Derby winner Wings Of Eagles retired after suffering injury

Wings Of Eagles and Padraig Beggy return in glory after winning the Derby last month. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Investec Derby winner Wings Of Eagles has been retired after suffering a career-ending injury in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on Saturday.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt came with a dramatic late surge to win at Epsom under Padraig Beggy at the start of last month, when sent off at 40-1 for the QIPCO British Champions Series showpiece.

He started favourite on Saturday evening but was beaten a neck and a short head into third behind stablemate Capri and John Gosden’s Cracksman. It was revealed on Sunday the son of Pour Moi had suffered a significant injury during the race.

A statement issued by Coolmore read: “Epsom Derby winner Wings Of Eagles was found to be lame this morning after running in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh yesterday.

“He was examined today in his box in Ballydoyle by the attending veterinary surgeon who diagnosed a fracture of his left front sesamoid. Sadly this is a career-ending injury.”

Coolmore released X-rays taken, which showed the extent of the injury.

“Looking back on it, with the injury he had, it was an incredible run, unbelievable really” O’Brien said. “The X-rays show there is no chance he would ever race again.”

Pour Moi’s own career was cut short by injury after he won the Derby in 2011.

He became the first winner of the Classic never to run again since Secreto in 1984.