Eagle flies Rock's flag in Hong Kong

27th October 2008

Eagle Mountain (4c Rock Of Gibraltar-Masskana, by Darshaan), who finished a gallant runner-up to Conduit in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf on Saturday, is set to have his next start in the G1 Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin in December.

The Rock Of Gibraltar colt, who also finished runner- in the 2007 Derby at Epsom, gave his South African trainer Mike de Kock one of the highlights of his career at Santa Anita on Saturday in the US$3 million event.

"In all my travels around the world this was the greatest racing spectacle I’ve seen," De Kock stated on his website, www.mikedekockracing.com

"I went dizzy as they swung for home, I thought we had it in the bag and shouted like a man possessed. Kevin (Shea) rode an excellent race, but the Eagle was outstayed late by the recent English St Leger winner (Conduit), who had just a bit more in the tank. I have a feeling Eagle Mountain is better over 2,000m and we will take him to Hong Kong next."

Eagle Mountain, who has now won around £1 million in career earnings, was bred by London Thoroughbred Services and sold for 220,000gns as a yearling at Tattersalls.