Eagle off the mark over hurdles

Open Eagle got off the mark over hurdles at the second time of asking when claiming the opening two-mile maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse today.

Willie Mullins' charge had been turned over at a short price on his jumping debut at Punchestown back in February but made no mistake this time under a confident ride from Ruby Walsh.

The 5/4 favourite travelled well to challenge between the final two flights and found plenty when asked for an effort on the run-in to post a two-and-a-quarter length success over Double Island

Open Eagle sprung to prominence on the Flat in England when running out a wide margin winner of the November Handicap at Doncaster just over a year ago.

"It was a good performance in very testing conditions, and we'll look for a novice race for him now," said Mullins.

"He was in front long enough, and didn't do a lot in front. We changed tactics and he jumped better. I wouldn't say he's a bad jumper.

"We have only schooled him a few times but we held onto him too much on his first hurdle run."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)