Wings Of Eagles Filly Justifies Favouritism On Debut

Churchfield Sunset (4f Wings Of Eagles – Old Moon, by Old Vic) continued Wings Of Eagles’ smart start at stud when justifying favouritism on debut at Cork.

The Emmet Mullins-trained newcomer was partnered by John Gleeson in the bumper for four-year-old fillies and made smooth headway to race prominently from four furlongs out. She showed signs of inexperience when leading after the three furlong marker and was pushed out to score by two and a half lengths. Georgia’s Charm (Order Of St George) made a promising debut in third.

“Churchfield Sunset has a great attitude and stays well,” Mullins said after the race. “She is smart and one to look forward to. We will probably look for a winners' bumper.”

Owned by Conor O’Brien and bred by the Beeches Stud, Churchfield Sunset is a half-sister to three-time Grade 1 winner Ballyburn (Flemensfirth).

At Sedgefield the previous day, Leader Wing (4g Wings Of Eagles – Reconsider Baby, by Refuse To Bend) won the bumper on his second career start for owner/trainer Tom Weston.

Racing in touch for much of the way under Henry Brooke, he was ridden to lead after the two furlong pole and kept on well to beat the favourite by three parts of a length. Bred by J Mangan, the winner is catalogued in the upcoming Goffs UK Spring Sale.

The pair hail from the first Irish-bred crop of Beeches Stud sire Wings Of Eagles. The Epsom Derby winner sired three Stakes performers from his crops conceived in France, while his current four-year-olds also include Stuart Crawford’s impressive debut winner Marlacoo (Wings Of Eagles).