Eagles Fly Higher Adds Texas Classic Derby Fastest Qualifier, Joins Fuego Stallion Incentive for 2027

Two-time AQHA Racing Champion Eagles Fly Higher SI 114 continues to strengthen his reputation as an emerging young sire after his leading performer, Eagle On A June Bug, posted the fastest qualifying time for the $334,000 Texas Classic Derby (G1) during Saturday night's trials at Lone Star Park.

The latest performance adds another significant accomplishment to the stallion's young breeding career as Eagles Fly Higher prepares for the 2027 breeding season at Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction (LACER) in Opelousas, Louisiana.

The son of One Famous Eagle has also been nominated to the Fuego Stallion Incentive, expanding the opportunities available to breeders considering the Grade 1-siring stallion for the 2027 season.

Eagle On A June Bug posted a 104 speed index while defeating Aj Cyclone by three-quarters of a length in the second of five trials. Ridden by H. Javier Hernandez, the 7-10 favorite, broke sharply from post five and quickly established command for a 3/4-length gate to wire victory.

Bred by Robert T. Moudy III, Eagle On A June Bug is out of Sandy June Bug, by Blushing Bug. A $20,000 graduate of the 2024 TQHA Yearling Sale, Eagle On A June Bug has compiled six wins and three seconds from 12 career starts, earning $372,326. I

n addition to his Sam Houston Derby (G2) victory, he finished second in the Louisiana Downs Futurity (G2) and TQHA Sale Futurity (RG1). He was also a finalist in the Texas Classic Futurity, All American Gold Cup (G1), and Eastex Stakes (G2).

His latest performance reinforces the ability of Eagles Fly Higher to sire competitive runners at the highest levels of Quarter Horse racing.

Among the Leading Second-Year Sires

Eagles Fly Higher ranks third nationally among 2026 second-year sires of money earners, with $710,070 in seasonal progeny earnings through November 1.

From his first two crops to race, the stallion has 95 foals of racing age, including 72 starters and 35 winners. His runners have accumulated more than $1.3 million in lifetime earnings.

In addition to Eagle On A June Bug, his leading performers include A Desperate Eagle SI 92, a two-time winner of $75,711 who finished second in the Oklahoma Derby (G3); TDZ Royal Eagle SI 93, a two-time winner of $60,447; Ladies Cruz Higher SI 97, a two-time winner of $59,559; and Eyesa War Eagle SI 91, a two-time winner of $43,798.

The stallion's early success is particularly noteworthy considering that his first foals are only three-year-olds in 2026, leaving considerable opportunity for his young runners to build on their accomplishments.

Fuego Stallion Incentive Adds Breeder Appeal

The nomination of Eagles Fly Higher to the Fuego Stallion Incentive provides another marketing advantage for breeders seeking a young, proven stakes sire with an expanding list of program opportunities. His fee is set at $2,500 which puts him in the Ember Flight.

The Fuego nomination complements his participation in several established racing and breeding programs, including Louisiana Bred, Black Gold, TQHA Sires' Cup, Speedhorse, AQRA, QHRAI, MQHRA, Bitterroot and Beehive.

A Champion Racehorse With a Proven Pedigree

Bred and owned by Darling Farms and Valeriano Racing Stables LLC, Eagles Fly Higher is a 2016 sorrel son of leading sire One Famous Eagle out of Lone Bet, by First Down Dash.

During his racing career, Eagles Fly Higher earned two AQHA Racing Champion Aged Stallion titles while compiling nine wins, five seconds and six thirds from 31 starts, earning $623,821.

His six stakes victories included the Sooner State Stakes (RG1), Mr. Jet Moore Stakes (RG2), Eastex Stakes (G2), Prairie Meadows Championship Challenge Stakes (G2), and Remington Park Juvenile Stakes.

He also finished second in the Texas Classic Futurity (G1) and Downs at Albuquerque Fall Championship (G1), demonstrating his versatility and competitiveness throughout a distinguished racing career.

His sire, One Famous Eagle SI 101, is among the industry's leading sons of Mr Jess Perry and has sired 95 stakes winners and 10 champions with progeny earnings exceeding $42.3 million.

The stallion's female family adds further depth to his pedigree. His second dam, RR Le Mistral SI 105, produced Champion of Champions (G1) winner The Down Side SI 107, an earner of $361,792, and Kindergarten Futurity (G1) winner Revv It Up SI 98, who earned $277,078.

Standing at LACER for $2,500 in 2027

Eagles Fly Higher will stand the 2027 breeding season at Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction in Opelousas for a fee of $2,500, with shipped semen available and consideration given to approved mares.

Breeders interested in Eagles Fly Higher can contact breeding manager Stephen Deville at (225) 202-2104 or Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction at (337) 407-0708. Additional information is available at www.laequine.com.

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