Luther to lead Fellowes back to Australia for 2025 The Golden Eagle

Charlie Fellowes is eyeing a return to Australia with a new international contender in Luther, who recently claimed a controversial win at Saratoga and now looms as a candidate for the lucrative Golden Eagle in Sydney.

Having enjoyed significant success with Prince Of Arran in Melbourne, Fellowes is set to shift focus to Rosehill’s $10 million Golden Eagle over 1500m, which he believes will suit the talented Frankel colt perfectly.

“Luther has all the right attributes for travel — he’s tough, talented and handles different conditions. I’ve been searching for a horse to send abroad, and I think he’s the one,” Fellowes said.

“Aussie tracks and the seven-and-a-half furlong trip are ideal for him. We’re strongly considering the Golden Eagle as his next big target.”

Luther was second across the line at Saratoga but awarded the race after stewards ruled he was hampered in the run. He now boasts three career victories and placed third in the Belmont Derby earlier this season.

While the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar remains a backup plan, Fellowes says an Australian venture is the preferred route.

The last time he campaigned Down Under was with Prince Of Arran, who placed in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Melbourne Cups, and also won the Geelong Cup and Hotham Handicap.

“Prince Of Arran set a benchmark for us, and I’d love to recreate that success,” he said.

Also looking toward Sydney is William Haggas, who has confirmed that Sam Hawkens will travel in September to prepare for the Group 3 St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick in October.

Sam Hawkens scored a strong win in the Coral Summer Handicap over 2816m at Goodwood, bringing his tally to four wins from 11 starts.

“We’ve booked quarantine and have our eyes on the St Leger,” Haggas said. “He’s developing well and should be suited to Australian conditions.”