Free Eagle swoops for Weld

Free Eagle made a stunning return to racecourse action when running away with the KPMG Enterprise Stakes at Leopardstown.

Billed as a Derby horse for Dermot Weld as soon as he made his debut at this course last August, he was then beaten six lengths by none other than Australia on this card 12 months ago.

That was Free Eagle's last start as he was sidelined with injury but he came back with a swagger as 9/10 favourite, with Pat Smullen sitting off the pace set by stablemate Rock Critic before cruising into the lead on the home turn and allowing his mount to stride seven lengths clear from Elleval.

Weld said: "He did it very impressively. It's a case of what might have been, but such is life. He's come back nicely and we'll see how he comes out of it.

"He's very laid-back and it was difficult enough to get him as fit as I wanted for today, but he was pretty right. He should improve, naturally.

"He'll have one more run and the English Champion Stakes looks the logical race. He's entitled to a crack and that's the plan."

Sky Bet installed the winner at 4/1 for the Ascot race next month, but Weld admitted that the soundness of the horse was now the main concern.

"He's just a very good horse and he's done it very very well. It's just a worry now that he stays sound and right," the trainer went on.

"He had a stress fracture of his tibia in the spring and was stood in his box for 12 weeks. Today was the very first day that it was practical to run and it was the right race to bring him back in.

"Losing him was a huge blow but thank God he's back. Pat was thrilled with him.

"Ascot looks the logical race for him, but there's the Arc to consider too. I imagine he'll run in one or the other, provided he's okay."