McFlirt (NZ) brought up 300 careers wins when his rejuvenated galloper When We Were Kings scored at Belmont on Saturday.

The Mungrup Stud stalwart broke through the million-dollar mark for the first time earlier this month and Saturday’s win netted another $26,000 for part-owner and trainer Greg Kersley.  When We Were Kings sprinted through a gap in the straight and then held off fast-closer Malaika by a nose in the Playeronline Hcp (1600m).

McFlirt’s best domestic result before now was $990,161 in season 2011-12.

When We Were Kings (5g McFlirt – Elata by Tribu) was initially trained by Greg’s father Fred Kersley but was sidelined by injuries for two separate spells of 59 weeks and 95 weeks earlier in his career.

“He’s doing an enormous job considering he broke down twice,” Kersley said.  “He was in work when I went up to the Darwin Cup last July so he’s definitely gone further than I expected.

“I was going to spell him no matter what after that last run but he went too good.  Dad said; ‘He’s fit and happy, why send him out?’  We will weigh the options but will give him at least one more run.”

Kersley combines training thoroughbreds and harness horses at Haynes south of Perth.

When We Were Kings is from Elata, a half-sister to G3 WATC Champion Fillies winner Calophylla (Magellan).  The mare has a yearling filly by unraced sire Jack Dane (Love A Dane).

McFlirt (Kaapstad) will stand for a $3,300 (inc gst) service fee at Mungrup Stud this year.

– Karl Patterson