Smart Wings Of Eagles Mare Delivers On Hurdle Debut

Impressive point-to-point winner The Great Nudie (4f Wings Of Eagles – Blue Gale, by Be My Native) made a smart start to her hurdling career on Tuesday, as she beat the well-backed favourite in the mares’ maiden hurdle at Tramore.

Third and fourth in bumpers after her debut win between the flags, Colin Bowe’s mare stepped up to two miles and five furlongs on her return to action. Settled in midfield in the early stages, she improved into second before what would have been the third last and produced a challenge soon after. Quickening to lead, she was ridden out to score by three parts of a length, with the front pair finishing 15 lengths clear of the remainder.

Speaking after the race, winning rider Sean Flanagan said: “I'm delighted to win on The Great Nudie for Leo [McArdle, owner] as we go back a long way and also for Colin, who I worked for back in the day.

“She jumps really well, and I think she'd have won easier with the last two hurdles in. She's hardy and handled the ground. She was a good winner of her point-to-point by 18 lengths and I’d say there is plenty more to come from her.”

The Great Nudie was bred by The Beeches Stud and hails from the first Irish crop of their resident Wings Of Eagles. His very first crop, which was conceived in France, includes four stakes horses, while his first National Hunt crop includes Listed bumper winner Churchfield Sunset.