Eagle heads for Hong Kong

Mike de Kock will prepare Eagle Mountain for the Hong Kong Cup after his gallant performance in defeat in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

The former Aidan O’Brien-trained inmate looked all over the winner with a furlong to run until Ryan Moore conjured up a devastating burst of speed from St Leger winner Conduit.

And while the South African trainer was delighted with the performance of his four-year-old, he now thinks he is better over 10 furlongs.

“In all my travels around the world this was the greatest racing spectacle I’ve seen,” said De Kock.

“I went dizzy as they swung for home, I thought we had it in the bag and shouted like a man possessed.

“This was a great run and we’re elated. Kevin (Shea) rode an excellent race, but the Eagle was outstayed late by the St Leger winner, who had just a bit more in the tank.

“I have a feeling Eagle Mountain is better over 2000m (a mile and a quarter) and we will take him to Hong Kong next, along with JJ The Jet Plane,” he told his website, www.mikedekock.com.