For the first time in history, New Zealand breeders will have the opportunity to breed to a Champion European two and three-year-old sprinter who embodies the legendary Danzig-sireline.
Outstanding sprinter U S Navy Flag (USA) claimed two Group 1
feats back-to-back in his juvenile campaign, quickly earning him the honours of
Champion 2YO in Europe and Champion 2YO Colt in Europe, GB and Ireland.
Adding the July Cup to his Group 1 scores at three, and completing a Newmarket Group 1 triple crown, he carved himself a niche in racing history. Now the speedy son of War Front (USA) will join the Valachi Downs stallion roster and provide breeders with access to an exquisitely-bred three-time Group 1 winner.
He first entered the winners circle following a 2-year-old maiden race over six furlongs, beating home Dawn Delivers (GB) and stablemate Fleet Review (USA), with the latter a frequent rival in his Group 1 quests.
Following an admirable fourth place in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes behind Sioux Nation (USA), U S Navy Flag made the most of a slightly easier task in the Group 3 Round Tower Stakes to lead all the way on the stands rail and strike by an impressive six lengths.
His progression at each start saw him headed for the Group 1 Newmarket Middle Park Stakes where he began his rise to record-breaking glory.
Flying down the straight course at Newmarket, U S Navy Flag put in a gutsy performance to win the six-furlong feature half a length ahead of Fleet Review, while also upstaging Phoenix Stakes-winning Sioux Nation.
Two weeks later he led throughout to win the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes, again over the Newmarket six furlongs and this time beating home Mendelssohn (USA) by two and a half lengths. In doing so, U S Navy Flag became the first 2-year-old since Diesis in 1982 to win both the Middle Park Stakes and Dewhurst Stakes.
"The redoubtable colt saw the most racecourse action as a 2-year-old of any of the 44 European juvenile champions," commented Mark Bird, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Handicapper.
U S Navy Flag returned at three to run second in the Group 1 Irish 2,000 Guineas, before dropping back to his preferred 1200m-distance in the Group 1 July Cup against older horses. The ultimate European sprint Championship, the July Cup has produced winners Oasis Dream, Anabaa, Starspangledbanner and Stravinsky, plus Danehill who finished second, amongst others, who have excelled at stud.
With U S Navy Flag a great exemplary of the speed and precocity
that both War Front and Danzig have developed, and being the most talented son
of War Front, his future off the racetrack is set to deliver just as much
anticipation.
"He arrived in great order and the feedback we've had on him has just been phenomenal," said Jonathan Scully.
"Sir Peter Vela has been here, and he was suitably impressed and came to us with a few bookings so it's all really great for us and the New Zealand breeding industry."
Danny Rolston of New Zealand Bloodstock also spoke highly of the horse after first inspections.
"He's a quality type, he's dead correct and has great action. He's a real win for commercial breeders in New Zealand and is quite the package."
After covering a full book in his maiden season at Coolmore Ireland, U S Navy Flag has arrived at Valachi Downs to commence the 2019 season at a fee of $20,000 + GST.
