Golden Horn
Free Eagle was off the course for almost three months before returning for the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown in September and started 100/30 second favourite behind the Epsom Derby winner Golden Horn. Pat Smullen settled the colt in fourth before moving up to challenge Golden Horn in the straight. He moved alongside the Derby winner but was badly hampered a furlong out when Golden Horn jinked sharply to the right. He dropped back as a result and finished third behind Golden Horn and Found. Free Eagle was sent to France in October and was moved up in distance for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe over 2400 metres at Longchamp Racecourse. Starting the 16.8/1 fourth choice in the betting he stayed on in the straight despite being slightly hampered and finished sixth, just over four lengths behind the winner Golden Horn.