EAGLE MOUNTAIN bound for Breeders' Cup

Mike de Kock
(John Lewis)

Charl Pretorius Freeracer Mike de Kock is set to write another new chapter in the history books by becoming the first South African to saddle a runner at the US Breeders’ Cup World Championships meeting at Santa Anita near Los Angeles, California, on 25 October.

Mike de Kock announced on Monday, 6 October, that Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum’s four-year-old, a Group 3 winner in his comeback run last week, will be entered for and pointed at the 2008 Breeders Cup Turf over 2400m.

Eagle Mountain, a son of Rock Of Gibraltar, won last Friday’s Group 3 Nayef Joel Stakes over 1600m after a year’s layoff, setting a track record. Mike de Kock said: “This was a meritorious win considering that he (Eagle Mountain) came back from a serious pelvic injury and over a trip too short. He is at a high level of fitness and is eligible for the Breeders Cup. I consulted with Sheikh Mohammed and we made a decision to pencil his name in when entries fall due on 14 October. With three weeks to go, we will be focusing fully on the race in his preparation.

Previous winners of the illustrious Breeders Cup Turf include In The Wings, Daylami, Fantastic Light and High Chaparral.