Weld seeks Far East mission for Free Eagle Royal Ascot hero Free Eagle is set to make an appearance in either Japan or Hong Kong before being retired to the Irish National Stud in 2016. A narrow winner of a thrilling renewal of the Prince of Wales's Stakes in June, the Dermot Weld-trained four-year-old then finished third in a controversial climax to the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown after being bumped by eventual winner Golden Horn. Free Eagle was no match for John Gosden's Derby hero in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, however, passing the post in sixth on what was his final appearance in Europe. A statement issued by owner-breeders Moyglare Stud Farm read: " Free Eagle will commence stud duties at the Irish National Stud in 2016. "Capturing the imagination of so many with the style and ease of his two-year-old debut at Leopardstown, and despite the odd bump in the road along the way, Free Eagle excited breeders with his great looks and racecourse prowess. "He remains in full training at Rosewell House, with races in Japan or Hong Kong his next objective." Moyglare Stud owner Eva-Maria Bucher Haefner said: "He is a great horse and gives me so much enjoyment and whilst looking forward to seeing him run again, I am also excited for the future and to see his offspring race "I decided that it is time for him to move onto his next career as a stallion and I am delighted to partner with the Irish National Stud and as Free Eagle will be syndicated, hopefully some of breeders who have admired his talent as a racehorse can share in his future."
