Eagles Crag makes his Australian debut this evening at Pakenham. The Irish-bred galloper will contest a 1600m Maiden (Race 4 – 7:30 pm) for new trainer Archie Alexander.
The race will be the four-year-old’s first start since relocating from the United Kingdom last year.
OTI’s General Manager Shayne Driscoll said that OTI and its partners were looking forward to seeing Eagles Crag step out and drew similarities to one of OTI’s star imports.
“We’re very excited to see this fellow back at the track. Ed Walker, who purchased and trained him back in the U.K, had a very high opinion of him and we know he has great potential.
“Unfortunately after just the one disappointing start in the U.K, he sustained a stress fracture, so we travelled him across last October. He has since recovered superbly and is ready to launch his Australian career.
“The decision to bring him over here was somewhat reminiscent of the path taken by Harbour Views,” he added.
After completing quarantine last October, Eagles Crag settled into Matthew Williams’ rehabilitation training base at Warrnambool. Williams is renowned for his exceptional injury management program which many of OTI’s imported horses have completed, including Harbour Views.
Under Williams’s meticulous care and attention, Eagles Crag made a swift recovery and has since increased his fitness levels. In December he joined Archie Alexander’s Ballarat stables where he has thrived in his work and made strides in his development.
Having not raced for nine months, he will take significant improvement from today’s outing. However, Alexander reports that he is in great shape ahead of the race and is optimistic that he will run very well. Jordan Childs, who rode him in his recent trial, is booked to ride from barrier six.
Wishing connections the best of luck!
