Flightline

Tapit - Feathered by Indian Charlie

Flightline is an exceptional American Thoroughbred racehorse who dominated the racing scene in 2021 and 2022. Foaled in 2018, he was bred by Summer Wind Equine and trained by John Sadler for a partnership including Hronis Racing, Siena Farm, Summer Wind Equine, West Point Thoroughbreds, and Woodford Racing.

Flightline’s career, though brief, was marked by unprecedented brilliance and dominance. He raced only six times but won all of his starts, often by staggering margins. His debut in April 2021 saw him win by 13 1/4 lengths, setting the tone for his future performances. Flightline’s most notable victories included the Malibu Stakes, Metropolitan Handicap, and Pacific Classic, the latter of which he won by an astonishing 19 1/4 lengths. His career culminated in a victory in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Classic, where he defeated a strong field by 8 1/4 lengths. This performance earned him widespread acclaim and comparisons to some of the greatest racehorses in history. Flightline’s racing style was characterized by explosive speed and the ability to maintain a high cruising speed over distance. His Beyer Speed Figures were consistently exceptional, with his Pacific Classic victory earning a 126, the highest awarded since 2004. Despite his short career, Flightline was named the 2022 American Horse of the Year and retired with a perfect record. His impact on the sport was significant, reviving discussions about what constitutes greatness in a racehorse and setting a new standard for performance in the modern era.