AFTER 1149 days without a win, Flash Aah wrote a remarkable chapter in his racing story on Saturday, storming home to claim the $200,000 Listed Ipswich Cup in front of a stunned Bundamba crowd.
The rising 10-year-old gelding, overlooked by many at $31 odds, defied the doubters with a heart-stopping finish, snatching victory from Felix The Scat by the narrowest margin.
His powerful late burst not only ended a three-year drought, but also delivered sweet redemption – having finished third in the same marquee race back in 2021.
“This is the greatest moment of my career,” said an emotional Troy Pascoe, the Toowoomba-based trainer who has carefully rebuilt Flash Aah’s form.
“He’s been knocking on the door, and today he got the reward he deserved. I’m just so proud of him.”
Flash Aah’s journey has been one of resilience.
The son of Lucas Cranach first tasted stakes success in the Listed ATC Trophy (1400m) at the Gold Coast for Mitchell Fry before a stint in Victoria.
Now back home in Queensland, he has blossomed under Pascoe’s care, improving with each of his five recent runs.
The race itself unfolded with high drama.
Jumping from barrier four, jockey Ron Stewart settled Flash Aah mid-field as Akrotiri set a bold tempo out in front, closely tracked by Osmose.
Turning for home, it was Felix The Scat who swept wide and surged to the lead, with many thinking the race was his.
But Flash Aah had other plans. From the backmarkers, he launched a breathtaking run, eating up the ground with every stride.
The crowd roared as he reeled in Felix The Scat and lunged on the line – securing a victory that few saw coming, but one that will long be remembered.
Adding to the day’s drama, race favourite Diablo Bolt, ridden by Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Robbie Dolan, never found clear running, despite late betting support that saw him start at $4.
The Ipswich Cup wasn’t the only highlight on the card. Dolan found success aboard Oughton in the Eye Liner Stakes, while Kin delivered for favourite-backers in the Gai Waterhouse Classic, giving trainer James Cummings another feature win.
