Flightline, Malathaat Among Equine Stat Leaders of 2022

In 2022 Flightline   made the most of his three starts to top the North American earnings list while registering the top Equibase Speed Figure of the season.

BloodHorse continues its deep dive into the Equibase statistics this week to highlight some of the sport's leaders of last season. Here we focus on the horses who topped statistical categories.

In closing out his year with an 8 1/4-length victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland, Flightline secured $3,120,000 in earnings to land the top spot in that category when only North American starts are considered. Campaigned by Hronis Racing, Siena Farm, Summer Wind Equine, West Point Thoroughbreds, and Woodford Racing, the son of Tapit   secured $4,255,000 in purses in 2022. 

Flightline earned the two highest Equibase Speed Figures of 2022 as he was awarded a 127 for his Breeders' Cup Classic win and a 128 for his record-breaking Pacific Classic Stakes (G1) score at Del Mar. Such performances stirred fans and connections.

"I was just trying not to start crying so hard that I wouldn't be able to see him when he came across the finish line," said breeder and co-owner Jane Lyon of Summer Wind Equine after the Pacific Classic. "You can't expect this. You can't wish it. And to have it happen—and for him to continue to grow like he is, better and better and better—it's just a miracle."

When starts in Dubai and Saudi Arabia are considered for any horse that made at least one North American start in 2022, Country Grammer  reached the top of the earnings list at $10,900,000 for owners Commonwealth Thoroughbreds, WinStar Farm, and Zedan Racing Stables.

Leading the way in victories in 2022 was Beverly Park , who secured his 15th win of the season in a starter optional allowance Dec. 31 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Campaigned by Built Wright Stables, the son of Munnings   won races at eight tracks in five states: Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia.

"He has a great personality," owner-trainer Norman "Lynn" Cash told track media after that New Year's Eve score. "He's happy. He bounces to the track, he bounces back. He's just as sound as any horse has been."

Rollins: Iron Horse Beverly Park Soars to 15 Victories in 2022

While Beverly Park won half of his 30 starts in 2022, filly Bella Dona  finished with the most wins of any undefeated horse on the year at seven. The New Mexico-bred daughter of Attila's Storm  secured her third black-type stakes win of 2022 when she wrapped up her season with a 3 1/4-length victory in the New Mexico Classic Cup Oaks Championship Stakes.

The leading filly or mare by 2022 earnings was Shadwell Stable's Malathaat , who closed out the season with three straight grade 1 wins, including the Breeders' Cup Distaff. The daughter of Curlin   posted $2,055,675 in earnings last season.

The leading female by wins in 2022 was Palace Girl , who won nine races at Camarero in Puerto Rico for owner Establo Eddywilly.

The top Equibase Speed Figures of 2022 earned by a filly or mare—122—were posted by Breeders' Cup winners Caravel  (Turf Sprint-G1T) and Tuesday  (Filly & Mare Turf-G1T).