Classy mare IN FLIGHT crashed through the million dollar prizemoney barrier with victory in Saturday’s Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
The FLYING ARTIE mare also helped break a 7 week drought for Proven gallopers after BANG ON TIME had won at Newcastle a few hours prior.
Trainer Joe Pride joined his owners in the unbridled thrill of IN FLIGHT’s most meritorious victory to date.
“She’s been a terrific mare and that’s her 9th victory and first at Group 2 level, “ Pride announced post race.
“She relishes the cooler months this mare and had thrived at home but there remained a lingering doubt about both good ground and 1200m. She’s put those queries to bed!”
In Flight and flying!
She takes the Sapphire Stakes and a double to @CWilliamsJockey! 💎@PrideRacing @ProvenTbreds @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/nNjb75GN8f— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 11, 2026
Clearly the one alley, very favourable weight conditions against her own sex and a lovely measured ride by Craig Williams, all helped. But a 39% winning strike rate with a quartet of stakes wins in three States, is not to be scoffed at.
The 5yo was purchased for $220,000 from Goodwood Farm’s draft at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, the same formula that conjured Proven’s highest ever earner PRIVATE EYE.
Meanwhile, a merry band of owners were celebrating the breakthrough of BANG ON TIME at Newcastle in the 1250m Fillies & Mares Maiden.
As well they should! The 4yo was having just her second lifetime start following a lengthy stint on the sidelines due to a pelvic injury. And after bullocking her way into the clear for Chad Lever, she sprinted smartly to win by a short half-head.
Congratulations to the @ProvenTbreds team & @kjparkerracing for their maiden win with Bang On Time @newcastleraces_.
The daughter of Almanzor has been patiently handled & broke through at her second start. Another winning graduate from our 2023 @KarakaChat draft. pic.twitter.com/2oAhFVG3yV
— Cambridge Stud (@CambridgeStud) April 11, 2026
Trainer Kerry Parker and the staff at spelling farm Redbank North, have done a first class job nursing her back to health. Whilst it was only a humble Saturday provincial maiden, it’s victories like these that are immensely satisfying for everyone involved.