Northam Race Club catered for five maiden fields on Thursday with Flying Swagman one of the more impressive first-time winners for Serpentine trainer Dave Harrison.
Flying Swagman (3c Bivouac – How To Fly by Written Tycoon) was appearing as an odds-on favourite first-up since a midfield finish on debut behind Afireofgidgeecoals (Too Darn Hot) at Ascot in March.
The Lynward Park-bred graduate was equal to expectations leading all the way to defeat Snow Monkey (Trapeze Artist) by three-quarters of a length. They spaced the remainder led by Littlewood (Splintex) who was more than four lengths in arrears.
“He has speed to burn and can win in better company,” Harrison said. “They went quickly and that was a gutsy effort to hold the second horse. He was strong through the line and the third one home was a fair way away.”
Jockey Paul Harvey isn’t a regular at Northam but he made the trip up to the Avon Valley after partnering Flying Swagman in a winning Lark Hill barrier trial last month. “I wouldn’t be up here if I didn’t think he was a genuine chance,” The Pontiff revealed. “He had been working well and was fit enough to get the job done.”
Harrison was one of several prospective buyers on Flying Swagman when he presented at the 2025 Perth Magic Millions. The Bivouac colt was the second most expensive yearling out of the Lynward Park draft when Harrison bought him on behalf of a Bridge Patrol Lodge syndicate for $180,000.
Flying Swagman wins at Northam / Photo: Western Racepix
His dam How to Fly was purchased by Lynward Park’s Ted van Heemst for $27,500 at the 2022 Inglis March (Late) Online Sale. She had won twice at Ascot on either side of a brave second to Epic Grey (Wicked Style) in the RL Magic Millions WA 3yo Trophy (1200m) at Pinjarra in 2018.
How to Fly has a 2yo colt named Si Si Volare (Yes Yes Yes) with Josh Brown and she foaled a Bondi colt last month. Second-dam Flying Foray (Flying Spur) is a winning half-sister to Goon Serpent (G2 SAJC Queen of the South Stakes) and the dam of Solaia (LR Challenge Stakes & LR Natasha Stakes).
It’s a Heytesbury Stud family going back to Capricious Lass (Carry A Smile) who won the 1996 WATC Derby (2400m) when it was a Group 1 classic in 1996. Lynward Park stands Bondi (Snitzel) for a $6,600 (inc GST) service fee. For bookings or further information call Troy van Heemst on 0439 957 111.
