The winner of three of six starts for Kris Lees, the American Pharoah gelding Flag Of Honour opened his North American account when clinging on for a nose victory in the Grade II Kennedy Road Stakes at Woodbine.
Carrying the tartan colours of Ron and Judy Wanless, Flag Of Honour benefitted from a rails-hugging ride by Kazushi Kimura to defeat the rallying Ice Chocolat (Goldikovic) by a nose with Dream Shake (Twirling Candy) one and three-quarter lengths back in third.
Trained by Julia Carey, Flag Of Honour was third in an allowance race on October 29 at his first start since winning at Gosford in May, after which he earned a lifetime ban in Australia when bleeding for a second time. He was shipped to the USA in June.
“He got a lot out of (his comeback), as you can see,” Carey told the Daily Racing Form.
“I knew he was a few works short for that race, but I had to run him because this race was the ultimate goal.”
Bred by Gerry Harvey, Flag Of Honour was a $425,000 purchase for Tasman Bloodstock from the Baramul Stud draft at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
His wins came at Rosehill, Newcastle and Gosford, and was fourth in the Group III Ming Dynasty Stakes, won by Golden Mile, and in the Listed Dulcify Stakes, won by Williamsburg.
Flag Of Honour is the only runner for the Stratum mare Godiva Rock, who has a troubled history at stud.
A $150,000 purchase for Baramaul Stud from Willow Park draft at the 2015 National Broodmare Sale, Godiva Rock finished third behind Miracles of Life and Fast 'n' Rocking in the 2013 Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at just her second start.
She later won a maiden at Moonee Valley in a career restricted by injury to 13 starts.
A sister to Flag Of Honour failed to make her $75,000 reserve at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
After missing in 2021, Godiva Rock foaled a filly by Maurice (JPN) on August 9.
Honour The Flag is the 41st stakes-winner for Coolmore Stud's Triple Crown hero American Pharoah (USA).
