Time to address the historic purchase of the Flightline colt.
I’ve read many comments some critical, some astonished, some judgmental. That’s normal on social media today, where everyone has an opinion, even when they know very little about the subject. I even understand them perhaps I would think the same way if I hadn’t been there.
For many, the final price was shocking. For those of us who were actually there, it wasn’t shocking at all.
When an owner is willing to pay this kind of money, it’s obviously because others wanted the horse just as badly.
But what makes someone pay such a high price for a horse that, as we all know, offers no guarantees?
On the morning of April 2nd, while watching horses train ahead of their official breezes (usually shown 7 days later in the catalog), I had the chance to see this colt for the first time. As many of you know, I always carry my handycam to record and analyze these works later in detail.
At first glance, I thought: “Wow, what a relaxed and efficient action.” With years of experience, I could already tell his stride length was well above average. Still, I needed to review the video closely.
The result left me astonished almost in disbelief. Honestly, I couldn’t believe what I had recorded that morning. To keep it short: there’s an old saying in this game “when you think they’re going slow but the clock shows an impressive time, that’s when you know they’re really special.”
I immediately contacted my clients and told them we were looking at a prospect on another level. A full week before the breeze show even started, I assured them their eyes wouldn’t see anything close to the quality of this horse among the remaining 1,200+ horses in the catalog.
I even told them that if this colt simply repeated what he “prepared,” he could become the most expensive horse ever sold at OBS.
The day of his official breeze arrived. I suggested they watch it live, and they did exactly at 9:05 a.m. on April 11th. The result was exactly what I expected. In fact, it was, without question, the most impressive breeze any horse has ever produced in the history of two-year-old in training sales.
He broke the pole in :9.3 a time that has been matched by several horses in recent years. However, most of those who hit :9.3 couldn’t maintain that power and speed through the next 1/8, 1/4, and 3/8. The closest was probably Shisospicy two years ago, but this colt was clearly on another plane.
Beyond the time, the way he did it was spectacular. His stride length and mechanics were simply breathtaking. Unlike the day I first saw him (when he was mostly on his left lead), this time he performed perfectly on his right lead, switched cleanly to the left on the turn, and continued galloping the 3/8 after the pole back on the right lead again.
A breeze that borders on perfection.
Then we looked at the pedigree. Why pay so much for a fast-working horse? Because he is by Flightline the Secretariat of our time. An exceptional racehorse whose place among the all-time greats is already a debate for another day.
And who is the maternal grandsire? None other than Into Mischief, the greatest sire of the modern era and a multiple champion leading sire.
Physically? He combines the best of both lines beautiful and correct, with a lot of Into Mischief in his color and markings, but also that athletic, distance oriented look from Tapit, the legendary sire of Flightline.
Finally, the veterinary evaluation sealed the deal: a heart with a capacity significantly larger than average, with a projected racing distance of up to 10 furlongs. X-rays 100% clean, positive ultrasound on ligaments, tendons, and suspendories, a Grade 1 throat, both testicles perfectly descended, zero signs of pain, no bucked shins, and no muscle wear after such an effort remarkable for a young horse.
This isn’t about ego or speculation. The person with the money can afford the luxury, of course. But for me, it was about the feeling of letting a horse go who… 🧵
Just here with my parents (aged 70s & 80s) @SkyIreland
They’ve been trying for ages to end the contract & keep getting passed around by your call centre
Looking at their bill here & they are being charged for stuff like Sky Kids and Sports package that the never wanted. Awful
The downfall of Dublin Football needs to be studied. We went from 8 All Irelands in 12 years and 14 Leinsters in a row to outsiders for Leinster and miles off the All Ireland
Underage is struggling at both U20 and Minor level as well
Where is it all going wrong?
@TGorrySolicitor Terry, I would imagine Heneghan is a total degenerate and the dirt comes out in the wash. His videos are akin to a jack Russell terrier yapping. Gearoid Norris should try and have the juvenile that was threatened produced asap.
Mark Tighe has an interesting story in the Irish Times today about Rob Heneghan of Pro Sports Advice ltd.
According to the story Rob Heneghan, who claims to be the world’s most-followed horse racing pundit, has deleted all social media content promoting "Gambana," an offshore gambling platform. The move follows inquiries from The Irish Times regarding the site’s lack of legal standing in Ireland.
The Promotion of "Gambana".
Between January and February, Heneghan used his Telegram groups to encourage followers to deposit funds—in some cases up to $1,000—into Gambana. He marketed the platform as a tool for "good risk management" and highlighted lucrative deposit bonuses.
However, Gambana is not licensed to operate in Ireland. It is owned by a Belize-based firm and claims to be regulated by the "Government of Anjouan," a small island in the Comoros archipelago.
Irish tipster deletes posts promoting gambling site that claims to be regulated from African island
irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/0…
Is this a "Fuel Price Crisis" or a "Fuel Supply Crisis"?
Right now in Ireland its a Fuel Price Crisis.
Yes, Jet-fuel and diesel are at risk of shortages. But if we get our elbows out, Ireland is in a very good position to pay for supply.
The real risk right now isn’t running out of fuel, it’s businesses becoming unviable and people losing their jobs.
The number one goal for Govt should be to keep people employed and keep businesses alive.
Mass layoffs and industry shutdowns are a worst case scenario. Once a business closes, it doesn't reopen.
Diesel is the economy’s lifeblood, but at €2.30 most haulage, farming or construction businesses become unviable.
Layoffs would mean more pressure on social welfare... rents and mortgages don't get paid.
Business shutdowns also mean less income for the State. No VAT, no PRSI, No PAYE etc.
Luckily Ireland has had consistent tax surplus for the last 3 years in a row. We have the money to survive this.
As the economy slows the Govt must do everything it can to keep business & households alive on life support:
This means: Cutting top rate of VAT 23% to 18%. USC 7% to 4% Carbon Tax to 0% Income tax bands to €60k+
The world has changed forever
An emergency budget is needed
This is Economic War.
Survival at ALL COSTS
Ahhhhh Kitty Bear come on man, not getting the rub of the green at all.
How has she been done there, can’t knock the jockey she’s just a young claimer but that was weak. Was home and hosed
Given what I’ve read on here. Since and during Cheltenham. Yes or No. Would you chip into a crowd funder for legal fees if needed for Icy to fight this?
A lot of people interested in the all weather this Friday evening.
But where were you when Shake The Bucket was doing his thing at Dundalk week in, week out?
A few more interviews with Ryan Tubridy and Claire Byrne in Irish media would really be appreciated. Not only do I crave insight into their journeys, I feel we are lacking said insight.