Flash Aah's part-owner Pat Fulton was in her Darwin jewellery store last Friday when decided to catch a last-minute flight to Queensland
She had dreamt of the horse charging down the straight at Ipswich the night before and her gut instincts were screaming 'you have to be there to watch this race'.
So the 73-year-old Fulton decided to embark on a spur-of-the-moment 3000km journey from the Top End to southeast Queensland.
She rang her travel agent at 10am on Friday, just over 29 hours before the 2150m Listed race was due to jump, and booked the red-eye flight to Brisbane, arriving at 5:30am on Saturday.
She then caught a bus to Gatton, where her sister Judy Schloss lives on a farm, before heading to Ipswich for the city's gala cup day.
It turns out her instincts were spot-on as $31 roughie Flash Aah flew down the outside to cause a monumental upset in the Ipswich Cup and break a 1000-day winless drought.
That's when the tears started to flow for Fulton, who is part of an ownership syndicate that includes her brother Terry, sister-in-law Narelle and Toowoomba trainer Troy Pascoe and his mum Sue.
There were tears of joy too, given that Fulton had bet $50 each way on Flash Aah at the juicy price of $40.
• 'He's found his home': Flash Aah springs monumental Ipswich Cup upset
'I was sitting in my jewellery shop on Friday morning and it just clicked that I needed to be down here (in southeast Queensland),' she said as her voice cracked with emotion.
'I had a dream on Thursday night. Flash was in the race running, and then I woke up.
'You get to the stage where life is so short that you just have to seize the moment.
'I could've stayed up in Darwin and watched it on the big screen with a few friends but it wouldn't have been the same.'
Flash Aah, the son of Lucas Cranach, has been on a remarkable journey himself, culminating in his stakes win last Saturday, his fifth race under Ipswich-born trainer Pascoe.
He started his racing career in November 2018 and has been through eight different stables, winning eight of 47 races and collecting $683,000 in prizemoney along the way.
His last victory came in April 2022 when the rising 10-year-old won a Benchmark 100 race (1400m) under the guidance of Victorian trainers Natalie Young and Trent Busuttin.
@IpswichTurfClub pic.twitter.com/MueblBazNK
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 21, 2025
'His best trainer is Troy, who's brought him back a treat,' Fulton said.
'We were just so happy that Troy could puff his chest out and say 'I've got a winner'.
'It was just magic. It's been a marvellous journey with Flash and hopefully it hasn't finished yet.
'This is the highlight of my year. I don't think I'll experience a moment like that again but having said that, you never know what Troy has up his sleeve for Flash.
'Flash turns 10 in August so we don't want to overcommit him. He'll let us know when he's ready to retire.'
"I never lost faith in him"
Dedication has paid off for Troy Pascoe after Flash Aah won the TAB Ipswich Cup at double-figure odds! @IpswichTurfClub @RaceQLD pic.twitter.com/UekQ9QZYPS
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 21, 2025
•
The emotions were still running at fever-pitch for Fulton when she boarded a flight back to Darwin on Sunday night.
'I've got to compose myself,' she said before continuing.
'The race panned out beautifully for us and when he started to come down the outside, me and Narelle knew he was going to win.
'That's paid for his feed for the next 12 months. The emotions were very high.
'My sister and I sat down at the Ipswich race club that night and we had a few drinks. I knocked off half a bottle of wine on my own! It was an amazing day.'
@IpswichTurfClub @RaceQLD pic.twitter.com/8yjzwLcEiS
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 21, 2025
Pascoe said on Monday that Flash Aah would likely run next in the $300,000 Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) at the Sunshine Coast on July 5.
'Pat asked me if he can run his final race in the Darwin Cup next year so I might just do that,' he said with a laugh.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Dewald and dew a potential Aussie headache in ODIs
The dew and a bloke dubbed 'Baby AB' loom as Australia's two biggest obstacles when their three-match ODI series against South Africa gets underway in Cairns on Tuesday. Glenn Maxwell's unbeaten 62 off 36 balls in the deciding game three of the T20 series helped Australia wrap up a 2-1 victory in that format on Saturday night. Maxwell hit the game-winning four with the penultimate delivery to secure the thrilling two-wicket victory in Cairns. But it wasn't the only talking point to come out of the match, with the dew and the explosive hitting from South African rising star Dewald Brevis also notable. Brevis followed up his unbeaten 125 off 56 balls in game two with a thumping 53 off 26 balls in game three, with the 22-year-old striking Aaron Hardie for four consecutive sixes. The man dubbed 'Baby AB' in reference to South African great AB de Villiers looks set to be handed his ODI debut for Tuesday's series opener to give him a chance to inflict more pain on the Aussies. The dewy outfield in Cairns also wreaked havoc - mostly for the South Africans given they had to bowl second. At the beginning of the crucial 18th over and with Australia still requiring 27 runs for victory, South African paceman Kagiso Rabada unleashed a beamer that flew more than a metre above Maxwell's head and through to the wicketkeeper without bouncing. Rabada looked at his hand in disbelief immediately after the mishap, and his subsequent free hit was struck for six by Maxwell as Australia set sail for victory. Dew was also an issue in Darwin at the start of the T20 series and it could be a factor yet again for the ODI opener at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns on Tuesday. Australia captain Mitch Marsh, who has elected to bowl first in all 20 of his coin toss wins across ODIs and T20 internationals, is aware of the dew factor. "We saw the ball get really soft in Darwin," Marsh said on Monday. "Playing with dew is not something we're used to in Australia, so that's been a challenge for us. "Hopefully there's not too much dew and it's an even ball game." Games two and three of the ODI series will be played at the recently refurbished Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. Australia's most recent ODI match was their semi-final loss to India at the Champions Trophy in March. Maxwell and Steve Smith have since retired from the format, Spencer Johnson and Matt Short are currently injured, while Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sean Abbott and Tanveer Sangha haven't been selected for the upcoming ODI series. With the T20s out of the way, South Africa have welcomed in captain Temba Bavuma, veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj and recent Test triple-centurion Wiaan Mulder, as well as top-order batters Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi. Marsh is captaining the Australian side in the ODIs due to the absence of Pat Cummins, who is busy preparing for this summer's Ashes series. Despite the euphoria of the T20 series win, Australia's players have quickly reset their focus for the ODIs. "We start the series fresh, we start the series 0-0," Marsh said. "We know these shorter series it's really important to get off to a (fast) start, so hopefully that's the case tomorrow." The dew and a bloke dubbed 'Baby AB' loom as Australia's two biggest obstacles when their three-match ODI series against South Africa gets underway in Cairns on Tuesday. Glenn Maxwell's unbeaten 62 off 36 balls in the deciding game three of the T20 series helped Australia wrap up a 2-1 victory in that format on Saturday night. Maxwell hit the game-winning four with the penultimate delivery to secure the thrilling two-wicket victory in Cairns. But it wasn't the only talking point to come out of the match, with the dew and the explosive hitting from South African rising star Dewald Brevis also notable. Brevis followed up his unbeaten 125 off 56 balls in game two with a thumping 53 off 26 balls in game three, with the 22-year-old striking Aaron Hardie for four consecutive sixes. The man dubbed 'Baby AB' in reference to South African great AB de Villiers looks set to be handed his ODI debut for Tuesday's series opener to give him a chance to inflict more pain on the Aussies. The dewy outfield in Cairns also wreaked havoc - mostly for the South Africans given they had to bowl second. At the beginning of the crucial 18th over and with Australia still requiring 27 runs for victory, South African paceman Kagiso Rabada unleashed a beamer that flew more than a metre above Maxwell's head and through to the wicketkeeper without bouncing. Rabada looked at his hand in disbelief immediately after the mishap, and his subsequent free hit was struck for six by Maxwell as Australia set sail for victory. Dew was also an issue in Darwin at the start of the T20 series and it could be a factor yet again for the ODI opener at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns on Tuesday. Australia captain Mitch Marsh, who has elected to bowl first in all 20 of his coin toss wins across ODIs and T20 internationals, is aware of the dew factor. "We saw the ball get really soft in Darwin," Marsh said on Monday. "Playing with dew is not something we're used to in Australia, so that's been a challenge for us. "Hopefully there's not too much dew and it's an even ball game." Games two and three of the ODI series will be played at the recently refurbished Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. Australia's most recent ODI match was their semi-final loss to India at the Champions Trophy in March. Maxwell and Steve Smith have since retired from the format, Spencer Johnson and Matt Short are currently injured, while Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sean Abbott and Tanveer Sangha haven't been selected for the upcoming ODI series. With the T20s out of the way, South Africa have welcomed in captain Temba Bavuma, veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj and recent Test triple-centurion Wiaan Mulder, as well as top-order batters Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi. Marsh is captaining the Australian side in the ODIs due to the absence of Pat Cummins, who is busy preparing for this summer's Ashes series. Despite the euphoria of the T20 series win, Australia's players have quickly reset their focus for the ODIs. "We start the series fresh, we start the series 0-0," Marsh said. "We know these shorter series it's really important to get off to a (fast) start, so hopefully that's the case tomorrow." The dew and a bloke dubbed 'Baby AB' loom as Australia's two biggest obstacles when their three-match ODI series against South Africa gets underway in Cairns on Tuesday. Glenn Maxwell's unbeaten 62 off 36 balls in the deciding game three of the T20 series helped Australia wrap up a 2-1 victory in that format on Saturday night. Maxwell hit the game-winning four with the penultimate delivery to secure the thrilling two-wicket victory in Cairns. But it wasn't the only talking point to come out of the match, with the dew and the explosive hitting from South African rising star Dewald Brevis also notable. Brevis followed up his unbeaten 125 off 56 balls in game two with a thumping 53 off 26 balls in game three, with the 22-year-old striking Aaron Hardie for four consecutive sixes. The man dubbed 'Baby AB' in reference to South African great AB de Villiers looks set to be handed his ODI debut for Tuesday's series opener to give him a chance to inflict more pain on the Aussies. The dewy outfield in Cairns also wreaked havoc - mostly for the South Africans given they had to bowl second. At the beginning of the crucial 18th over and with Australia still requiring 27 runs for victory, South African paceman Kagiso Rabada unleashed a beamer that flew more than a metre above Maxwell's head and through to the wicketkeeper without bouncing. Rabada looked at his hand in disbelief immediately after the mishap, and his subsequent free hit was struck for six by Maxwell as Australia set sail for victory. Dew was also an issue in Darwin at the start of the T20 series and it could be a factor yet again for the ODI opener at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns on Tuesday. Australia captain Mitch Marsh, who has elected to bowl first in all 20 of his coin toss wins across ODIs and T20 internationals, is aware of the dew factor. "We saw the ball get really soft in Darwin," Marsh said on Monday. "Playing with dew is not something we're used to in Australia, so that's been a challenge for us. "Hopefully there's not too much dew and it's an even ball game." Games two and three of the ODI series will be played at the recently refurbished Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. Australia's most recent ODI match was their semi-final loss to India at the Champions Trophy in March. Maxwell and Steve Smith have since retired from the format, Spencer Johnson and Matt Short are currently injured, while Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sean Abbott and Tanveer Sangha haven't been selected for the upcoming ODI series. With the T20s out of the way, South Africa have welcomed in captain Temba Bavuma, veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj and recent Test triple-centurion Wiaan Mulder, as well as top-order batters Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi. Marsh is captaining the Australian side in the ODIs due to the absence of Pat Cummins, who is busy preparing for this summer's Ashes series. Despite the euphoria of the T20 series win, Australia's players have quickly reset their focus for the ODIs. "We start the series fresh, we start the series 0-0," Marsh said. "We know these shorter series it's really important to get off to a (fast) start, so hopefully that's the case tomorrow."
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Perth Now
Boks hit by injury blows for second test with Australia
As if the pain of a first defeat to Australia at Ellis Park in 62 years was not enough, South Africa face a heavy injury toll from the 38-22 defeat in Saturday's Rugby Championship opener, with captain Siya Kolisi sidelined for an extended period. Kolisi suffered a knee injury as Australia rallied from 22 points down in a stunning second-half display and is out of the second test in Cape Town on Saturday and likely the two-match tour to New Zealand that follows. Loose-forward Pieter-Steph du Toit suffered a concussion in the weekend loss and will also miss the second game as he goes through return-to-play protocols. Both wings from the loss, Kurt-Lee Arendse (knee) and Edwill van der Merwe (ankle), are also out of this coming weekend. That should be tempered by the return from injury of experienced wing Cheslin Kolbe. Inside centre Damian de Allende, an important cog in the backline, is also set to be fit after missing Saturday's loss. Coach Rassie Erasmus said the team are aware of their shortcomings at Ellis Park as they tried to move the ball too expansively and were picked off by a clinical Australia. "We had a proper meeting and the feeling is frustration," he said on Monday. "But at least we know what we did wrong. That's the most important thing. They totally outplayed us. "If you play beautiful rugby and you lose, you lose. If you play boring rugby and you win, then people are happy. We were totally on the wrong side of that balance on Saturday, and that is not because (attack coach) Tony (Brown) coaches that way. "You tend to think things are easy and there is so much space. Then a proud country like Australia take their opportunities." South Africa will name their second test side on Tuesday.
News.com.au
6 hours ago
- News.com.au
‘Embarrassing' act behind viral AFL photo of Harry Sheezel
North Melbourne star Harry Sheezel brought his own footy to Ninja Stadium in Hobart on Sunday. The 20-year-old ran riot as he equalled the VFL/AFL record by racking up an extraordinary 54 disposals against Richmond. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. Sheezel blew away North's previous all-time record of 44 as he etched his name into the record books alongside Tom Mitchell. His final touch came with less than a minute remaining in the contest as North recorded the 20.15 (135) to 13.9 (87) victory. Sheezel's day ultimately ended with 54 disposals, two goals, seven marks, six clearances and 688m gained. After the game the North star sat in the changerooms holding up a piece of paper with 54 written on it, emulating the viral image of Wilt Chamberlain from his 100 point NBA game. Richmond coach Adem Yze was asked about the club's decision not to impose a hard tag on Sheezel as he continued to rack up possessions. 'At halftime I think he had 20 odd and the game was in the balance,' Yze said. 'The third quarter I didn't see that as being a big issue, especially early. He did go forward and kick a couple of goals. 'Jack Ross went to him for a little bit and obviously he's just good enough to go and change position. 'I think he ended up with 12 or 13 in the last quarter and we kicked six goals so you're always looking at those numbers. He obviously had a great game and he's a terrific kid.' Essendon legend James Hird took aim at the club for allowing Sheezel to run free, labelling it an 'embarrassing' decision. 'I think after getting 28 exactly in the first and 26 and 2 (goals) in the second half for a total of 54, I think someone needs to go near him more,' Hird said on Nine's Footy Furnace. 'They didn't even tag just at stoppages. Start on him around a stoppage or start on him around the ball. 'For me I think that becomes a bit embarrassing for the Richmond football club that somebody is able to get that many possessions. 'Good on him, it takes a lot of hard work and a lot of effort to get there. 54 shows that the Richmond team were going that way and North Melbourne were going the other way.' Geelong great Jimmy Bartel says the club could have used it as a teaching method for one of their own young players. 'You could have used that as a teaching moment by sending someone to him,' Bartel said. 'I know he's going to be too good and I think that's the point Yze was trying to make. 'But it didn't really matter in the end because Richmond own North's pick.' The win sees North Melbourne pick up a fifth win of the season and jump Richmond in 16th place on the ladder with one game left in the home and away season.
