Flightline retires in blaze of Breeders’ Cup glory

Just as Flightline’s conquest of the $5.34 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) had an air of virtual inevitability about it, so did the announcement of his retirement to stud in the aftermath. The only question was the swiftness of the press release, delivered by Lane’s End Farm on Sunday morning.

A perfect 6-for-6 with career earnings of $4,514,800, Flightline flaunted his superiority from sprints to the American classic distance of 1 1/4 miles. But his pedigree, physique, and sales history all add to his extraordinary stallion appeal. The blueblood son of Tapit and the Grade 1-performing Indian Charlie mare Feathered, a descendant of champion Lady Pitt’s tribe long cultivated by the Phipps family, was himself sold for $1 million as a Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling.

Now Flightline will try to transmit something of his raw ability and power to his progeny. While it would be too much to imagine that he could sire an otherworldly performer like himself, his genetic heritage might turn out to be a gold mine.

Flightline’s stud fee is to be determined. But a clue to his valuation is forthcoming on Monday, when a 2.5% interest in the four-year-old will be offered at Keeneland November.

The lock for 2022 Horse of the Year and champion older dirt male, Flightline established himself as an historic talent. The magnitude of his accomplishments, albeit in a mere six starts, should stand the test of time.