Flash Aah shines bright for Pascoe in memorable Ipswich Cup victory

By Dylan Mutu

He may have been the forgotten runner, but Toowoomba trainer Troy Pascoe always believed Flash Aah had what it took – and the galloper delivered, handing him his first stakes victory in the Ipswich Cup.

A while between wins – over 1000 days to be exact – the nine-year-old saved his best run for last this preparation, storming home from the widest position on the turn and living up to his namesake with a flashing finish.

With the Ipswich Cup marking the biggest win of Pascoe’s training career, he was thrilled to see his long-term plan for Flash Aah come to fruition.

“I never lost faith in him, I kept saying that this was always the race I wanted to get him in,” Pascoe said.

"He's been terribly unlucky this prep. Every start he has had, they've just walked and made it impossible for him to run home – I was blown away at the price, I always thought he could win it.

“My staff have done an amazing job. You know, he ran third in this race a few years back, and to come back and win it as a rising 10-year-old – they should take a bow.”

Jockey Ron Stewart was cool, calm and collected in the feature event, trailing the Archibald-trained Diablo Bolt into the race until the final turn on the Bundamba track.

When the hot favourite dropped out, it opened the door for Stewart to swing wide and give the veteran galloper the clear running he needed.

Stewart was full of praise for Pascoe in his post-race interview and admitted he was shocked by the generous price ($34) given Flash Aah’s past performances.

“I was surprised at the price he was. I thought he was definitely a chance when he drew the good draw – all we needed was the right run,” Stewart said.

“It really unfolded nicely for us. We had plenty of room and just kept building through his gears. I thought he was going to get a little bit comfortable, as he sort of had a bit of a look, but we got the job done.

“I think it's a really good training performance. He went from 1300 to 1800 and then stretched him out today. He’s peaked him at just the most precise time – it was spot on.”

Having worked under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer, the late Jim Atkins, as a foreman before venturing out on his own, Pascoe described the win as the most meaningful of his career – made all the more special by claiming it in the town where he was born.

“To be honest, this is the biggest win of my career,” Pascoe said.

When asked what it meant to him and his family, he replied emotionally.

“Everything, absolutely everything.”