Half-brother to brilliant Flightline withdrawn from Keeneland’s Yearling Sale

Eagles Flight, the Curlin colt that is a half brother to the brilliant Flightline, has been withdrawn from the Keeneland September Yearling Sale by breeder Jane Lyon of Summer Wind Equine, Bill Farish of Lane's End said on Tuesday.

Out of the Indian Charlie mare Feathered, the colt had been consigned to the sale by Lane's End as hip 243. He will be retained to race by Lyon, the breeder and co-owner of Flightline, the undefeated son of Tapit who dazzled the sport with a near 20-length victory in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar last weekend.

Farish said: "It's a little bit of a blow to our consignment. He was generating a lot of buzz, but of course we understand and wish Jane the best with him. She doesn't have to sell him. If I was Jane Lyon, I'd keep him, too."

Lyon sold Flightline for $1 million in 2019 through the Lane's End consignment to the Saratoga Sale, Fasig-Tipton's select yearling sale in Saratoga Springs. While West Point Thoroughbreds signed the ticket, she remained in on the horse for a percentage as partners Hronis Racing, Siena Farm and Woodford Racing - the last-named founded by Farish - joined the mix.

Flightline broke his maiden over six furlongs for trainer John Sadler with a 13-length romp in April 2021 at Santa Anita, graduated to the allowance ranks with similar ease last September at Del Mar, and flew home by 11 and a half lengths in the seven-furlong Malibu Stakes at the end of the season.

He returned this year with a six-length airing in the Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap going a mile at Belmont Park, then shaded the track record set by Candy Ride in 2003 despite being geared down by Flavien Prat with his flawless stretch-out to a mile and a quarter in the Pacific Classic.

Plans call for Eagles Flight to remain at Summer Wind Farm in Georgetown, until he is sent to Eddie Woods Stables in Ocala, for breaking and training in late December or early January.

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