Onwards And Upwards For Weld Stars

Dermot Weld has reflected on a successful week at Royal Ascot that saw one of his stars Free Eagle (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) gain an important Group 1 success in the Prince Of Wales’s S. The 4yo has had an interrupted career but Weld feels those problems are now behind the Moyglare Stud homebred colt and the trainer is keen to step him up trip before he retires to the Irish National Stud at the end of the year. Free Eagle benefitted from a masterful Pat Smullen ride last Wednesday to get the better of The Grey Gatsby (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) in a thriller and Weld commented, “It was just one of those special days. He’s a very talented horse. Unfortunately a lot of people never got the opportunity to see his real talent, but we’re beginning to see it now.” 

When quizzed on future targets Weld added, “We haven’t made final decisions yet, but you look at the Juddmonte International, you look at the Irish Champion Stakes and hopefully the Arc would be the final aim for him. He’s a very high-class horse over a mile and a quarter, but I have every reason to believe he’ll get a mile and a half.” Weld reported Forgotten Rules (Ire) (Nayef {GB}) none the worse after his gallant effort to finish third in the G1 Ascot Gold Cup and is eyeing a return to Group 1 company in the Irish St Leger at The Curragh in September.”He’ll be back, he’s a very high-class horse and the trip was probably just a bridge too far. I’d say his next race will be one of the prep races for the Irish St Leger.”