Fast and Versatile: Flying Victor

There are numerous Thoroughbred stallions with propensities for siring great riding horses. Flying Victor was one such stallion. He was bred by M. & S. Malmuth & D. Mandell and foaled in California in 1985. Flying Victor was by Flying Paster, a multiple graded stakes winner whose major wins included the Santa Anita Derby (Gr. 1), San Luis Rey Stakes (Gr. 1), and San Antonio Stakes (Gr. 1). His dam, Elegant Victress, was a race-winning daughter of Sir Ivor. Flying Victor’s pedigree also included Fleet Nashrullah, Sir Gaylord, and Northern Dancer. He was a strapping chestnut with an intelligent expression, strong shoulder, muscular hindquarters, and an overall athletic appearance.

Flying Victor made four starts as a two-year-old. He won the California Juvenile Stakes (Gr. 3) and placed 4^th in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Stakes (Gr. 1) at Hollywood Park. As a three-year-old, Flying Victor placed 2^nd in the San Rafael Stakes (Gr. 2) and was favored to win the Santa Anita Derby (Gr. 1). Unfortunately, he sustained an injury that cut his career short. His final race record was 7 starts, 2 wins, and $185,025 in earnings. Flying Victor retired to stud and stood at different farms in California including Longview Stud, Lindon Farms, and Rancho Felicia. He sired several stakes winners including Charmvictor, Flying in the Lane, Flying Record, and Wired to Fly. While Flying Victor is not prominent in the pedigrees of champion racehorses, his descendants are demonstrating his versatility in performance careers.

Run Do Run, also known as “Dude,” is a Colorado bred gelding by graded stakes contender Basic Rate. His dam, Phelansexyinthelane, is a race-winning daughter of Flying Victor. Dude started 30 times, won 5 races, and earned $50,632 on the track. His five wins were at Arapahoe Park and Turf Paradise. His biggest win was in the Silver Cup Futurity and he also made starts in the CTBA Futurity, the Colorado Derby, and the Aspen Handicap. After a racing career that spanned four seasons, Dude became an out riding horse with Theresa Willey. He also competed in barrel racing and served as a lesson horse. Dude placed consistently in the 2D and won numerous prizes and awards. Theresa says that he is a total gentleman and adjusts his energy level to match that of his rider. She recently gifted Dude, who is now 17 years old, to a young teenage girl who will compete on him in barrel racing. Thresa is very proud of Dude and cannot wait to see what he will accomplish with his new rider.

Hold the Ice, also known as “Peppermint,” is a Montana bred mare by graded takes contender Joy of Glory. Her second dam, Flying Victress, is a race-winning daughter of Flying Victor. Peppermint made one start at Portland Meadows, finished 9^th, and earned $0 on the track. Unfortunately, some time after she left the track, Peppermint needed rescuing from a bad situation. She was given to Evan Bonner, a horsemanship clinician. Evan says that it took a considerable amount of time to help this mare regain her confidence. He is now able to use her for roping, starting colts, and demonstrating horsemanship techniques at clinics and expos. Evan has developed a wonderful partnership with this beautiful gray mare and says that she is enthusiastic and athletic.

Wings for Charlote, also known as “Chase,” is a 23-year-old California bred gelding. He is a direct son of Flying Victor. Chase made 9 official starts, placed 3rd twice, and earned just $322 on the track. He officially hit the board at Elko Fair and Mohave Fair and also made starts at Yavapai Downs and Turf Paradise. When Chase retired from racing, he found a home with Laurie Pulsipher. Laurie has used Chase for jumping, ranch work, roping, rodeo, and barrel racing. Like Dude who is mentioned above, Laurie says that Chase fits the level of his rider. Her young daughter can ride him without any issue. Laurie taught Chase to bow and sometimes he will randomly bow for treats. Laurie describes him as willing, loyal, and dependable.

In addition to having long shoulders, big hips, and correct legs, the close descendants of Flying Victor also seem to have great minds. Those qualities make them perfect partners in off-track careers.