A Quest For Immortality | Flightline, The World's Best Racehorse | 2023 Breeders' Cup Classic

Flightline, rated as the world's best racehorse, headed to the Breeders' Cup Classic in Keeneland with one thing on his mind, 𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮.
In 𝙁𝙇𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙀, 𝘼 𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙄𝙢𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮, we're behind the scenes on Breeders' Cup Saturday, capturing everything in the lead-up to that moment.
#flightline #BC22 #flightlinedoco
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[@criticaleb3375]

The horse is amazing but to retire at the peak of its greatness, for the lucrative breeding fees is I think killed the idea that Flightline could be the best ever. Imagine conquering dubai, saudi cup and pegasus. 😮‍💨

[@tiffanykrause2529]

He should not be bred. He is conformationally incorrect and has too many injuries...geld him and move on

[@darlenelarochelle4011]

Imagine if this horse were injured, catastrophically. Then you'd be singing out the other side of your mouth. *They should of retired that horse, he had nothing to prove. Greedy bastards, just running him to make more money, intent on getting bigger stud fees and making them even more money. * The connections of such horses are damned if they do, or damned if they don't. People like you, the general public, who know little to nothing about the choices to be made and what is best for the horse AND the industry... criticize the connections for the choices made. Claiming it's for more money. News Flash: These kinds of horses are owned by people who can already pay their bills. They are not in racing to make money. They have plenty. They are in it for the love of the horse. Its not about money, it's about having a horse that's good enough to MAKE THE MONEY. It's about having a horse that's good enough to demand the stud fees. The horses are what we all participate for. From the Hot Walkers, Grooms, Exercise and Pony Riders,Jjockeys, Trainers, and the Owners. The money is an aside. That's what non horse people just don't seem to be able to grasp. So, again, imagine if the horse were injured catastrophically if they had decided to keep running him. The owners are the ones writing the checks to pay the costs, they get to decide what is best for all connected to this great horse.

[@elgransenor1472]

@@darlenelarochelle4011 Your comment is so contradictory

[@mrgirthy2111]

@@darlenelarochelle4011 He doesnt jump fences or hurdles so the risk of fatality is very low. I owned a 3 mile steeplechaser who died on course during a race and it was cruel. But i still wouldnt have changed a thing, i loved my horse and what happened was just very unlucky for me, the trainer and all those at the yard who loved him. Im not from America so i know little about your racing program, Flightline may have done it all and had nothing to prove, but i do feel he couldve gone out of his comfort zone. He could have gone to Meydan or England for the Royal Ascot meeting to show the world his freakish ability. Black Caviar came to Royal Ascot from Australia and won in spite of having a torn muscle.

[@jondon3182]

@@darlenelarochelle4011 the only difference that injury really makes is to the owners and breeders, that's why they made the call that they did. People want to see the (potential) best horse ever run for more a handful of races before being sent to stud. Fans of any other sport want to see the absolute best of the best competing, why do you think racing is any different? They are not damned if they do or don't, because they reap huge profits regardless. The only thing they consider is which will reap more profits - and that's where racing fans get the short end of the stick

[@michaelritchie5491]

Flightline is great don’t get me wrong. But retiring after only one “full” racing season hurts his legacy. Running once every 3 months makes me think he has some sort of problem in recovery from races. We never saw Flightline on a one month turn around and never saw him compete in a triple crown race or build up to the triple crown. To compare him to all of the horses who were able to compete on a normal basis and in the triple crown is unfair.

[@BryantBrothers-gm1qx]

No it wasn't injury related...they race horses every three months on the regular now....they got greedy...took the money and RAN... simple

[@thuaug4417]

I watched every race Flightline ran, live, and have watched ‘em all repeatedly on YT replay since. Incredible horse. Now, I’m not a fool, I understand the business decision to immediately retire to stud. Rich people want more money. Makes complete sense, and probably an insight into why they got wealthy in the first place, because the bank vault means more to them than heart and emotion. Clinical, rational, makes sense. But I also understand the legacy, and here Flightline falls short. I saw every pro fight Mike Tyson ever had. Every one. And Flightline winning the BC and then immediately retiring feels like Iron Mike beating Michael Spinks and immediately quitting. In the moment, OMG he’s the GOAT!!! Of course, in retrospect today we know that’s simply not true. So while Flightline is awesome, I simply can’t convincingly compare him to the Man O’War’s and Secretariats and Phar Laps - the truly greatest - and so for me as a huge supporter Flightline is at the level of a Ghostzapper, another incredible champion. I just need to see more, bigger challenges to cement his status as an Immortal.

[@LongshotEddie]

T man, Makes you admire Spectacular Bid all the more doesn't it...6 races and they want to immortalize him. Give me a break.

[@leawise7919]

Yes, Phar Lap was incredible. Flight Line is a good horse, he is not going down in the history books. No need to retire him So Early, he will be forgotten next year.

[@thuaug4417]

@@leawise7919 Imhighly doubt he’ll be forgotten by horse players. But as I say, he’ll be remembered with awe and reverence at the level of a Ghostzapper or Invasor, and those are not small potatoes. But it’ll also be remembered with a lot of “woulda-coulda-shoulda’s” to prove immortality. There is also always a chance his progency will become champions for generations, and maybe he’ll be talked about as an all-time legend like Northern Dancer. We don’t know. What we do know is there were more challenges for Flightline to ascend to immortality, and his owners said, nah, pass, we’ll take the money.

[@ORSkie]

Agreed, and these were single sprints - nothing like the Triple Crown. Nice horse but I cannot see him in the same light as Secretariat.

[@marky4577]

Exactly.

[@tabbyb4421]

While Flightline is a perfect racing specimen, and I have LOVED watching him run (and win), the claims of "greatest horse ever" and comparisons to Secretariat are ridiculous. Flightline had 6 career races.....Secretariat had 21 races in 16 months(!!), only 5 finishing off of first. On speed, Secretariat rated 139, Flightline 128. Yes, Flightline had wide open leads at finish, but so did Secretariat. While open to a future Super Horse, my heart will always be for Big Red.

[@jsidorable]

You got to do it on the track over time.....thats where greatness lies

[@paulstolp6350]

That horse is damn good

[@samuelwilliams6313]

Tabby B @ samuel williams well pardon the start friend:) my comments has to do with breaking records as the secretariat way of dealing with losses. The five he lost are the ones where he was sick in two of three. I do believe in that lose to onion it was a lock in at first and the by the time Ronnie turcott got him in gear ⛮ it was to late to catch him onion even with big red's speed and penchant for late wins lol.

[@christineheminger7762]

I saw no times. It really aggravates me when a horse is compared to Secretariat but, timewise, would be almost as far behind him as the Belmont field

[@christineheminger7762]

(I think that’s the appropriate term for all the other horses in the race)

[@tomschmitz1799]

Flightline’s connections are everything that is wrong with horse racing. The horse might have been a legend.

[@lagosfury5142]

EXACTLY...they robbed him of his legacy and took the..MONEY

[@TimesUp777]

@@lagosfury5142 they kind of did but FL didnt have as many races because he never ran as a 2 year old like most horses do. He only races 6 times in 18 months for some reason??

[@pattykake7195]

@@lagosfury5142 Now they will probably breed him to death….🥵

[@theunamericansportsman4726]

@@TimesUp777 injuries, fragile horse

[@TimesUp777]

@@theunamericansportsman4726 yea I know but I didn't want to say that because some people on these comments get mad when you say stuff like that.

[@CC-kg8ce]

I knew Flightline was special when he broke slow in New York, had to check significantly twice, and won with ease. That being said he wasn’t around long enough to capture the imagination of the public deservedly or not.

[@jeffb5785]

I would have liked to see a few more races but I am grateful for the 6 thrilling races we got to see.

[@D2RaWYT]

I told my brother after his 2nd career race at Del Mar that I thought he was better then life is good. And that's when life is good was just starting to dominate. Those split 22s and the fierce gallop out had me drooling. 😳👀 I knew he could be this good after that. But my fav stat for him is....No whip has ever hit flightline.

[@jeffb5785]

@@D2RaWYT As you pointed out Flightline never felt a whip, my observation has always been, imagine if he ever tried hard to win? He never once had to try hard. In his last race, Life Is Good stayed with him for a mile, and a great horse like that was done. Flightline was going to win going away at any distance.

[@vernonfrance2974]

A couple of Flightline admirers here mention that he was never hit by a whip. I am fond of studying conspiracy and intrigue and it occurred to me that the injury that occurred to Flightline which left a big scar near his tail on the right side would have been a perfect place to hide a subcutaneous shocking device that could be activated by a jockey. I know that this is sacrilegious to even imagine but it is quite possible with today's advanced technology. I am sure it would have been removed after his racing retirement so there is no way to know if my conjecture - which I admit seems far fetched - may have had some validity unless someone involved divulges it. However, only an idiot would do that as it would implicate himself. I honestly never suspected that Maximum Security had been given steroids as he had been tested after each race.

[@6cobrasnake9]

@@vernonfrance2974 Flightline a lab rat? I have a question for you outside of horse racing. Today I passed by a church and there was a sign that said “My name is I AM”. With that being said, do you believe GOD is white or is he black? I was thinking maybe you can break it down and let me know?

[@jeffb5785]

I would not compare Flightline to any other superstar racehorse, he is unique and there is no need to talk down another great champion or say Flightline isn't as good as another great champion, they are all unique. Secretariat will always have a special place in my heart because he was the undisputed champ when I was a kid. I feel a strange connection to a young jockey at the time Steve Cauthen that rode another horse to a triple crown win because Cauthen was born on the same day that I was.

[@ridgemanron]

Nor Flightline, or any other horse for that matter was as unique a horse as Dr. Fager. After coming down with colic as a 3 year old and unable to race in the Triple Crown Races, his 3 year old campaign may have been cut short but as a 4 year old he proved to be the most versatile champion racehorse of all time. To begin with he was undefeated as a 4 year old and averaged carrying weight of 134 lbs per race. He was awarded 'Sprint Champion', 'Grass Champion', ''Handicap Horse Champion' and 'Overall Horse Of The Year Champion' as well. As I stated, no other thoroughbred ever matched this most versatile horse of all time.

[@pdkrace]

For me, it will always be Man O War.

[@ridgemanron]

@@pdkrace He can be your favorite, which is your choice, but when talking about proven versatility, running on different surfaces and distances, there has never been a horse who was able to accomplish as many different aspects of winning thoroughbred races as Dr. Fager. His record speaks for itself.

[@rosewetzel8284]

I thought winning the Triple Crown was the pinnacle of horse racing but apparently winning the Breeders Cup championship is the pinnacle of Horse racing! Congratulations Flightline! You won Horse Racing Immortality and did Secretariat proud!

[@TimesUp777]

@@rosewetzel8284 the Triple crown is the Pinnacle of racing by far. The TC is the hardest test in racing. 3 races in 5 weeks. The guy who made this video called the Breeders Cup the Pinnacle but it doesnt mean it is.

[@derryhendrickson1364]

I wish we could of seen flightline run 2023.I have friends who were not horseracing fans. But they started to watch horseracing because of flightline.It breaks my heart to see this horse retired so early. But thank God for the good things flightline did on the track. To God be the glory. Great things he has done

[@claudiabranham8426]

Babies...they want babies!

[@fleetskipper1810]

@@claudiabranham8426 Stud fees! They want lots of paid stud fees!

[@joegarciatucson]

John Henry was the reason I fell in love with horseracing and what made John Henry great was not that he was undefeated but the fact that he would avenge his loses and in those times he would win by a length or two and if you knew him and his style that was a rare thing. John Henry won his last G1 at the age of 9 and would have competed in the inaugural running of The Breeders Cup but because he was injured he did not run but a few months later won his last race in New Jersey I believe. Flightline will have many many questions to answer unfortunately for him those questions needed to be answered on the track and that is over with so he will go down as a fleeting image but NOT a legacy like the prior horses that have always been considered great and even the measuring stick. John Henry ran over 80 times !!!!!

[@dovesrun]

John Henry was a gelding so they weren't risking anything by continuing to race him. Look at Barbaro. He never sired a foal, so we don't know how great he could have been. Too much risk to race him again. He needs to make baby horses now.

[@6cobrasnake9]

Was John Henry a gelding? I think they run geldings to the ground.

[@6cobrasnake9]

@@dovesrun Barbaro had to be put down. Nothing could save him . Track veterinarian fault for putting him back in the gate. He suffered a hair line crack after he pushed himself through the starting gate door . So sad that an animal can’t speak to tell you that he’s hurt within seconds after it happened.

[@johntucker7063]

John Henry was a great horse.

[@bluwolf9357]

The horse is a star, no doubt but just like Bill Mott said: “I think greatness is only done through the test of time.” 6 races and the horse was quickly turned into into a producer of horses and a cow of cash. Enough said.

[@estebansanchez2528]

Eso es verdad veremos si es transmisor de sangre porque puede ser bueno .. corriendo .. pero será bueno en la cría

[@pamn4611]

And he may not pass his speed on, it is always a gamble. But the owners/syndicate make their $$$.

[@penelopelopez8296]

I would have liked to see Flightline successfully endure Cigars race schedule. It would interesting to see what kind of condition Flightline would be in after his 13th race in like 10 months against the best in the world and in Europe. That would give everyone a better idea of his greatness but these horses today cannot handle that kind of racing anymore. They’re bred too fragile and weak….Flightline would break down trying to duplicate Cigars greatness.

[@noblshtplz]

The incomparable, invincible, unbeatable Cigar....what a race horse....16 in a row...10 more than Flightline in wins alone.

[@madcat4301]

I was around when both Ruffian and Secretariat ran. Flightline reminds me of Ruffian more. I suspect his jockey deliberately holds him back in the beginning of the race, only to unleash him near the top of the stretch. Ruffian's trainer and her jockey had the same strategy. Make no mistake, I loved Big Red, but Ruffian was my heart.

[@tonym2513]

She was incredible. Led every race she ever ran at every point of call during the race. No horse will ever do that again.

[@6cobrasnake9]

@@tonym2513 but still people get mad and confused because they retired Flightline. What happened to Ruffian , Barbaro could’ve well happened to Flightline. You just never know ???

[@vernonfrance2974]

@@madcat4301Actually Ruffian was always sent out on the lead.

[@6cobrasnake9]

@@vernonfrance2974 What I would like to know is , what happened to Secretariat? Did they buried him or was he sold for a couple hundred bucks to a dog food company? For if he was sold then that means he was scattered across hundreds of lawns across America.

[@elizabethferguson7002]

Ruffian never saw a horses tail from break to finish. She wasn't rated, maybe you're confusing Zenyatta or Winx? Ruffians was out in front from break to finish, except for that 1975 Foolish Pleasure match race. BTW...after that day, there has never been a match race at a US Parimutuel track.

[@phoonvolvo8613]

And this is why I like Australian horse racing. Trainers aren't afraid to keep turning up. Look at how many races the likes of Winx, Black Caviar, Nature Strip, Maybe Diva ran. And in the case of BC and NS traveling to the other side of the world and won.

[@thuaug4417]

I watched every race Flightline ran live and had money on him every time, and I can tell you he is a freak, a superhorse. But one of the reasons Australian horse racing is the best on the globe, with the best supporters, is because they turn their champions out for more than six races..

[@david1044]

Caviar, Winx, Nature Strip never won a breeders cup. Not saying the we're not capable, but they never took on the best.

[@thuaug4417]

@@david1044 Seasons are reversed, Australian Spring Carnival has significantly more history, tradition and prestige, and vastly higher purse money. Why would an owner want to risk his horse travelling thousands of miles for less money? Not smart. ALSO watching Breeders Cup this year, as has become the pattern, turf races were again DOMINATED by 2nd-string Euros, they didn’t even send their best. Breeders Cup is good for The Classic, and that’s about it. No other race is comparable to the Australian and European classics. This is my opinion-only, but I say this as a Canadian punter who wagers on American tracks every day for the past 40 years.

[@david1044]

@@thuaug4417 Well, racing year round is commonplace in the states. Purse value is not the only consideration, when addressing status. The competition you have is also a primary component in assessing a place in the breeding barns, and where you fit in history. I love Australia racing. And the Australian fans are passionate. I love the full fields. But I would have loved to have seen Winx go up against Bricks and Mortar and so on. And as the US turf racing is in full collapse, why not? $3 million purses are worth the journey...

[@thuaug4417]

@@david1044 Respectfully, you wrote, “they never took on the best,” and this past BC just proved - again - that in many events - namely the turf events, which comprise half the BC races - the Euros are NOT sending their best, they are sending 2nd-stringers, O’Brien and Appleby literally said as much, they bring their horses deemed not good enough for the European Fall Classics. So, again, why would an Australian owner be so foolish as to risk sending a champion (like Winx, Nature Strip, etc) across the Pacific Ocean to race for less prize money than he/she can make at home in their Spring Classics in a lame clout-chasing attempt to prove they can beat European 2nd-stringers (to say nothing of the current crop of subpar American turf sprinters and routers)? If we want to defend Flightline’s premature retirement as a business decision, then let’s at least look at ALL the dollars on the line and keep it real.

[@byrd5163]

My opinion he didn't race enough. Sure he was impressive but he won't go down as a legend in my books.

[@craigconley1872]

Secretariat, Triple Crown...Greatest! Flightline nice, but with only 6 starts, how can you say the best of all time??

[@johntucker7063]

I watched both horses and I think Secretariat was more impressive. Secretariat ran 12 furlongs in 2:24 on dirt. No other horse has come close to that. Secretariat won grade one races both on dirt and on turf which is a rare feat.

[@maninacrowd2342]

An incredible horse and simply the best since Secretariat!! To those that say he’s not as good as Red…you could be right but we’ll never know. if Flightline doesn’t have a heart weighing 10kgs I’ll eat my shorts without tomato sauce 😂 to beat the best the way he did regardless of only racing 6 times is no easy thing! Great video!

[@laurenurban3942]

With three months rest between carefully selected races, what type of challenges or adversity did the horse face. Did he run against the best turf horses on the turf? Did he carry excessive weight? Did he ever won at a mile and a half or beyond? Has he ever run 10 or more races in the span of several months? Has he ever run back off just 2 weeks rest? All very important requirements of a real champion that Flightline doesn’t meet. And six races doesn’t qualify unless he set a world record in each race.

[@9Ballr]

We know he wasn't as good as Secretariat because he was never given the chance to be as good as Secretariat. So yes, we do know.

[@leahfarrow9093]

Oh this made me cry so hard.Im moved and deeply touched.He blew my mind.He just glided into home.Wish I could hug him.

[@irmanshah345]

How they train horse to be a champion? I cannot believe that when i saw flightline running. More powerful, very effection running, good running, good condition body, strong muscle, strong running horse. Im very proud of his trainer. Trainer works very hard to achieved this. This victory to your trainer too.👏👏👏 Congratulation brothers!👍👍👏👏 Racing horse lover from malaysia 👍😁

[@GerardoHernandez-fq1mx]

2022 was a good year for horse racing. We had Rich Strike's 80:1 story at the Derby and we also had a once in a lifetime horse in Flatline.

[@JDL0427]

I love the horse, love the story. Thrilled at the outcome. Jane Lyon and David Ingordo. Those two probably didn't want in front of the camera but this story is incomplete without them

[@robhartley9676]

Tremendous story ! Thank you for doing this !

[@dianneoilfield5913]

With that breeding, he should be awesome! I am a child of the 70's who saw Secretariat and other great horses! Secretariat was my poster!! Flightline is an amazing horse, we haven't seen one for a while! His times are up with Big Red, but Secretariat will always be my hero!

[@michellenainkristinabusch1221]

Secretariat isn't immortal, even he got beat.

[@maryc8552]

This horse is special! There is no doubt. You get the feeling here that this wasn't even all he has. He is a stunner!

[@vernonfrance2974]

His head seems more like a Standardbred than a Thoroughbred.

[@jps1233]

Love Flightline ❤, buuuuut like the Pharoah , he left racing tooooo sooon ..

[@question_it_701]

American Pharoah was great, but not in the same tier as Flightline.

[@jennyadam1]

LOVE the message at the end. You CAN put it down!

[@Packey67]

6 career races. Perfectly hand chosen races for the purpose of retiring to stud. The owners did the horse racing community an injustice. He can never be compared to the greats.

[@nomorepaper8712]

You can tell the greatness of a horse when the comparisons go right to the best ever. It reminds me of Lebron James coming up. People just said "well he no Jordan". 50 years old and have been a fan since I was 15 and he's the best I've ever seen. With breeding taking over racing and the best retiring after 6 races will never have good comparisons to the greats of the past but... Flightline will probably be the closest we get.

[@surfset1]

Thank you ❤ Great job as always👍 I have been so lucky to have seen this amazing Champion win in person here in California. Breath taking.

[@petesaria-hf1xh]

If thoroughbred racing and those that partake in it interest you, you might enjoy First Mount, a short novelette that I read recently about a young jockey’s travails at making the weight to get his first ride and what he’s willing to endure to get it.

[@maribelfain9342]

Flightline is amazing horse his groomer put alot time and dedication to his work that way three have successfully

[@larrylomascolo6289]

this horse is beautiful looking animal,,,sad he retired,,,,i get chills seeing his wins,.He was still learning to be a racehorse and winning hand ridden home he went 3/4,s in 108 GR.1 company couple times going mile plus just awsome

[@vernonfrance2974]

Beauty apparently is in the eye of the beholder.

[@phillipbottrell]

FLIGHTLINE is awesome! he said it how it is.

[@_DD2024]

❤️❤️❤️God bless Flightline the connections and anyone struggling with addiction.

[@question_it_701]

He was as good as Secretariat. His times, his margins, and the fact he had those times and margins while running the fractions he did---- and the fact he did all of it WRAPPED UP, never touched with a whip, never pushed by another horse. Gary Stevens, Bailey, Moss, commentators, race callers, ALL saying his right there with Secretariat. All connections with this horse are nothing but CLASS. His time at the mile mark, was 1:34.58. The Dirt Mile, ran earlier, had a FINAL time of 1:35.33.

[@a.b.equestrian1329]

Looks so good

[@Sadcas05]

I like one thing most. The owner love his wife very much. Their moments really make me cry. ❤

[@zerocool9135]

This horse is awesome!

[@lestercharles8522]

Always believed that the measure of a racehorse is in the main part the times it runs. This of course is dependent on track conditions, weight carried etc... I have not researched the times he has produced but I guess winning by so many length the jock is likely to ease up before the pole He is a beautiful, tall athletic horse definitely a high quality.. Sad tho that we don't have horses having extended careers anymore so they can build an even greater legacy....

[@Sheherizade2U]

Very well stated, thank you. Flightline’s performance was impressive, hope he’ll sire an amazing progeny that will give horse racing fans more talented horses to cheer on. I will miss watching this strong horse run like the wind.

[@vernonfrance2974]

@lestercharles8522 Some people here think that six races spaced out over two years against questionable opposition can confer greatness, I guess. It's like saying you won the BCC so you don't have to go to Europe or Dubai to be truly tested. Justify won the Triple Crown with a perfect 6-0 but he did not run entirely on tracks listed as fast so he could not set the speed numbers Flighty did. Even so, another winner of the BCC, Authentic, as a three year old, not four like Flightline was, ran faster at the same track, Keeneland, beating better opponents, and his record is being overlooked because it had to be hand timed since the electronic timer malfunctioned.

[@lestercharles8522]

@@vernonfrance2974 understood.. I sorts of feel like you wanted to see a bit more of him because he seems like the real deal.. Its a bit sad how quickly they rush horses of the breeding shed these days, it really is taking some of the entertainment value away from the sport. Maybe there is a need to frame some lucrative 4 year old and over races maybe, if that makes sense...

[@fleetskipper1810]

He has always been eased at the end, so we have no chance of knowing how fast he could be.

[@lestercharles8522]

@@fleetskipper1810 agreed. It's insane the margins he continually won by

[@aslamibrahim5453]

Make no mistake this was a fantastic race horse I should have come over to watch his last race. Very regratefull

[@taidutiger3776]

Thx Green evergreen 🌲 Today is a lovely day tiger's 🌸

[@livetwice7702]

What a beautiful horse

[@teresasaunders6842]

Really happy for all the connections of Flightline. He was a phenomenal race horse. I don't know why they felt it was prudent to retire him. Calling him America's horse kinda leaves a bitter taste because his racing career was quite brief. Perhaps there were issues beyond the financial benefits of retirement. I wish we could have enjoyed him a bit more. His performances were inspiring but, he owes us nothing. Best of luck in the breeding shed and, thanks for the thrills.

[@stevencooke6451]

Part of me wants him t offail as a sire as that might cause the overinflated market for sires and breeding to decline and make the actual racing more important. No fans go out to watch horses breed. We want them to race (obviously race when they are sound).

[@loritalbot3063]

Its hard to say a horse is the best ever on 6 races... no matter how much he won by.

[@vernonfrance2974]

Exactly and the best opponent at a mile and a quarter, Epicenter, had a condylar fracture during the race. Authentic had a better win in the BCC in 2020 in a considerably faster time on the same race course. He was only three while Flightline was four. Four year olds are generally more mature and developed than at three. Authentic broke the track record set by American Pharoah five years before in the same race. The teletimer did not function properly so the race was hand-timed, initially in 1:59.16 based on the video and then in 1:59.60 using additional camera angles.

[@hunterbunter6134]

Plus no Triple Crown race wins. I can't call a horse the best ever without that.

[@michaellucas669]

Vern comparing times different years under different conditions just shows you have so much to learn about horse racing.. maybe try listening more

[@michaellucas669]

Tough to call a horse who didn't race as a 4 yr old the best ever too

[@anthonypiccolo5158]

@Michael Lucas Do a little research before you make a comment, the horse is 4!

[@jordanhaimowitz8745]

First horse to take hold of social media!? Yeh right, Zenyatta legit brought horse racing to the internet

[@seadrifter8975]

Never saw the persuader or ran on lasix ? Only 6 runs but looked sensational 👌 2nd highest timeform rated horse 🐎

[@Smile-uwokeup-2day]

Great horse flight line n hope the connections will send him to Dubai cup nest yr 2023

[@tgaming4394]

Wonder horse flightline 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@JayBlack932]

The greatest of all time

[@patdiggin7053]

Brilliant to be here to see such a fantastic equine athlete.

[@layschip1]

Great thoroughbred and truly in the top 15 to 20 racehorses of this era. Comparing him to Secretariat is like doing the same thing comparing other heavyweight boxers to Muhammad Ali, the greatest of all time (GOAT) IMO. Secretariat never raced as a four year old, but just kept getting better, and could race on any type of surface. You simply can’t compare thoroughbred racehorses like: Man o’ War, War Admiral, Citation, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, American Pharaoh, Zenyatta, Fightline. It’s like mixing apples & oranges. However, for this 67 year old racehorse fan there can never be another SECRETARIAT, the (GOAT)!

[@jaseleb]

You must have seen a lot of great horses in your 67 years Morris. I just wish Flightline had raced a bit longer - hopefully he becomes a success at stud. Are you a fan of any horses outside of America?

[@wilmoore5259]

Agreed.

[@layschip1]

@@jaseleb Yes, I certainly believe there are equally great thoroughbred racehorses in other countries. My apologies, I should have mentioned some of them in my comments like Winx, Kincsem, Black Caviar, Brigadier Gerard, Eclipse. I wish we could have more international racing where Americans could become more familiar with those fabulous racehorses in other nations.

[@tabbyb4421]

I agree! Comparing Flightline to Secretariat is ridiculous. Flightline raced 6 races in his career.....Secretariat raced 21 races in 16 MONTHS, with only 5 finishing off of first place. NO HORSE has matched his speed, either. I still cry watching his races....his drive and physical ability only improved with age. Truly one in a Billion.

[@hunterbunter6134]

@@tabbyb4421 Plus he captured the Triple Crown. It's a shame we didn't get to see Flightline go for it as well.

[@caderbavahmuhammadsiddick384]

Lovely horse 🐎 👌 👍 ❤️ 🧡💜

[@brianwhitaker4826]

I understand , but man i would love to see him run more , at least in the pegasus . But since we won't I'll be thankful that I was able to see him at . Looking forward to seeing the Flight babies in a couple of years .

[@jm484]

They’re keeping him healthy-good

[@federico5325]

Awesome horse 🐎

[@farriswilliams553]

Horses! They should be man’s best friend. Who else agrees with me?

[@farriswilliams553]

Are you one of those people who thinks the next man lacks information just because you have that information. I own a horse, sir.

[@farriswilliams553]

Ok, there you go again with assumptions. FYI My job doesn’t pay that much either, although I see your point, because I wouldn’t have been able to acquire the horse without the help of my financial advisor and mentor Mr Gabriel. I made $6000.67 in three months. The man’s a genius.

[@farriswilliams553]

I started with $1300. I think it depends on your investment plan.

[@farriswilliams553]

He’s on Instagram

[@farriswilliams553]

gabriel_yeotzin

[@burningsagemanmusic7491]

One more season undefeated then you can say he is the greatest ever!

[@andrewlinesjah4538]

Upon superficial analysis I can most emphatically and unequivocally state That the analogy , Albeit a metaphorical analogy , By some in America , To herald Flightline to be Secretariat like , Is in truth a bizarre analogy . In true comparison , Flightline is a glorified maiden Or a D Division horse , Just like Sham was , In Comparison To THE MIGHTY SECRETARIAT " BIG RED WAS WITHOUT EQUAL , AND REMAINS SO ! " 🔥🏇🔥

[@nickcarlton9720]

Destiny Called! And Flightline had the ultimate answer!!!

[@willhodgson5478]

Frankel’s last dance gets the better documentary.

[@andrewlinesjah4538]

Secretariat would have murdered Frankel : Upon superficial analysis I can most emphatically and unequivocally state That the analogy , Albeit a metaphorical analogy , By some in America , To herald Flightline to be Secretariat like , Is in truth a bizarre analogy . In true comparison , Flightline is a glorified maiden Or a D Division horse , Just like Sham was , In Comparison To THE MIGHTY SECRETARIAT " BIG RED WAS WITHOUT EQUAL , AND REMAINS SO ! " 🔥🏇🔥

[@stephenciattei]

You cannot mention him in the same breath as Secretariat, Man O'War, Phar Lap, Citation, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, Cigar, Colin, Sun Beau, Zenyatta, Ruffian and the list goes on.... He was a Nifty Horse to have for his brief career but just another good runner. seriously Imortal lolol

[@evieuretsky9997]

He has some great bloodline and I cant wait to see what he can do in the future.

[@thechampion9525]

I guess flight line has been retired I guess the owners did that because the millions of dlls the horse will make as a breeder but honestly I would wish the horse could've racing for one more year

[@evieuretsky9997]

@@thechampion9525 that sucks, with such great bloodlines and seeing how fast that boy is, he could have made him a great horse like some of his grand sire's

[@michellenainkristinabusch1221]

​@evieuretsky9997 pretty much every TB has the same bloodlines. They're so inbred, it's sad

[@maheshmaheshgowda312]

In India 🇳🇪 we have a champ called War Hammer 🔥🔥🔥 Unbeaten the Legend Horse My favourite colt forever..

[@Shekhawat387]

War hammer best 🐴 I say but nt at all any legend catagory to consider 🤣🤣🤣 thein why retired so really he has only 8carrier Star most of won in his home town one in Mumbai derby but he never won indian most Prestigious race invation cup 😂😂

[@sammysheeesh4730]

War Hammer will lose to an American $5,000 claiming horse

[@Shekhawat387]

@@sammysheeesh4730 I don't think so u have knowledge of horse racing any fresher will bark like this their are many aspects Which Asia Racing are different to USA first learn it 🤣😂😂

[@RockStarArtists]

@@sammysheeesh4730 Lmao

[@samsmith3968]

Flightline IS a legend 🙌

[@michellenainkristinabusch1221]

Not quite

[@theredeemer3780]

Winx won 33 straight and most were group 1 races of the highest caliber, over distance and sprints, I have no doubt that Flightline is a good horse with exceptional speed, and I like to see an AI race with a heap of great horses racing against Winx.

[@elgransenor1472]

Group One races of the highest calibre ROFLMAO

[@noblshtplz]

What a phenomenal race filly Winx was....one in a million that's for sure! 🌹🏇🏆

[@karanbirbrar8599]

Beautiful.... What a horse... Huge fella, when the big guys are runworthy they are unbeatable..... Horse like Flightline are what makes people like me fans of the sport of horse racing.

[@LifeisA_Dream]

Wish that they would have races him at 5. He could have been the GOAT, but now he's at least in the top 5!

[@Sheherizade2U]

Thank you for sharing this great, heartwarming documentary, well made, a tribute to a horse many like me have come to love. He’s beautiful, strong and intelligent. Good luck forward Flightline!

[@monte2115]

what exactly is heartwarming about the Flightline story? The unsoundness or the money grab?

[@GerardoHernandez-fq1mx]

I admit, I shed a tear or two.

[@raidhaddad1718]

He was 1/5 of second of the track record at Del Mar as the jockey eased him at the wire. Also 126 Beyer speed, second best of all time.

[@johntucker7063]

I saw the Pacifc Classic in person last year and Flightline's performance was impressive. It should be noted published Beyer Speed figures have only been around since the late 1980's. Therefore it is likely many great horses ran faster than Flightline, but did not receive a figure. Ghostzapper hit 128 which is the top Beyer figure published and he ran a sub-two minute Breeders' Cup. Ghostzapper also ran 120 or higher four times. Rumor has it Secretariat would have hit the mid 130's for his 1973 Belmont Stakes victory. I wonder what figures Spectacular Bid, Swaps, Citation and Dr. Fager would have received. Too bad this horse was retired before he reached his peak. Thank you for your comment Raid.

[@chettwettman6892]

@@johntucker7063 Wrong. GZ did not have 4 beyers over 120. They have calibrated and Secretariat ran a 139 in the Belmont. Flightline is the Only horse Ever to run a 121&126 back to back. The Quality of horses he has beaten is 2nd to none.

[@rejbrt]

“Sea biscuit” was the fastest horse ever closely followed by “Racing Stripes” the Zebra…….😂🤣😂

[@matthewsanchez1863]

Great video and mini documentary but the funny part is when he said Nov 5th 2006 is when he stopped drinking, but he was drinking the whole video , he had a cup glued to his hand 😂… gunna miss watching flightline race

[@dingdong5601]

Alcohol. He stopped drinking alcohol. Those drinks were just sodas in the video, ding dong.

[@dwaynebruce7344]

Every horse that has raced has its own place in history. No need to say who's better it will always be a matter of opinion. Flightline thank you for making my 2022 racing season memorable. I will always remember you.

[@LordRusty5]

Flightline traces back to two of my all-time favorite Equine Heroes ... Seattle Slew and Fappiano! In fact, he carries and holds himself like his great, great, grandsire ... Fappiano! A beautiful colt with fantastic talent! May he be successful at stud, and live a long and healthy life!

[@rodenpineda2838]

The best horse that i ever seen after secretariat...Amazing horse ...No doubt flightline is the best horse in the world today ....

[@vernonfrance2974]

Poppycock. Some people here think that six races spaced out over two years against questionable opposition can confer greatness, I guess. It's like saying you won the BCC so you don't have to go to Europe or Dubai to be truly tested. Justify won the Triple Crown with a perfect 6-0 but he did not run entirely on tracks listed as fast so he could not set the speed marks Flighty did. Even so, another winner of the BCC, Authentic, as a three year old, not four like Flightline was, ran faster at the same track, Keeneland, beating better opponents, and his record is being overlooked because it had to be hand timed since the electronic timer malfunctioned. Authentic also won the Derby. The field in 2020 was widely considered one of the deepest of all time, including Tiz the Law (2020 Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes winner), Maximum Security (2020 Saudi Cup and Pacific Classic winner), Improbable (3 Grade I wins in a row - the 2020 Hollywood Gold Cup, Whitney Stakes and Awesome Again Stakes), Tom's d'Etat (2019 Clark Handicap and 2020 Stephen Foster Handicap winner), Global Campaign (2020 Monmouth Cup Stakes and Woodward Stakes winner), Tacitus (2020 Suburban Stakes winner), By My Standards (2020 Oaklawn Handicap and Alysheba Stakes winner), and Higher Power (2019 Pacific Classic winner and second in the 2020 Hollywood Gold Cup).[26] Authentic broke the track record set by American Pharoah five years ago in the same race. The teletimer did not function properly so the race was hand-timed, initially in 1:59.16 based on the video and then in 1:59.60 using additional camera angles. Authentic was the highest rated 3 year old racehorse in the world and the highest rated dirt racehorse in the world of 2020.

[@6cobrasnake9]

@@vernonfrance2974 No body gives a F-k what you think! So stop wasting your time on trying to explain the bull crap in your head that makes no sense at all.

[@michellenainkristinabusch1221]

​@vernonfrance2974 maximum security was drugged. His trainer, Jason Servis admitted he drugged him.

[@jamescorpuz9591]

Give credit to the jocky. His a genuine excellent rider

[@paulthesurfer7470]

A doco all about the pinhead owner - a vanity project...

[@hellasrockriffs6347]

God - sent

[@luisg6574]

Thank you for sharing this video,it makes me very happy to see this horse and owners success history ,and what God can do when men walk his pad ,This Horse is a Gods gift for them and for us that love horse reading I am going to miss Flightline at the race track

[@rck9823]

This is a really good horse and maybe one of the quickest we've ever seen but to say he's the greatest of all time makes my head hurt. How you can compare to some of the greats we've had who have been unbeaten 15/20 races+ it's kind of an insult. Just my opinion think flighline had it rather easy ✌🏻🇮🇪🇮🇪🍀

[@suzanne9622]

Would like to have seen a little more of Flavien Pratt, John Sadler and team and Juan Leyva and the people who made Flightline what he is today. It seemed like the video was all about Terry Findley.

[@dragonz_breath4072]

Would love to see flight line in the Melbourne cup

[@7215640]

The best horse of all time ❤

[@question_it_701]

A strong argument can be made that he's worthy of being in that conversation. The only knock against him, is his short career. But, in that career, the way he did what he did, he's in conversation as one of if not the best ever.

[@michaelpuderramirez2331]

No doubt that Flightline is am awesome horse. He proved that. But the question remains: Exactly who did he beat? Answer: A bunch of dogs who have seen better days. I doubt that Flightline could have beaten a horse like Holybull or Cigar on their best days. Holybull was the real deal toying with top handicap horses when he was only 3.

[@jerryraper9386]

Will have to win way more than 6 races against world class horses to be considered among the greats much less the immortals. Study race horses a little and you will understand. Super nice colt though. Maybe he can achieve greatness in the breeding shed since his connections retired him

[@pattykake7195]

They will breed the guts out of him in case he is a dud….😔

[@mildewize]

By the way do you remember a horse called Phar Lap?

[@michellenainkristinabusch1221]

A great horse.

[@floridapmi]

"Greatest since Secretariat", amazing how people forget horses of the past. Affirmed, Seattle Slew, Spectacular Bid, Cigar, Skip Away, American Pharoah and Justify just to name a few. I was there at Keeneland, it was GREAT, but in a couple years they will forget using Flightline's name comparing the horse of the day.

[@miguelnolasco2533]

What a short documentary. Maybe if he had at 21 races like Secretariat and also won a Triple Crown. Let alone was the HOY as a 2yo. It's all Apples and raspberries to me. Only running 6 times in his career is not enough. How many Great Champions did Flightline beat. The Marlboro Cup in 1973 had a field of Champions who went on to have Graded Stakes named after Them. And the also ran in the Triple Crown had Stakes named after Them, too. Flightline needs to run against a World Best field that LIFE AS GOOD ran against in the Saudi Cup. Where he lost badly. How about Flightline run to save Farm from going under. Go ahead and make comments. And say you don't care about my comment. I'm going to bet, I've bet more money on the Races than all you , put together here, commenting. I've to comment on the Disney movie about Secretariat, too. I live in those times. What a misleading story, also. The Owner of the Farm was also the Owner of Riva Ridge. There was no mention Riva Ridge. He was the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes in 1972. He finished the 3YO Champion, that year of 1973. They both ran well to save the Farm.

[@VulcanOfNiVar]

Thank you for mentioning Riva Ridge. ​I applaud Secretariat however I give 2 other horses way more applause & also say are just as great if not greater then him ~ Kelso, & then Count Fleet, another 1 of my favorites & 1 of the absolute truly greatest ever (who I rarely ever see mentioned or talked about) who won the Triple Crown & Belmont by 25 lengths in 1943 after winning the Preakness 4 days after the Kentucky Derby & winning the Withers between the Preakness & Belmont (he was also injured before the Derby & injured in the Belmont while winning by those 25 lengths) ~ & as very honorable mentions from my many Many favorites, i will always love the very 1st Big Red Man o' War (who was probably the 3rd horse, him or Citation, with Kelso & Count Fleet as just as great if not greater than Secretariat), along with Seattle Slew, Citation, Seabiscuit, Spectacular Bid, Cigar & Zenyatta, Ruffian & American Pharoah. Count Fleet could just about FLY!

[@patriciaguth6882]

Glad to have seen him in my lifetime. 😊

[@Celal7411]

Just one more thing. It is not too late to bring him back for racing many more years. He is born to run.

[@ddw3968]

It would be nice but money rules that decision

[@elizalopez909]

I agree ..run him that's there in there blood

[@thuaug4417]

@@ddw3968 That’s why he’s not America’s Horse. He’s no longer a racehorse, he’s the bank’s horse.

[@ddw3968]

@@thuaug4417 He is an amazing horse, I wouldn’t hold it against him.

[@vernonfrance2974]

@@thuaug4417 He never was America's horse. He was a product of excellent marketing.

[@jamesjmcmahon]

Imagine a race with Secretariet, Spectacular Bid, Ghostzapper, and Flighline. I suspect Flightline might finish 4th.

[@tiffanykrause2529]

Add Citation, War Admiral, Seattle Slew etc...flightline will finish last

[@david1044]

Flightline could run with Ghostzapper, and maybe Secretariat. But that Spectacular Bid is a whole different animal. That horse was as close to perfect as a thoroughbred has ever been. Flightline not even close to "The greatest horse to ever look through a bridle"

[@melvinmelendez6333]

@@tiffanykrause2529 ; Add Dr. Fager and Kelso , Man O War .

[@jamesjmcmahon]

@@david1044 I 100% agree on The Bid. I threw Ghostzapper into the race b/c he had similar speed numbers to FL. I am also confident Secretariat could beat FL - especially as a 4 year old. I am not as confident Secretariet could beat Spectacular Bid. Let's throw Ruffian into the race too.

[@david1044]

@@jamesjmcmahon The Bid was special in my opinion. I remember the Washington handicap, when he broke the great Damascus's track record by a full second, under full restraint by 15 lengths, with a 135 lbs on his back. I surely don't see Flightline hanging with that. Maybe Dr Fager could, maybe Swaps. Those we're proven monsters as well. But hey, it's all a guessing game. And kind of fun. And interesting state on the Bid, the only time he was ever passed in the stretch was that Belmont, where he was essentially lame, and never changed leads for the entire mile and a half. Other than that.. nobody could pass him. Even with all that weight he was carrying.

[@CaliColts22]

Oh and let's not forget the most recent triple crown winner or barbaro, or zenyatta, or American Pharaoh, and many others

[@jerryraper9386]

Thanks for bringing people into reality. I would love for horse racing to come back but a 6 start wonder will be forgotten long before AP who accomplished much more and he hasn’t even broken the top 50 yet. Don’t forget the unbeaten females that started over 15 times and more than half in G1s against much stronger male fields than Flight Lines ran against. Flight Line was a ver very special colt but he can’t be brought up in the same conversation with Secretariat, Spectacular Bid,Citation, Tom Fool Seattle Slew, ext. and I could go on and on. 6 starts at 4 against just local handicap horses was never a great champion made. A pleasure to watch perform though

[@TimesUp777]

@@jerryraper9386 I hear you but he didn't have 6 starts at 4. He started in April of 2021 as a 3 year old. He was only raced 6 times in 18 months. What a shame. Secretariat raced 3 times in 5 weeks in the triple crown and then raced 9 days after the Belmont!!

[@deannasalem9195]

And Justify

[@ponylovermadden4560]

Did we forget Zenyatta who won 19 straight??? This horse may be fast and unbeaten but Z would run him into the ground. Don't even compare him with Secretariat. He is way too lightly raced when he retired. Many horses have won by HUGE margins and ran a hell of a lot more races. No records broken either.

[@tomdoc680]

Winx better than flightline and zenyatta

[@johnnymartinez4346]

AMEN AMEN AMEN

[@werhnerfelixtorres3913]

wish we could see Flightline win the triple Crown...

[@Aqualchemy]

Wish we could have seen... I agree 💯💯💯💯

[@michellenainkristinabusch1221]

He was injured

[@natchilusroyale3250]

Flight line one of the best horse u would ever seen in a life time since secretariat n I must thank John for being so patient n get him prepared to be a super race horse n must also Thank the owner for believing n choosing John cause this horse is going to also have great breeding career n long life as well. And I must also thank Flavian is jockey for saving flight line energy in all his racing and that why I know this horse his really special n a horse destroyer also it would be nice to have a track record time to seal his career

[@vernonfrance2974]

You cannot confer greatness when greatness has not been profferred.

[@WadeToombs1517]

Love the owner’s passion. Watching him fight back tears makes me tear up.

[@fortunefavoursthebold1195]

The owners are literally crying for the financial gain, they are scum and I wish nothing but bad upon them. Imagine retiring a potentially great horse after 6 races. Flightline can never be in the conversation of the greats of the sport, which is down to the owners. The owners are absolute scum!!!

[@monte2115]

passion for money maybe

[@vernonfrance2974]

@@monte2115 I don't think so because Flightline will make more money at stud unless he's a dud than he would going back on the track. A well reputed stud can soon make almost a million a crack with so much inflation an unfortunate fact.

[@monte2115]

@@vernonfrance2974 I breed and race. I understand the economics of the decision.

[@bubbleman1765]

WOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!

[@jtblastncast12]

Remember all the weight they added to Zenyatta even Phar Lap recent and historic champions to handicap them... we didn't see that here.

[@6cobrasnake9]

That’s all over with. How many times did Flightline feel the whip in his 6 starts ? NOT ONCE ! No need to use the whip, flightline ran on his own!!!

[@robertkaplan7001]

What did he win 6 races ? Who did he beat on the breeders cup a tireing Life is good! Great Horse but to mention Secretariat or Affirmed spectacular Bid John Henry yeah if you let Flightline Run until 7 or 8 and then breed him let him win the races for older horses but these days. Retire at 3 or 4 for the Breeding if I owned him I probably would too but it's not good for racing!

[@tree4408]

Flightline's eye for the camera mimics Secretariet.

[@Vidsofthe_Day]

He’s just a different breed

[@seadrifter8975]

Horse was never tested the pacific classic win was a devasting performance. Only ran six times and never as a two year old . Huge talent though .Never seen a horse carry so much pace mid race?

[@user-ze9ip9vy6c]

위대한 챔피언

[@janetgallo5720]

Yeah, Kenyata also won the breeders cup, but they kept the rent for 18 more races