Connections of Free Eagle are reflecting on 2015 with mixed emotions following his disappointing swansong in Sunday's Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin.
Dermot Weld's four-year-old looked set to play a major role in the middle-distance division after a terrific triumph on his seasonal reappearance in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, but has not enjoyed much fortune since.
The Moyglare Stud-owned colt passed the post third after being bumped by Golden Horn in a controversial climax to Leopardstown's Irish Champion Stakes and was put in his place by the same horse on his first start over a mile and a half in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Back over 10 furlongs in the Far East, Free Eagle looked poised to strike rounding the home turn, but emptied quickly to finish well-beaten and will now be retired to the Irish National Stud to assume stallion duties next year.
Moyglare Stud's breeding advisor, Fiona Craig, said: "He's fine - just very tired. He will be in the Irish National Stud within the week.
"Pat (Smullen) felt the ground was as fast as he would want and when asked for an effort he just ran flat"
"He looked great before the race and his weight was spot-on. The Rosewell staff who travelled with him - Patrick O'Brien and Carlos Athilas - did a great job, but we think the year and the travel just caught up with him.
"Drawn nine of 14, the race started according to plan. He jumped and settled well in what was the fastest Hong Kong Cup for 10 years.
"Pat (Smullen) felt the ground was as fast as he would want and when asked for an effort he just ran flat.
"He vetted out sound after the race. There was a trace of mucus on the scope, which would not have helped, but we're not using it as an excuse."
Looking back at the season as a whole, Craig added: "We have had great times and a great range of emotions with Free Eagle. He is a gorgeous individual and a brilliant talent, but at the same time we also had our share of frustrations, plus the odd bump along the way.
"But he is a star and is now off to stud and we look forward to racing some of his offspring in a few years time."
