Arabians and Thoroughbreds are very striking looking in my opinion.
I have one grey Arabian.She was chestnut when she born but turned a great bitten grey.
She has a bit of a “blood shoulder”.
Yes, Lynda, the greys have it, Percherons as well. Liver chestnuts are also striking and blacks with chrome markings. Frosted is/was gorgeous, Arctic Arrogance might be his best male progeny thus far.
There WAS a period that Bob was cold…..a five year run, where the only real moneymaker were Hoppertunity and McKenzie…
I should have said a 5 or 5 year cold streak for Bib AND Pegram, as a pair..
There was a 12 year period between Kentucky Derby wins too. You have to have the horses no matter how good the trainer.
I think BB has some good ones this year. His Faiza won a nice Maiden race on Saturday and she really looked good doing it to me. I like Cave Rock moving forward. I hope he can learn to rate. At least a little bit. He’s also got Arabian Knight and Arabian Lion.
The difference this year is that BB is only banned at Churchill and will still be able to be around other tracks. He should be able to keep an eye on things.
I remember the period when BB was down a little bit. At least for him. I don’t think he was winning at 30% during that time, but he still hit at a pretty good rate. Maybe 20%. I don’t remember exactly.
I’ve rewatched that Breeders Cup Juvenile several times. There was no reason for Cave Rock to outrun the sprinter Hurricane J to the lead. Hurricane J was going to come back to the field. Frankly, I think Paulo Lobo picked the wrong spot for Hurricane J. Another thing about Cave Rock that day. He raced pretty wide coming out of the first turn. I’m not sure what that was about. One other thing. Cave Rock looked smaller than Forte to me. It’s difficult to be sure when you are watching on TV. Even a 65-incher. Maybe Cave Rock fills out come Springtime and comes back bigger and stronger.
Faiza is owned by Michael Lund Peterson. He had another nice Filly with BB named Gamine. It’s a shame that Gamine lost her last race in last year’s Breeders Cup, finishing 3rd to CeCe. It was the only time that Gamine lost a sprint race. She still ran a 100 BSF that day.
I think Cave Rock was wide to try to keep him from engaging with Hurricane J, not that it worked.
Also a quick tidbit about Faiza, in Flightline’s last work, I noticed his 1:11 3/5 was not the bullet. So I looked up who the other horse was, and was surprised to find it was an unraced 2yo filly…by Girvin…though a $725,000 purchase. That was Faiza. I would have bet the house on her in her debut, even at 3/5.
Jon Hardoon of the Ragozin sheets said Flightline is comparable to Sandy Koufax, who had five terrific seasons….baseball scholars continue to say Koufax was the best lefty pitcher…
For those interested:” Flightline: The Timeform Verdict – Big Red Still Top Of The Tree” can be found at Timeform’s website or at other various racing websites, just search.
I would like to read John Randall and Tony Morris’ opinion on Flightline. As much as I respect Timeform, I doubt they would ever have a non-European horse the top of their tree. We all have our failings. Ha ha
Last year BB had a few promising 3-year-olds during the Road to the Kentucky Derby season. We all know that things didn’t work out so well when those horses were transferred to other trainers in order to be entered at Churchill Downs on Derby Day. I’ve already got 3 of BB’s colts on my 2023 list and 1 of his fillies on my Oaks list. And we haven’t even reached Thanksgiving. If I understand this correctly, BB will still be “banned’ at Churchill for the 2023 Derby on May 6th. This means that his Derby & Oaks contenders will again have to be moved to other barns. Will those horses flounder in other barns like BB’s 2022 horses did? Maybe not. A different year and a different situation.
Even though Forte came and got him in the Breeders Cup Juvenile, I like the looks of Cave Rock. If he shows up in February or March with Joel Rosario or Flavien Prat on his back, I’ll be very interested in Cave Rock. I’ll probably change my mind 10 or 15 times between now and May the 6th.
I didn’t get any bets down in the first Kentucky Derby Future Wager for 2 reasons: I didn’t like the timing of the bet and the ADW that I use, TVG, never offered the bet. No worries. Pool#2 is coming up in less than 2 weeks. November 24-27. Which is the usual time for Pool#1.
In fairness to Bob’s two Derby horses Taiba and Messier ran one/two in the SA Derby for Yakteen, the Kentucky Derby pace burning both up….Adare Manor ran a good 2nd in the Black Eyed Susan, for Yakteen….Bob hasn’t exactly had great success with his 2022 3yos, either. ..Taiba if course the exception, he wants HOY with Taiba in 2023….
There’s a Maiden race at Del Mar today that could produce some future Stakes winners. The 4th race features two BB colts that look very interesting and a Richard Mandella youngster that is the son of War Front and Beholder. In fact, the entire 8-horse field could turn out to be very productive.
Teena Bella (by War Front out of Beholder) is a filly.
My mistake. The entries that I looked at didn’t designate gender. One of the BBs, Wudi, has scratched. Flavien Prat is riding out in California again.
LOL, sames happens to me a lot. Have to look their pedigrees up to see if colt or filly.
I just happened to know about Teena Bella as I follow Beholder’s progeny.
I SO enjoyed this article. I wish I could share it with a fan of Steve’s who is an administrator of the NRF.
Glad you enjoyed it. I dont know what the NRF is or who the administator is but all my columns are public and can be shared with anyone.
Another reason to like Flightline…..very strong backstretch headwind that caused speed to fade—did not affect Flightline! Most dirt races speed was noticeably fading, in the lane……
You can compare this horse, with that horse…..six races, 4 gr1s AND GOOD GR1s…..complete domination, never challenged, never—
Another one bites the dust, Jack Christopher retired to Ashford.
Like Flightline, only 6 races for Jack Christopher. He won 5 of 6 and his only loss was in the Haskell at a distance that wasn’t his best. He did run well though in that loss. His wins were mostly spectacular. I hate to say it, but I think that he will be mostly remembered for his scratches from the Breeders Cups just before the races. Promise unfulfilled.
I know it’s been said over and over by many different people and I have to agree, way too many horses being retired after their 3-year-old seasons. Maybe it’s always been this way and I just didn’t notice.
Not always this way but evidently now the new way.
Also, like Flightline, Jack Christopher was favored in all six of his lifetime starts. In the last four races, he was odds-on. Of course, Flightline was odds-on in all six of his career starts. What does that mean? In the case of Flightline, they never found any horses that could really give him any competition. Jack Christopher lost to the 2 best horses that he ever faced, Cyberknife and Taiba. But at a distance that favored those two horses. I’m not going to criticize Jack Christopher. He beat what they put into the gate with him 5 times. They might have picked their spots with him and maybe he was “managed” a little bit. But they were doing what they thought was best for their horse. I thought he was a bad favorite in the Haskell at Monmouth. Wrong distance. But I came away with more respect for him in that one loss than in any of his 5 wins. He ran a really good race that day in New Jersey and didn’t get beat by too much.
You mention Taiba. I think all these retirements open the door for Taiba to emerge as king of the mountain next year.
Even before the retirements, I have been saying that for a long time. Baffert really believes in him…. now he just has to keep him healthy!!! On another note Cyberknife is still in training I wonder what race they are pointing him for???
I read The Pegasus.
Please note, Not Confirmed !
Clairiere is returning next year.
I am coming to the realization that it will be the “fillies and mares who will build the fan base”* in American racing.
*Alex Evers on Twitter yesterday.
Huge intelligent eye!!, huge nostril, (a la Secretariat), and longish ears…makes a great racehorse! What a beautiful face…
Great observations and couldn’t agree with you more !!!
“Rush”…whose last race was 34 1/5 years ago….passed at 39…..
Raced as “Dead Solid Perfect”
Steve, Thank You , Thank You , Thank You !!! for another wonderful article and a little bit more incite into the horse racing’s SuperStar, Flightline. Your writings throughout the years about many events, personalities and heroes of this great sports have brought us many joys, tears and memories. You are our eyes and ears to the backside of the sport.
I know I am in minority when it comes to Flightline future but I am glad he was retired. For one there is no horse in training that can beat him. He has beaten the best that was there to offer and not by inches but by many yards. Many are comparing him to Secretariat but I compare him more Spectacular Bids and “his” 4 year old season were no horse came close to beating him and in his last race was given the ultimate compliment of a “WalkOver” by the owners and trainers of his peers. I thought Mr Cade comments below about Mr Riddle and his dilemna of continuing racing of Man O’War at 4, speaks of what it would have been like for Flightline next year … hollow victories. I hope he enjoys much success in his breeding career.
In closing, Steve, I have to say I am envious (in a good way) of you and to be able to witness many great horseracing events but I would like to leave you with this one last thought. Back in the 1930’s the great Lou Gehrig in his farewell speech to baseball on a day named in his honor made a statement that I can also relate to you and that was
“Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth”.
You should say that to yourself (if you don’t already) every morning when you look in the mirror.
Thank You Steve… Have a Great Week and Weekend !!!
PS can’t wait until the next Askin’ Haskins
Glorious Song did come close to Bid, 1 1/2 lengths….she was a terrific mare, who I saw get beat by Eleven Stitches, in 1971….
Matt what you forgot to mention is that he did it with both his hind legs tied together just to make it fair !!! (LOL). Yes she was a GREAT one !!!
Thank you so much. I really appreciate the kind words. I do consider myself extremely fortunate and in many ways blessed. I’m sre there are people wo agree with you about Flightline. But it will remain a controversy
You’re right Steve people see controversy with him and early retirement but there should be more controversy with early retirements of Early Voting, Cyberknife, Mo Donegal , Olympiad , etc… these are horses who really need to prove themselves !!!!
There are over a dozen older male Grade 1 winners retiring this year. Seems like a great opportunity to keep some of those good ones in training for 2023. The pickin’s have to be far easier next year.
Who do we even have for the Pegasus, Saudi, and Dubai World, Cups?
Spectacular Bid’s 4 year old season he won all 9. All that purse money did not cover his insurance premiums. Even though the owners were in the hole they enjoyed the ride! Would Flightline be looking at a walk over too?
Bill Mott’s Olympiad is also being retired. He had a terrific year. With Flightline gone, he could have been top-dog next year. I wonder what next year’s Breeders Cup Classic is going to look like? Probably a bigger field loaded with plenty of 3-year-olds.
Steve – Great summary of Flightline’s unique superhorse credentials, and glad that the racing gods saw to it that you were able to get the one-on-one with him!!! (That’s now my favorite photo of him by the way!) The decision to retire Flightline arguably was based on the enormous financial considerations involved, but it reminded me of the situation facing Sam Riddle, Man o’ War’s owner. Based on the fact that Flightline has humbled all the top older horses as well as the best three year olds, one of his owners and the founder/owner of Lands End Farm, Will Farish, asked rhetorically, “Who runs against him?”, suggesting that the owners and trainers of opposing horses would be hesitant to even want to run against him. This is the same dilemma faced by Sam Riddle in 1920, who saw the size of the fields wanting to challenge Man o’ War steadily diminish in number, and was confronting unheard of handicap weights for his star’s prospective 4 year old season in 1921. And ironically, Flightline has an amazing 29 appearances of Man o’ War in his pedigree! Best, Dave
Thats very kind of you David, thank you! So glad you liked the photo. Theree are everal others I like but I liked this one the best. Great comparison with Man o’ War. I will give futher explanation in my Vox Populi column next week.
Well, there is a bit of a difference between Man o’ War and Flightline. Man o’ War had actually been campaigned by Riddle in numerous Stakes races against the best there was multiple times. Flightline faced 31 unique competitors, Happy Saver and Stiletto Boy twice in but six races. Man o’ War had set numerous world, track and Stakes records. His life had been threatened. And physically he was beginning to show the wear and tear of carrying massive imposts on his young frame. So, Riddle was actually acting to protect the horse’s life and well being while after a mere six starts in 2 years Flightline’s connections are looking to cash in and unveil marketing campaigns resembling Justify’s undefeated Triple Crown winner malarkey with the only Breeders Cup winner to retire undefeated. And five starts is the least amount of starts for a Breeders Cup Classic winner, but it is a mark first set by Arrogate who in my mind had a much more impressive campaign than Flightline because of the quality of horses he faced, where he ran, and the speed he ran. Flightline did not win at the Graveyard of Champions and never set a track or Stakes record or faced a future Hall of Fame horse unless Taiba some how makes it. But Arrogate faced two, twice.
$200,000 fee for Flightline.
The market has spoken. What happens if Flightline is an instant success at stud? Back to the 80s stud fees. Lol or should that be, ouch!!
As I recall AP started out at same but it was a two for one deal.
Cannot recall any stallion other than AP that started this high (in US). Do stand to be corrected however.
I think this is too high. It will certainly squeeze out small breeders.
Will be a good 18 months before we even know what he throws other than foal photos in early 2024.
“Heard” first book will be limited to 80 mares. Also “heard” that the individual who purchased WPT is a man from out West who has a broodmare band.
Just my thought that it is being hoped that he will be Tapit’s legacy stallion. To date there has not been a really successful Tapit
standing at stud. That is not to say that one of them will not develop.
Also read an interesting comment that LIG is a better value at 100,000 since most races are less than a mile and a quarter.
Lynda, Devil’s Bag in 1983, who was syndicated for $36 million, supposedly stood his first year for $200,000 but the advertised fee was private. Fusaichi Pegasus and Justify stood at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud for an opening stud fee of $150,000.
Sorry Lynda, have to disagree with you, you are forgetting Tapit’s son, Constitution. Constitution, with a 2023 stud fee of $110,000, is extremely impressive as a sire. This year Constitution was represented by yearlings selling for $1,800,000 and $1,300,000 at the Keeneland September Sale and $1,250,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. Of the dozen or so most expensive yearling colts sold in the US in 2022, three were by Constitution. Some, thought they were the best colts as well.
Constitution will have even better yearlings at the sales, next year and beyond.
Ghostzapper also stood at Stronach’s Adena Springs Farm with an initial stud fee of $200,000. Forgot about him.
Davids, I would like to clarify for you and others that my main concern for the 200,000 fee for Flightline is about shutting out small breeders.
Historically speaking some of our best male racehorses have come from small breeding farms and by lesser known stallions.
I understand completely how Farish arrived at Flightline’s value and the breeding fee.
Regardless of his potential, his record, his pedigree, his conformation, Flightline is and will be ab unproven stallion until his first racing crops hit the track. Yes, his first foal crop will bring very high prices at the weanling and yearling sales. That is a given.
Great racehorses rarely reproduce themselves and there is an abundance of evidence out there to support that statement.
As to Constitution, yes, at the moment he is sitting at # 9 on the sires list. Several of his progeny have brought 7 figures, however the median average is in the mid 6 figures.
Tapit has sired around 1,650 named foals and to date none of his colts have set rhe world on fire in the breeding shed. He simply to date has not been a sire of sires.
He turns 22 this coming year and having watched a video of him a day or two ago, he still looks stunning and in impressive physical shape. He is however in the waning days of rhe shelf life of a Thoroughbred breeding stallion.
I sincerely hope that Flighline is a success in the shed and will become Tapit ‘s legacy.
Lynda, Tapit is the only sire with 3 sons in the top 30 sires list; Tapit is the only sire with 2 sons in the top 12 on the sires list.
With Essential Quality and Flightline to follow and Constitution getting superior mares now, I’m more than confident that Tapit will make his mark.
“He [Tapit] simply to date has not been a sire of sires.” Yet, when we go to the 4th-Crop sires by Progeny Earnings what evidence do we find:
1. Tonalist (Tapit)
2. American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile)
3. Constitution (Tapit)
4. Tapiture (Tapit)
That seems fairly conclusive to me, data over opinion?
Davids, as with all statistical information, how the data is sorted makes a big difference.
Tonalist for example does show in the Top Ten if the data is sorted by earnings. In this case Country Grammar accounts for the bulk of Tonalist’s progeny earnings.
Just a suggestion that of you are using the stats on Blood Horse that you sort the All North American Sires list by different categories.
I have already agreed with you or at least I thought I did that Constitution is the best son of Tapit and regardless of how you sort the data he comes up in the top ten or at least the top 15.
Will give you another example. If you you go to International sires, third crop you will see Californoa Chrome in the top ten.
These stats do not include Chile however. If Chile was included Chrome would be higher in the ranking.
To date Chrome has sired over 100 winners in North America. Granted that with a couple of exceptions they have not been Grade One winners.
Frosted is number two on that list, result of wins being counted in Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Constitution is on his way to becoming a Tapit legacy stallion as his increasing fee suggests but he is not there yet. He is a relatively young stallion, I think he will be 13 next year. So there is still time for him to be elevated to legacy status.
Lynda, your statement:
“Tapit has sired around 1,650 named foals and to date none of his colts have set rhe world on fire in the breeding shed. He simply to date has not been a sire of sires.”
The examples I provided showed that 3 sons of Tapit were in the top 4 of the 4th crop sires list and none would have had the quality of mares that American Pharoah would have had in these crops. This is only very early in a studs career but nonetheless, very promising.
Yet you have dismissed Tapit as a sire of sires on paper thin evidence. Tapizar and Hansen were Tapit’s first two Grade 1 winners to retire to stud in the US and both finished in the top 10 on the 2016 freshman sires’ list, Tapizar 4th and Hansen in 9th. Tapit’s sons have only been represented by runners for half a dozen years or so.
Hansen went to stud in 2013 and exported to Sth Korea in 2013 – no chance. Tapizar had sired Monomoy Girl before his passing in 2020. Other early sons of Tapit had success at stud but the syndicates were offered prices they couldn’t refuse. Sons of Tapit being extremely desirable by overseas studs.
Concord Point went to Sth Korea in 2017 but managed to sire Grade 1 winner American Gal before his departure. American Gal was sold to Whisper Hill in 2013 for $3,000,000. Race Day, entered stud in 2016 but was in Sth Korea by 2021, Race Day was represented by Florida Derby winner White Abarrio this year – gone too soon? Trappe Shot was never well received but managed to sire numerous stakes winners before being sent to Turkey in 2020.
Other Grade 1 winning sons, Belmont Stakes winner Creator was bought by Japan in 2017 and never stood in the US, Cupid has only 2 cups of racing age, Tapwrit has his first crop racing this year can’t even be discussed so prejudging Tapit as not being a sire of sires is way, way, way too early. We have plenty of time to determine the facts at least a decade or so.
Davids, guess you and I are at odds about this and will remain so.
Please note that I did say in one of first comments “Tapit has not to date”.
I also commented that “not saying that would have them would not develop”.
While I am far from being an expert on horse racing and have always made it clearly known that I have zip, zero handicapping skills, I do study pedigrees extensively, read the histories of both our good and our great racehorses and have followed the sires lists faithfully on Blood Horse for years.
It can take several foal crops to learn what stallion nicks with what mares and often that is beyond the first four years of a stallion at stud.
As I see it when a stud farm buys breeding rights or stands a stallion it is that breeders responsibility to support that stallion.
Curlin took off as a sire after he was moved from Lanes End. He is just but one example of a stallion being successful with the support of the farm and the correct marketing of that stallion. Barbara Banke owned enough of Curlin that she could make that decision.
At any rate, I am leaving this right where it is except to say that it would be a real shame if there were not several stallions to carry on Tapit’s legacy.
Lynda, I miss the days when top sires had limited crops. Northern Dancer had 645 registered foals, 147 stakes winners (22.8%). Into Mischief has 1,387 registered foals of racing age with 116 stakes winners (8%), 11 crops. Tapit has 1,570 registered foals of racing age with 154 stakes winners (10%), 15 crops.
Into Mischief has 1,665 registered foals from 13 crops while Tapit has 1,673 registered foals from 17 crops.
Davids, have to reply to your last comment here.
I would imagine that you read about the Jockey Club rule to limit the books for stallions to 140 mares. There has been a growing concern that the gene pool for the American Thoroughbred has been greatly diminished by the dramatic increase in recent years to over 200 mares to popular stallions.
Several of the larger stud farms including Coolmore (along with Three Chimneys and Spendthrift) protested this rule and threatened lawsuits, to establish their own registry and had legislation introduced in the Kentucky legislature to pass a law that the there could be no limits on the number of mares booked to a stallion. As a result the Jockey Club rescinded the rule.
Your comment about the yesterdays when stallions had limited crops is certainly something we can agree on.
Anytime the gene pool is narrowed the door is open to a host of issues that often result.
I will use one breed as an example, the Peruvian Paso. The gene pool for the Peruvian Paso has been so narrowed that certain lines carry a genetic defect that results in a condition known as Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Disorder. It is a crippling disease that can appear in very young horses and in older horses. There is no preventative and there is no treatment and no cure.
Basically the suspensories in the legs calcifies or hardens (putting this in the simplest of terms). While it most commonly affects the hind legs, it can occur in the front legs. In a way it acts like an auto- immune disease that often attacks the eyes and internal organs.
Another example is the Lippizan, specifically the Lippizans that perform the (airs above ground). The gene pool had been severely compromised to the point that fewer and fewer stallions were capable of performing the movements they had become so famous for. There has been an improvement in recent years. One thing that was started was the training of the mares to see if they had the potential for performing eventhough they never would (as you probably know only the stallions perform).
A third example is what is happening in the Arabian breed. The breeding of Arabians today is being driven by the marketplace. The desire today is for halter horses with the extreme dish, known as the seahorse head. Even the Polish Arabian National Stud is getting in that groove. These modern Arabians look nothing like the desert breds. They are one dimensional horses that I compare to cartoon characters. They do not hold up, meaning that they are no longer performance horses and many are born with birth defects especially of the heart and they are crazy in the head.
Oh well, I am getting long winded now and need to shut up.
Yes Lynda, I knew about the Lippizzan and Arabian breed but not the Peruvian Paso. As you probably know in the Europe the Aga Khan feared that there was too much Northern Dancer blood dominating the top end. Many of the top sires have massive books each year as in the US. The
Galileo/Danehill cross has been so phenomenally successful as well. Some Australian sires have reversed shuttled, Deep Impact has/was used to a certain extent along with French and German lines but it’s all very close really.
This is just an observation but where thoroughbred breeders appear to have succeeded thus far, in general, where as the horse breeds you mention and some dog and cat breeds have failed miserably, is that thoroughbreds are bred to perform a basic nature and not distorted the skeletal framework in the endeavor to breed fast horses.
In the 90s, in Europe, there was a fear that the thoroughbred was going to decline irrevocably due to the over supply of Northern Dancer, it never happened – just luck? The oversubscribed medications in the US seems irrevocable but things may change. The positives has been the banning of lasix in stakes races and that bleeding hasn’t become a major issue. Dirt racing is much harder on the horse than turf racing.
Perhaps, one day, turf racing will be the dominant surface in the US but not in our lifetime.
One quick comment.
Have to somewhat disagree about breeding faster horses not compromising the skeleton and limbs,.
I think Steve mentioned in one of his articles that the breakdown rate in horses was way less than what ot is now.
No way of knowing if you look at the conformation photos of the Americsn stallions or not, but if you do you might have noticed that these current day Thoroughbreds here in the United States are very fine boned as compared to yesterday’s horses. When I refer to fine boned I mean the circumference of the cannon bone.
Refer if you will to a conformation photo of Secretariat for comparison or Zenyatta.
PSI on the hooves and lower legs including the fetlocks has increased greatly with these taller, heavier and precouscious two year old.
Many geneticists, research veterinarians etc in general agree that the Thoroughbred cannot run any faster than it does because the cardio vascular simply cannot support the high speeds for any great distance.
Yes drugs have played a role, especially Lasix and I will take that one step further and say that research has shown that admonistration of Lasix while training and on race day is highly suspect as the cause of sudden cardiac death in young horses.
I know all too well about fractures that result in having to euthanize the horse; I have had to put down two as the result of fractures that happened because of accidents in their pastures. One was beloved Arabian colt who was born here. He fractured his pelvis and unlike Domestic Spending it was displaced meaning he could not be saved, it was a complete fracture.
Regarding the Peruvian Paso and DSLD, I took in a 16 year old PP mare. She had already dropped in both hind legs. But with love and care and a wonderful farrier who dud not try to shape her duck feet hooves as the result of DSLD she lived until the age of 26 when she laid down one night and was not able to get up. It wa time, I knew and she knew it. But she had a happy life for ten years. When she was hurting or having what I call a flare up, she would be stand by the gate to let me know. I did not even need to put her halter on either to ice her legs or apply heat. That is the course of the disease, they legs can be cold or inflamed depending on the stage of the flare up.
Lynda, you’re right about the present day US thoroughbreds lacking good bone, you really notice US runners that have good bone. Australian thoroughbreds have the best bone worldwide now which is interesting because as a child I remember thinking Australian runners compared vary unfavourably to European and US runners.
Did you read the Thoroughbred Daily News article yesterday on Jane Lyon by Christie DeBernardis? I was thinking of you when I was reading it. You’re a good person, the world needs more good people.
Davids, yes I did read the article about Jane Lyon.
I have friends who follow horse racing who have met her and know her and they all describe her the same way.
The sport and industry does indeed need more like her.
It takes a long time for a stallion to prove definitively whether they are going to be a sire of sires. (Not quite as long as to prove BM sires dt the number of offspring, but close).
Cupid is another Tapit son who began in obscurity, but is getting some good results.
Cnady Ride and Tapit retired to stud the same year. Candy Ride is just now really proving to be an important sire of sires. Gun Runner accomplishing that pretty obviously.
With Gun Runner you would have expected a better performance from his second crop of 2 year olds. Possibly they are reverting back to what you may have expected from Gun Runner initially- late development. Gun Runner is number 45 on the 2 year old sires list with zero stakes winners thus far.
Are we seeing Birdstone again? I think not but some inverters must be disappointed so far and some very anxious investors waiting for another year to see what they’ve invested in.
On the other side of the coin, it’s interesting to remember that Tapit started out with a stud fee of $15,000. He got to be the highest priced stallion in the country the old-fashioned way–he sired good horses.
Constitution is following the same pattern as you mentioned about Tapit. Construction stood his first season at stud in 2016 for $25,000 then went down to $15,000 by 2019 but in 2023 the fee is $110,000. Success breeds success.
That’s another good example. I like to see stallions make it big after starting modestly. The people who believed in them in the beginning must be very proud when that happens.
Yes, same here. Often though, many of the early sons of these sires can find it difficult establishing themselves as sires because the dam side might not that strong. Tiz the Law, is the anthesis of these type sires though so Constitution may have a very successful son early on, Coolmore is an obvious + as well for Tiz the Law.
And now it is Gun Runner.
Gun Runner is in lowly No. 45 in the Sires of 2 year old list this year with 0 stakes winners. Tapit in his second crop included 2009 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Tapitsfly.
Is Gun Runner more the latest Birdstone rather than comparison with Tapit. The jury is definitely still ‘out’ on this.
Adding that supposedly there is no LFG for Flightline.
Now that is really taking a risk!
I agree with you that Flightline is probably overvalued at $200,000, ESPECIALLY with no live foal guarantee (if that’s what LIG means). Great racehorses don’t always pan out as great sires or broodmares. Look at Secretariat. He was beautifully bred himself and got many of the best mares in the world, but while he sired a few good/great runners and a handful of superlative broodmares, he was far from being as dominant at stud as the track. Not even his ex-owner thought he was a great sire– she left the syndicate! Secretariat did much better than Spectacular Bid, of course, but Spectacular Bid’s flop at stud once again proves that great racers don’t always set the world on fire at stud. Seattle Slew was a better sire than Secretariat or Spectacular Bid, but he tended to pass down unsoundness… look how brittle his line through to Tapit has been! Flightline might not take off at stud any more than did Secretariat, or he could even flop like Spectacular Bid.
Are u sure???????
Well, maybe Flightline could become a great success after all, but he still wouldn’t be worth $200,000 without a live foal guarantee! He had a very limited racing career, even after his comeback so that we don’t know how durable he “could” have been, and even the best horses can only contribute half their DNA to offspring.
Essential Quality, being Champion 2 year old and 3 year old and at only $75,000 stud fee would appear of better value but if Flightline sires stunning yearlings in his first crop the $200,000 would be a wise investment. It’s a gamble.
Lynda, taken from The Blood-Horse online stallion registerer.
“Flightline – Tapit – Feathered, by Indian Charlie
2018, b, entered stud 2023
2023 FEE:
$200,000 Live Foal / Stands & Nurses
Standing at Lane’s End, Versailles, KY”
So glad you were able to finally see Taiba, Steve. You were very lucky. He certainly looks like he has the utmost confidence in himself and knows he’s a superstar. Too bad he won’t be racing again, but we all knew this was inevitable. Your tour of the stud farms sounds like a dream to see all those super stallions.
Sorry, you lost me. Lol
Oops. Had Taiba on my mind, and it must have been too late at night…Anyway, obviously I meant Flightline.
Chad Brown has just commented that Domestic Spending is comfortable, has great appetite and hoping he will be able to leave next week to go to their farm where he will live a pampered life.
That’s good news.
Yes it is. Much more optimistic outcome than what it could have been.
Hopefully Epicenter will be released soon.
Still a long recovery ahead for both.
So grateful they both have caring owners.
Amen to that! Thanks, Lynda.
Speaking of BSFs for this year’s Breeders Cup winners, one that really stands out is the 107 BSF earned by Caravel in the
BC Turf Sprint when she paid a whopping price to win. That 107 that she earned on Saturday at the age of 5 is far and away the highest BSF that she earned in her career. She had never before earned a triple-digit BSF. Her highest was a 99 BSF that she earned in June of 2021 at Monmouth when she was at her peak. Where did that race come from on Saturday? I’ve already said it, but I’ll say it again: Caravel ran like a horse “possessed” on Saturday. She shocked the Devil out of me.
One other interesting BSF from Saturday. Cody’s Wish earned a 106 BSF for his narrow Dirt Mile victory. He was coming off a 112 BSF which he earned in the 7-furlong Forego at Saratoga in August. I expected a big-time regression, but a 106 BSF at the 2-turn Keenland Mile was very good. Well done Bill Mott. Cody’s Wish is now being talked about as a possible for the Pegasus at Gulfstream Park. Why not? The horse loves to win races.
FWIW, Flightline didn’t regress too badly from the BSF of 126 that he ran in the Pacific Classic. He earned another “whopper” in the Classic. He was given a fantastic 121 BSF for his Saturday romp at Keenland. Very impressive. So, here’s the question: Are those the highest BSFs ever run back to back? I don’t know the answer to that question. If I remember correctly, Ghostzapper ran a 117 BSF in his next race after his “whopper”. It doesn’t matter, but just for fun, Ghostzapper 128 + 117 =145, Flightline 126 + 121 =147. Flightline by a long nose. So, he’s got that going for him in the “Greatest” argument.
I can only say that it was a pleasure to watch him run. Just like it was to watch American Pharoah, Spectacular Bid, and Secretariat.
In 1997, Formal Gold earned Beyer figures of 126 in a nose loss to Will’s Way, then 124 and 125 while dusting Skip Away. Those final three career starts were the most impressive performances in my memory, considering the accomplished competition.
Thanks.
I’ve just thought Formal Gold has been ignored because of modest breeding, unknown connections, and undistinguished stud career. Following the above mentioned races, Skip Away flattered Formal Gold’s efforts, easily beating a good field in the JC cup Gold Cup, then after Formal Gold’s retirement due to injury, easily winning a rather weak running of the BC Cup Classic. Skip Away was a warrior, but Formal Gold was dominating him in the second half of 1997.
Steve I drove an hour in the dark, and the same thing happened, at Flightline’s penultimate work at Santa Anita. .afterward, hoping to view him coming back ..I realized too late they had taken him back via the walking ring up front, where my car was parked adjacent to his path! I missed him but had a terrific breakfast, standing in line behind Eric Kruljac and eating across from Ron MacAnally! But I saw him twice …Malibu and Pacific Classic, when I yelled “YEAH-HOO”! at top of stretch of Pacific Classic…..Prat turned and looked at me! Before the race they came down to us, there was only three of us, up near the gate, and I was standing on a picnic table and I said “good luck” to Prat, snd he said “thanks” …an errie silence, in the Sept 3rd heat……horse had never gone two turns…..I agree with you, you cannot compare eras…..I know what I saw.
I guess its a common quest to see him close up. glad you got to see him twice and had a good breakfast as well.
A day I got a picture, leaving the Del Mar walking ring under Prat, headed to the track for the Pac Classic….they wanted the Met Mile…Pac Classic and Breeders Cup so they got all three of their goals, missing the Met prep with the hiccup….six races, gosh! The page is turned, we’ll be gone, but….there’s a lot of persons, that 50 years from now will say they saw this horse that nobody ever heard about…..
In early 1986 (spring/summer) there was a three year old filly named Melair that began her young and brilliant racing career at Hollywood Park. She started winning races all by open lengths in fast and often record times. Some on the West Coast began calling her the second coming of Ruffian. After winning her first three races Melair was scheduled to go into her fourth race – the Princess Stakees – only two or three other fillies bothered to show up. Melair won that mile race in 1:34.1. Next was the Silver Screen Stakes where she would be up against Snow Chief – the SA Derby, Preakness and Jersey Derby winner.
Melair won that mile race in 1:32.4 which was the fastest any filly or mare ran a mile on the dirt and she was now 5 for 5 and comparisons to the all time female greats were starting to take hold…especially in California.
But that was it. Melair was a flaming star that ended her racing career that summer.
Why the comparison? Back in 1986 it was the 29 year old John Sadler. Now it is the 66 year old Sadler that has to close the racing chapter on another special horse.
I remember Melair very well. She was a gray that looked almost white. I saw her at Hollywood Park. She was something!
And,you don’t think the fact this most protected spoiled non raced horse ever,was the fact he was given the UNHEARD of advantage of not having to race until his skeletal system and bones were fully formed and mature,had anything to do with it? If spoiled horse flightline had to race a hard campaign as a two year old, like Secretariat and so many others,Secretariat never dodged a race or challenge. He RACED 21 times!!!!!!!!!!!! I guarantee if flightline had , HAD to race demanding , hard races campaign as a two yr old …he would’ve folded like a cheap suit. Funny, how the SMART big wigs in this industry agree with me. Just sayin ….. flightline did what he did,by not racing,especially,as two yr old. Knicks Go &Authentic, BOTH, faster bc classic times. flightline did what he did, by being extremely coddled and protected to not be exposed. That is the opposite of Secretariat. And, of course they retired him, after only 6 races. *This* is why horse racing is corrupt. Can’t chance exposing him. It’s ONLY about stud fees.
Sorry, but starting to train and race while the skeleton is still forming, provided it’s done carefully, actually helps a horse. If anything, Flightline was put at a huge disadvantage, and his connections wouldn’t have chosen to miss his crop’s lucrative Triple Crown and Travers. I don’t understand, however, why after Flightline’s comeback Sadler didn’t race him more than he did. 3 starts in a season for a healthy horse is absurd.
Please.
Too bad you can’t appreciate what was right before
your eyes. Flightline is a brilliant and truly great horse. The
anger in your comments is unwarranted. This horse
just raced his heart out for all of us. Steve, glad you got to
see him up close. He is clearly a very intelligent horse, who
knows he is special. I am just glad I was around to see him.
Bonnie, absurd!
That’s it Steve, “Flightline,…is great without even trying”. From his first start, Flightline looked otherworldly. The question was how long will the magic last, well, Flightline answered that call last Saturday with a resounding- forever. Undefeated, never extended, impossible to beat. The best ever? Probably, but you can’t compare horses of different eras and definitely not US dirt horses to European turf horses. That’s just silly.
Watching Flightline, via cyberspace, he always looks totally composed, as though it’s a stroll in the park, then he performs that magic and the race is over, the opposition looks ordinary because Flightline is winning so easily. I’ve seen quite a few good runners over the years but never another Flightline he is unique and I’m so thankful he was retired undefeated. That’s a statement.
Another great column, Steve, and wonderful that you met Flightline as a racehorse, you’ve seen quite a few good ones in your time.
Thanks David. I’ve been extremly fortunate. With a value like that I guess he had to be retired,
That’s right, Steve. Imagine the stress, anxiety every time he stepped on the track just for training let alone racing. With that said, I wish they had tried turf just to see how he went over it. I can’t see Flightline flopping in anything, the mental strength is there. I’ll miss him on the track but the breeding/sales are just as exciting for some.
Hey Davids, totally off topic I know but Coolmore has spent over 18 million on 4 mares; Gamine, Campanella, Bellafina and Marion Ravenwood (Nest’s dam). Possibilities for Justify ??
They did bid on Flightline which surprised some in the Australian group I follow.
Lynda, I’d hazard a guess and suggest the Australians are wondering why Coolmore were interested in a sire who was not precious, a group 1 winning 2 year old. That’s their usual determining factor on investing into a new sire.
Justify didn’t win at 2 so they can think outside the box and Flightline is an outstanding prospect. Coolmore are the best at getting their sires a brilliant start.
PS, Marion Ravenwood is in foal to Curlin and Gamine to Quality Road.
Best ever?
Yes, Flightline is the fastest horse to ever race six times.
But I was still more impressed with Justify. He faced the adversity of being a young horse taking on 19 horses in the Kentucky Derby, then 2 weeks later the Preakness Stakes both on off tracks, and then the Belmont Stakes facing more total competitors than any other Triple Crown winner.
Flightline is the speed figure horse. No way is he the best ever.
Even via speed figures he is below Secretariat and Ghostzapper. Ghostzapper facing a stronger field in his Breeders Cup Classic ran a 124 BSF to Flightline’s 121. Ghostzapper also ran a 128 top BSF and a 114 his championship year to Flightline’s 126 and 112. Ghostzapper also ran an actual campaign of 4 races. And Secretariat’s Belmont Stakes BSF was done by Andrew Beyer and he received a 139. Secretariat faced 3 or 4 future Hall of Famers. Ghostzapper defeated the future Breeders Cup Classic winner, Saint Liam. Taiba has a chance to be the best horse Flightline faced. So far it is Life is Good who is a good, but not great horse and obviously distance challenged.
I just get frustrated when intelligent people overuse hyperbole. Best ever. Come on.
Perhaps you may want to read the highly respected Timeform article “ Flightline: The Timeform Verdict – Big Red Still Top Of The Tree.”
Here’s their opinion, of all time mind you.
Frankel 147
Sea-Bird 145,
Brigadier Gerard and Tudor Minstrel both 144
Flightline 143
Timeform gave American Pharoah and Cigar an equal rating of 138, Ghostzapper 137, and Justify 129.
As for your beliefs, Timeform gave American Pharoah
In “A Century of Champions, published by Timeform, written by John Randall and Tony Morris, they rated Secretariat 144, Citation 142, Spectacular Bid and Seattle Slew 141 and Native Dancer and Affirmed 140. Timeform hadn’t rated these champions but Morris and Randall ratings are equivalent in all respects.
Timeform has been publishing ratings for the best horses in North America for almost 30 years, the first lists appearing in “Racehorses of 1993”;Flightline is the first US runner to earn a rating of over 140.
Perhaps, if you followed the highly respected Timeform ratings you would be less frustrated when your favorites are overlooked as being as good as you think they are. Hyperbole as the ‘guilty party’ may in fact be you. Ha ha
When I was a kid I read every book in the library about horses. There was a book with a number of short stories compiled together and one of the stories was about a horse with “the look of eagles.” He wasn’t as flashy and well-bred as a stablemate, but he was chosen by a trainer who saw something deeper in the horse, he had “the look of eagles.” That horse went on to defeat his former stablemate in the big race. Every picture I have seen of Flightline reminds me of that story. If there ever was a horse with “the look of eagles” it is Flightline. By the way, I am also a previous Blood-Horse employee predating your tenure.
They made a movie from that short story. One of the great tacing movies ever called “Kentucky” with Lorretta Young and Walter Brennan who won an Oscar.
I recent read a comment about that same collection of horse stories (Hoofbeats) & bought it so I could read that very story where the expression came from. And now I apparently have a movie to seek out too :). So glad you got to see Flightline in person; thanks for sharing the experience….
It5 tthe granddaddy of all racing movies. Great fun. Similaities to Penny Tweedy returning home to save her father’s farm.
I hope that some really good 3-year olds emerge in the Spring. We need them with all the horses that we are losing after this Breeders Cup. Flightline and Malathaat are retiring. Epicenter retiring because of injury. Domestic Spending is also likely done racing. And it’s only Monday.
Looking ahead to the Pegasus at Gulfstream in January, it looks like Rich Strike and Cody’s Wish will be the 2 top contenders.
I really wanted to see Signator run in the Nashua Stakes but alas, wasn’t to be. Still, he looks promising.
Yes, he does.
I’m happy that Steve Haskin was able to get his pictures of Flightline. It sounds like they had a great trip.
Steve, that was so magical. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy the visit with Flightline vicariously through you.
Thank you. It was my pleasure sharing the expeience
$4.6 million for 2 1/2% put his value at $184 million.
Steve, how does that compare to Justify and AP?
Good question. We had nothing like this to gauge their value.
Lynda, Justify’s value of $75 million toped Fusaichi Pegasus who was sold for $70 million to Coolmore in 2000. According to the New York Times, American Pharoah was sold to Coolmore for $13.8 million altogether; note: in 2015 American Pharoah was sold to Coomore for $9.8 million with an additional $4 million incentive if American Pharoah won the Belmont Stakes.
I did the math too, Steve. Wow!!
I would argue that the unusually rare percentage sale offering shows an inflated value for the horse. That said, if his stud fee is $200K and he breeds to 200 mares, that IS $40 million the first year. But unless he’s the next Mr. Prospector, that’s not sustainable over the course of his stud career. A variation on the truism that a new car start to depreciate as soon as you drive it off the lot.
Those with more knowledge of the breeding industry, feel free to correct me!
Actually, Storm Cat is a better example than Mr. Prospector. From 2002 to 2007, Storm Cat’s stud fee was $500,000. Nonetheless, in 2008 Storm Cat’s fee was reduced to $300,000 but Storm Cat was retired from service due to declining fertility during that year.
Conversely, Mr. Prospector’s stud fee, even without guarantees of a live foal, reached an incredible $460,000 during the 1980s however, by the mid-90s that fee had been reduced to around $180,000.
Northern Dancer’s stud fee reached a whopping $1 million between 1985 – 87; Seattle Slew’s fee reached $800,000 in 1985 but eventually went down to $300,000.
If Flightline has Group/Grade 1 2 year olds in his first crop, the stud fee could be anything. A Classic winner or two in the initial crop then your guess is as good as mine. Ha ha
As Bill Farish explained, the auction price was not representative of actual value because only one shares was available to the general public so the laws of supply and demand made its price greater than his actual value. $100-120 million is closer to his actual value.
If there’s anyone in the sport deserving of this special moment, it’s you, Steve! So glad you got a glimpse of such an historical figure in the sport, Flightline. The race couldn’t have gone any better. I’m so proud of Life is Good for using his gifts to try and take him down…or soften him up for someone else to come with a late run. That was the race I was looking for but Flightline was nuclear powered.
I also watched Race 1 with Arabian Knight. He was fast and it was effortless. It was a heckuva 2 days at Keeneland!
Thank you very much, Tex. Thats very kind of you. I would be very proud of Life is Good. He had one weapon and used it for as long as he could. I would breed to him in a heartbeat.
Great story again Steve, amazing! Can’t wait for your pictures, and more of your great writings!!
Thank you Jeff
Steve, I am so happy for you (and Joan) that you were able to seize the opportunity to have an up close and personal visit with Flightline. Looking forward to the photos with Joan. The horses always seem to warm up to her.
Hope that your future columns include the other stallions you visited.
I remember the first photo I saw of Flightline “posing”.
He reminded me of two horses. One was the great Man O’War. There are many photos of him standing with his head held high, ears forward as if he was the “King of the Wind” and he was surveying his kingdom.
The other horse he reminded me of was the Bedouin legend about Arabian horses who were called “Drinkers of the Wind”.
I went way back in his pedigree and the thought came to mind that racing gods were sitting around one day and decided to design a horse, with each one having input as to what there horse would be and what he would look like.
Guess that for many of us (for me anyways), there will always been a sort of romanticism about Flightline. We will wonder (like for Secretariat), what could have been.
The one positive is at least he raced at 4 and we likely saw him at his physical and mental best and I doubt he would have improved much at 5. But I would have loved to find out :). Its when they retire at 3 that is frustrating
Agree, though would have loved to watched him on turf at least once.
I was watching the BC on the BC webpage. After the race they showed an overhead clip of that portion when he passed Life is Good.
Talk about a wow moment!
My dogs looked at me like I was nuts, LOL.
Yes, that’s the disappointment for me too, Lynda. I’m positive Flightline would have been just as efficient on turf. Even better, I’m sure Godolphine, Coolmore, Juddmonte, Aga Khan et al will send some nice mares to see what comes out. Imagine, an Arc winner sired by Flightline – not just dreaming here.
I think that’s where he changed leads, and it looked for all the world like he left the ground. I’ve been looking for that clip and I can’t find it. Just an amazing shot.
I’m so happy you had the chance to see him up close while still in racing form (? is that the right word?) Steve. I am struggling to be happy with what little we got to see of him as a racehorse.
Thanks so much for sharing the experience with us.
I actually think we did not see him at his physical and mental best. I believe he was better than we saw because of his slim campaign we never actually got to see him run his best.
Fred Seitz of Brookdale Farm paid 4.7 million for the 2.5 percent in Flightline.
Correction, 4.6 million (typo error)
That puts his value at a mere $184 million.
Any word yet who actually bought him. I read on BH that Mr Seitz signed the ticket and the new owner ‘s name has not been disclosed.
I absolutely loved this column. I am glad you got to see Flightline and share it with all of us. I was watching The Breeder’s Cup races in TV. I have watched all of Flightline’s races this year. He was a great horse and I wish him luck at stud. All I can say is WOW!
Thanks very much, Suzie
What an amazing day for you!
It was for sure, as was all our farm visits and the great stallions we saw.
“It was as if he was born to pose.” His daddy Tapit is like that, too! When I saw him at Gainesway in 2019, every time I raised my phone, he’d strike a magnificent pose and stand there like a statue. I love it that Flightline does the same thing.
Thanks also, Steve, for mentioning that Afleet Alex has been pensioned. When I didn’t see him on the stallion roster for next year, I got worried. And thanks for taking us back to the barn with you to meet Flightline! I loved this column.
If you email me at sehaskin@aol.com I will send you the type of photo of Tapit you mentioned.
That is an awesome story of a special moment. I always try and sometimes succeed in getting that close to the great ones. Next Derby I am staying in Lexington and plan on visiting some of them. I hope you could give me pointers are where to go.
Thank you for all your articles, Than and Now!
I would love to Eric. Thank you.
Thank you, Steve.
We have talked at Saratoga a few times. I will reach out on here before next Derby.
Thank you, Steve.
We have talked at Saratoga a few times. I will reach out on here before next Derby.
Lets pick are derby dozen!
Well said. Here is the epitome of a racehorse, based on twelve minutes of performance, stunning performances such as most of us have never seen. And he’ll never run again. It’s as sad as if he had (Pegasus forbid) been injured.
Radix malorum est cupiditas.
P.S. Stewball, or “Squball” or “Sku-ball”, apparently was a real racehorse in the 1740s! The oldest printed version of the ballad is from1784.
Flightline will be remembered but he will not revered by most. It has nothing to do with his tremendous ability or class. I know what I have seen and many including yourself utter the same superlatives. Through no fault of his own he was too good and that will always fuel the debate. The argument will be that the competition was weak as he was never challenged. Typically, time dictates the actual strength of that year’s TB class so I must leave that to the experts. He never broke any race or track records. A reasonable marker when comparing against “the greats”. He only ran 6 times. That is a tough one to overcome but he jumped from allowance company into a Gr1 in his 3rd start and won by 11…that just doesn’t happen! From a news angle there just wasn’t the storyline to endear him to the public and that in part speaks to the state of racing today….performing flawlessly is not enough.
Sadly all true. A friend who likes horses, but only goes out of her way to watch the triple crown races tuned in early for the news and got to see Flightline’s performance. She wanted to know why she’d never heard of this fantastic horse before. I explained his history. I read how much horse racing wants to increase their fanbase….
It’s hard to get people to pay attention to a sport where so many of the stars are only here for a few short months.
Thank you Steve. What a horse! !! Hopefully he will pass on his superior genetics.
Thanks Steve. Might we get an article or many, on the visits to the stallions? Flightline’s race was spectacular, but for me, the best race of the day was the distaff. Any chance we can hear your thoughts on that?
I still have to go back and read up on a lot of your previous columns. As it’s getting to be winter and the dark comes early, that’s my plan
I will be having several follow-up columns, maybe a pictoral column on the stallions we saw,
As always, you do immense justice to the horses that give us all such joy and excitement!! Can’t wait to see, read and hear more about your trip and ALLLLL the pics your magic camera took ‘all by itself’ !! Thanks so Much!
Thank you very much, Carole
I am by no means an expert on anything. But I do have a great deal of experience with both T-breds and Standardbreds. I saw Buckpasser, Damascus and Dr Fager in person at least twice each. I saw the brilliant Graustark race once. I got to hang around with Preakness winner Elocutionist at Arlington Park because my dad and his owner, Gene Cashman, were best childhood friends. I wrote handicapping columns for The United States Trotting Association’s website beginning shortly after Al Gore invented the internet. And I was a standarbred owner/breeder for 30 years. I’m not bragging. Simply demonstrating that I have seen a lot of horses and races in my 76 years on Earth.
But I never saw anything like what I’ve seen in 2022. Not even close. Two horses, one of each breed, who are unworldly.
Bulldog Hanover has one race left before he retires. He is the fastest harness racer ever and routinely makes world class pacers look like Amish rejects. Never saw anything remotely like him before.
Flightline is even more difficult to describe. I won’t even try. You know exactly where I’m coming from.
None of us knows when our last race will be. I’m just so thankful I was around in 2022.
That is a fantastic post, Bill. I share all your sentiments and loved hearing about your exploits, especially with Elocutionist.
Btw I was weaned on harness racing goung back to Bret Hanover and the bsst I ever saw Albatross. Loved the Roosevelt International.
Ironically, two of my bigger regrets in regard to harness racing involve Bret and Albatross. My first night at the harness races was one week after Bret’s final Chicago appearance. And the night Albatross set the world record at Spk5/8 I had to attend some social function and missed it. C’est la vie!
All the superlatives we can summon can be used on Flightline.
How lucky your patience and tenacity won out for you to have that special moment with such a super star.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Thoroughbred move out at the top of the stretch as easily as he does.
Thanks for your great words, once again.
And of course, any photos you can share from your “Rock Star” Week will be appreciated!
Thank you vry much, Nancy. Ccant post any more on here but will on Facebook if youre on there.
Steve, you have GREAT instincts…. they ‘told’ you to hang around!!!
The Classic left me feeling unsatisfied, as tho it never happened. Maybe I expended my energy on the Distaff, which was an exquisite race. Maybe Flightline will be an impressive sire. Will that make up for the lack of racing? Only time will tell.
I too found the Breeders Cup Classic anticlimactic.
The two best horses were obviously compromised other than Flightline. Life is Good by distance and Epicenter by injury. And none of the others were trying to win. Baffert did the same thing he did with Medina Spirit and Country Grammer in just trying for second.
It was also anticlimactic because there was no Stakes, track or would record and while the margin of victory was a record, it was nothing like the Pacific Classic.
I guess I am a but jaded because I foolishly believe in order for a horse to qualify for Horse of the Year he should be campaigned which for me means racing for more than six months and at least 4 races like Ghostzapper did. Flightline ran for less than 5 months and only 3 races. If elected, he will be the least accomplished Horse of the Year in Eclipse Award history.
And some folks see him as the best ever?
I feel that to most racing fans, myself included, Flightline can never be real. Like some actors and politicians, from day one Flightline was being managed. His owners and trainer were both managing the horse’s image and managing each other. The only thing that could have made him real was failure. I wonder if his if those closest to him are glad he is gone. A shame for Flightline, he can never really be loved.
Very interesting take. Read my comments below about my upcoming column.
Flightline’s flight down the track in the Breeders Cup Classic was awesome and amazing. However, his being retired so soon afterwards is extremely disappointing. To develop more a fan base in racing, horses have to race more on the track. Mr. Stronach had devised the Pegasus World Cup for a situation such as this.
The Farrish family have two stallions standing at Lane’s End, who are father and son, and who won their final races in a grade one Handicap race at Gulfstream Park. Quality Road, after his meltdown in the Breeders Cup Classic in 2009, redeemed himself and his legacy by his win in the Donn Handicap, which is now the Pegasus World Cup. His son, City of Light, won his last racing in the Pegasus; he cemented his legacy in his last Grade 1 stakes.
Greed has won. What a tragedy for the Sport of Kings and Queens and for racing fans. The horse did not have to risk a long distance trip to the Middle East for a final Grade 1. I have never witnessed as much security at any venue as I have at the Pegasus World Cup.
I think most of us feel the same way. Welcome to horse (racing?) in the 21st century. How will fans react when it comes to the Vox Populi Award? Are the owners at fault or do they have little choice in thiss day and age? I will be addresing all aspects of it.
Thanks for following this up. I wonder what Penny Chenery would have said about this. We all understood why she had to retire Secretariat so young due to estate taxes. Epicenter and Smarty Jones had to retire due to injuries.
The whole idea of the Pegasus World Cup early in February is that horses can be sent off to the breeders following their final grade one handicap stakes race.
Looking forward to your comments. There was so much more this colt could have done. The horse had no control of his race schedule. We send fillies and mares over to Ascot but how many colts? Chrome was going to do it but was injured. It kind of starts an itch knowing the “second” string comes from over the pond to dominate our turf races. They are always buying our horses so that is not the issue. Just irritates some to see that aspect of horse racing seem to fade away. Been awhile since Kittens Joy
Flightline won’t get my Vox Populi vote
He would mine.
Terri, this morning I read this comment.
“This sport does not celebrate its stars, it retires them”.
Flightline was whisked away back to the testing barn after the race. Early Sunday morning he was whisked away from Keeneland and arrived at Lanes End with no celebratory fanfare.
I find myself almost agreeing with what Todd Vaughn commented above.
How sad that the Sport of Kings does not “celebrate its stars”, instead they are off to the Breeding Shed.
I was hoping to see some of the stars in the Classic run in the Pegasus World Cup. I hope that Richie will run in the Pegasus. And, I hope that some of the Champions of the Turf will run in their turf race. Also, I believe they will have a race for the mares and fillies. The Pegasus undercard is fabulous and filled with lots of Grade 1 and 2 winners.
Ironically, the best horse in my lifetime was bred without a single dollar being paid: Secretariat.
Agree Terri, the best horses in my lifetime have been homered and raced under the stables colors.
Sadly those days seem to have disappeared
Most now are owned by these “investors”.
Saw one over the weekend. Can’t recall the horse’s name but he is a two year old and has 10 owners
I am very happy & saddened at the same time. For me, I knew Flightline would be retired after the BCC. I feel blessed that I was alive and got to see another great one run. I feel cheated though, being a lifelong horse racing fan I wanted to see much more. I wanted Flightline to stamp his legacy as an all time great. Steve you are right when you said we have never seen anything quite like this horse and perhaps we never will again. Flightline doesn’t run on a race track he glides over it.
In today’s money world it would be very hard to pass up the breeding Flightline will command. One day our sport will be all but dead & if I am still kicking I will be able to watch replays of Flightline and wonder what was the ceiling for this horse,
With injuries to Epicenter & Domestic Spending this past weekend I understand their decision. I was sitting down imagining how would we feel if we only got to see Michael Jordan or Wayne Gretzky for 1 season, or any other great athlete.
Thank you for a very heart felt essay Steve plus a glimpse of envy wishing I coulda been your shadow visiting Flightline.
They come and go so quickly….. it doesn’t seem fair sometimes.
Thanks Deacon, I am going to address this in my upcoming column on the possible Vox Populi nominees,
Steve, I can’t wait to read your thoughts on the way the sport is going. It is very sad that horses are bred to be Stallions instead of athletes. As much awe that I saw in Flightline, I just knew he would never run again. He could have become a legend but I’m afraid he will be quickly forgotten in the lore of racing history.
The American Thoroughbred, once the envy and sport horse standard in the world, is becoming a story of pretty paddock ponies who can’t hold up to the thing they were bred to do. Nothing but greed and poor breeding standards for decades. Germany does it right. I wish America can hold up such standards but the money game won’t allow it.
Oh, Flightline darling, I can’t stand it,
When you look at me that way….