By Daithi Harvey
This year's G1 Investec Epsom Derby winner Wings Of Eagles (Fr) (Pour Moi {Ire}–Ysoldina {Fr}), by Kendor {Fr}) will return to his birthplace of Haras de Montaigu to take up stallion duties in 2018. The bay was off the mark at Killarney as a 2-year-old and was a close second in the G3 Chester Vase S. in May, an important Epsom pointer, before blossoming and going on to beat stablemate Cliffs Of Moher (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Cracksman (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the Epsom showpiece in June, emulating his own sire Pour Moi's winning performance in 2011. The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt proved that win was no fluke when going down narrowly to Capri (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Cracksman in the G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, despite suffering a career-ending injury during the race. The earner of $1,376,832 retired with a mark of 7-2-1-1.
Wings Of Eagles was purchased from his breeders Gilles and Aliette Forien as a yearling at Arqana by MV Magnier for €220,000. His dam Ysoldina was graded stakes placed on multiple occasions including when third in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches in 2005. His yearling half-sister by Kingman (GB) sold for €750,000 at Arqana in August and his repatriation is another boost for French breeding following the stallion additions to Haras de Bouquetot as mentioned opposite.
Wings Of Eagles is the first Epsom Derby winner to retire directly to stud in France in over 60 years.
Haras de Montaigu's Sybile Gibson said, “With his magnificent physique and pedigree, which combines the class and stamina of Montjeu with the precocity and speed of Kendor, and his racing performances, Wings Of Eagles has all the attributes to become a leading stallion like Galileo, Sea The Stars, New Approach and High Chaparral, all Derby winners.”
Wings Of Eagles will stand in conjunction with Coolmore Stud and a covering fee of €12,000 has been set.
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