Artie Schiller’s brilliant 3-year-old colt Flying Artie, already a two-time graded winner in 2016, scaled new heights on Saturday when he captured the A$500,000 Coolmore Stud S. (G1) at Flemington Raceourse in incredible fashion.
Going 1,200 meters (about 6 furlongs) over a straight turf course, Flying Artie was in last until getting the signal from his rider Hugh Bowman with about 300 meters to run. Flying Artie daringly split horses to make the lead in deep stretch and was still striding away from his foes at the wire, winning by 1 1/2-lengths.
In addition to capturing his first Grade 1, the Australian-bred colt, has never been off the board in six starts for owners Luskin Park Stud Racing Syndicate and trainer Mick Price, so was full of praise for the colt after the race.
“The horse has always been good,” Price said. “Today just franks him as a stud colt.”
Price hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Flying Artie backing up in next Saturday’s Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m) against older opposition but is mindful of his bright future beyond this year.
“I definitely don’t have to back him up (in the Darley Classic) now, I’m mindful of what happens during the week. He’s got a great autumn ahead of him.”
The big payday upped Flying Artie’s lifetime earnings to more than $950,000, making him the all-time leading earner and the fifth Grade/Group 1 winner for his sire.
