Pipsy’s Impressive Last-to-First Victory in Soaring Softly Race

Pipsy, a filly who was purchased for 700,000gns, won the Grade 3 Soaring Softly Stakes in her US debut at Belmont, coming from last to first despite a troubled start, under jockey Flavien Prat for trainer William Walden.

‣ Pipsy (Ire), a filly by Kodiac (GB), secured her first graded stakes win in the United States with a remarkable last-to-first victory in the GIII Soaring Softly S. at Belmont’s The Big A, despite a challenging start where she jumped in the air as the gates opened.

‣ Pipsy’s pedigree is notable, being one of 97 stakes winners for Kodiac and coming from a family that includes multiple group stakes winners. Her sales history reflects her potential, having been sold for €60,000 as a foal and later RNA’ing for 45,000gns as a yearling before her significant sale as a 2-year-old.

From last to first, PIPSY, gets the win in the Grade 3 Soaring Softly under Flavien Prat for Trainer William Walden in her US debut! 💨 pic.twitter.com/vzFnryKktH

— NYRA (🌳) (@TheNYRA) May 12, 2024

Oh, what a journey it’s been for Pipsy! Just five months ago, she was fetching a hefty 700,000gns at the Tattersalls December Mare Sale. Fast forward to her North American debut, and she’s turning heads with a stunning last-to-first victory in the GIII Soaring Softly S. at Belmont’s The Big A meet. It was this past Sunday, and boy, did she impress.

Back in Ireland, as a sprightly juvenile, she wasn’t just horsing around. Winning two of her three races, including a listed stake, Pipsy showed early promise. Then came the auction. Woodford Thoroughbreds saw that spark in her, placing the winning bid. Next thing you know, she’s being prepped to race out of the William Walden barn.

Race day. The atmosphere was electric, the anticipation palpable. But as the gates flew open, Pipsy’s backers gasped. She leaped straight up, losing precious lengths from the get-go. It was a heart-stopping moment, watching her trail her nine rivals, a pair of longshots leading the charge.

But then, something remarkable happened. As the opening quarter zipped by in :22.42, Pipsy began to close the gap. Around the turn, she was still lagging, but the lead pack was within reach. Flavien Prat, cool as a cucumber, knew what he had beneath him. With a burst of speed past the furlong marker, Pipsy swooped in, claiming victory from the jaws of defeat. Kairyu (Ire) gave chase but to no avail.

Prat shared after the race, “The horses were acting up around her, and she got very anxious in the gate and broke in the air.” But they had a Plan B. “I gave her a chance to see if she would get underneath me and she sure did. When I tipped her out, she made a great move.”

And just like that, from last to first, PIPSY clinched the win in the Grade 3 Soaring Softly, marking a sensational US debut under Flavien Prat for Trainer William Walden.

Now, a bit about her lineage, because who doesn’t love a good pedigree story? Pipsy, one of Kodiac’s 97 stakes winners, had quite the journey before her U.S. debut. Initially RNA’ing for 45,000gns as a yearling and then fetching €60,000 as a foal, she’s a testament to her breed’s excellence. And let’s not forget, she’s the first winner out of a half-sister to GSW/MG1SP Ziyad (GB). The family tree boasts names like MG1SW Aquarelliste (Fr) and MGISW Artiste Royal (Ire). Talk about racing royalty.

So there you have it. Sunday at Belmont The Big A, PIPSY made a statement, not just for herself but for her lineage, her team, and her future on the tracks. A tale of anticipation, a touch of anxiety, and an incredible comeback. That’s horse racing for you, unpredictable and thrilling to the very end.