News
Epsom Derby champ was a winner alright in Killarney
W
WHEN the Aidan O’Brien-trained Wings Of Eagles romped to victory in the prestigious Epsom Derby last Saturday, it sparked great celebrations at Killarney Racecourse where there was a special interest in the big event.
The 40/1 rank outsider caused a major sensation when he powered past the post in the elite event but it came as no huge surprise to those monitoring the proceedings from the Ross Road track where Wings Of Eagles won his maiden race last summer.
The Epsom success provided O’Brien with a sixth Derby winner but the impressive colt had already caught the eye and tasted success in the competitive Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden in Killarney last August.
A field of 18 lined up at the start at Epsom but Wings Of Eagles was the toast of Killarney at the finishing post, edging out the fancied Cliffs of Moher with the short odds favourite Cracksman, piloted Frankie Dettori, beaten into third.
He was the biggest outsider to win the Derby for four decades and the first winner at double-figure odds since 1998. “It was a fantastic win and we were all absolutely delighted to see it,” said Killarney Race Company Chairman Gerard Coughlan. “It just goes to prove the great quality of the maiden in Killarney and Aidan O’Brien certainly targets this course as a great test for his good horses.”
Wings Of Eagles is now likely to compete in the Irish Derby in The Curragh on July 1 where the form of both the English and French derbies could be put to the test.
Above: Gerard Coughlan, Chairman of Killarney Race Company. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN
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