Image © Healy Racing
As the Northern Region point-to-point spring campaign gets underway at Tyrella on Saturday, David Christie has provided an update on Winged Leader and outlined plans for the record-breaking 12-year-old as the new term unfolds.
Winged Leader signed off last autumn by writing his name into the history books at Portrush, where he recorded a landmark 34th victory between the flags to move one clear of Still William and become the most successful point-to-point horse of the modern era. That success followed a series of outstanding campaigns which have seen the Winged Love gelding crowned champion point-to-point horse during the two previous seasons.
Winged Leader also played a central role in what proved to be Christie’s most successful season to date, contributing 11 of the stable’s 24 winners during the 2024/25 campaign.
Christie reported that Winged Leader came out of his third-placed run at Turtulla in mid-November in good order, despite conditions not playing to his strengths on the day.
“The track didn’t suit him at all, but we knew that beforehand. We needed to get a run into him and he was absolutely fine afterwards.”
The veteran has remained in training since, although his workload was eased slightly over December.
“We eased off him a bit, but he was still in work. If we were to give him a complete break he’d be a nightmare to ride. My son David rides him out every day and he’d be on the deck,” he laughed. “He really is a character.”
Christie added that Winged Leader is currently in great form and is expected to be ready to return to action in the coming weeks, although his next appearance is unlikely to come in the North.
“In a couple of weeks he should be ready to run again, but the track at Tyrella or Kirkistown wouldn’t really suit him. We’ll probably look at travelling south for one or two runs before heading to Farmacaffley at the end of February.”
While Winged Leader is versatile in terms of ground, Christie stressed that track configuration is now a key factor.
“He’ll handle most types of ground, but he does need a proper, tough staying track.”
Despite his advancing years, there is no immediate thought of retirement for the popular gelding.
“He doesn’t owe us anything. He’s been a great servant to me and to his owners Jennifer O’Kane and John Hegarty. He’s still enjoying life and he loves being a racehorse. I think he’ll tell us himself when he’s had enough.”
Christie added that, while the autumn campaign in the North was relatively quiet for his Leginn House operation, he is looking forward to the weeks ahead.
“The autumn season up here is very short, so I haven’t been running many, but I’ve a lovely bunch of young horses ready to go for the spring term and I’m really looking forward to it.”
With 34 point-to-point victories, four hunter chase wins and a narrow second in the 2022 Foxhunters Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, Winged Leader’s place in the sport’s history is already assured. Any further appearances this spring will be dictated by suitable tracks and opportunities, with connections keen to place him to best effect.
