Motorious Secures Third Gr.3 Green Flash Handicap
Motorious (GB) has made history at Del Mar, becoming the first horse to win the Gr.3 Green Flash Handicap in three consecutive years (2023, 2024, 2025). The seven-year-old gelding, campaigned by owner Anthony Fanticola and trained by Phil D’Amato, secured the victory via a stewards’ inquiry following significant interference at the start.
The race was a five-furlong turf sprint with a field of 12. Motorious broke awkwardly and was immediately hampered, dropping to the rear of the field. Jockey Antonio Fresu was forced to settle the horse at the back before making a wide run around the turn.
Despite the early setback, Motorious closed the gap in the final furlong, finishing second by a nose in a photo finish. Following an eight-minute inquiry, the stewards disqualified the first-placed Reef Runner for shifting in and causing the initial interference. Motorious was subsequently promoted to first.
We identified Motorious at the 2021 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale, purchasing him for 220,000gns for client Tony Fanticola. The son of Muhaarar (GB) was selected as a specific type for the Southern California circuit, a firm-ground specialist with a high cruising speed.
The Green Flash victory marks his tenth career win and his fifth graded stakes win under the care of Phil D’Amato.
Key Data & Career Statistics
- Breeding: Muhaarar (GB) x Squash (GB) (Pastoral Pursuits)
- Purchase Price: 220,000gns
- Overall Record: 23 starts: 10 wins, 5 seconds, 2 thirds.
- US Record: 16 starts: 8 wins, 4 seconds, 1 third
- Career Earnings: $957,604 USD
2025 Breeders’ Cup Target
The Green Flash victory provides Motorious with a “Win and You’re In” berth for the Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, to be held at Del Mar on November 1st.
Having placed second by a neck in the 2024 edition and fifth in 2023, he remains a consistent performer at the elite level and can hopefully go one better than last year.
