Hoban doubles up as Eagle swoops

Not Just Any Eagle got on top close home to give Conor Hoban a double at Cork tonight.

5/2 favourite Ta Na La took up the running at halfway in the ten furlong contest and stuck on stoutly down the straight when asked for an effort.

Not Just Any Eagle stayed on to challenge inside the final furlong, however, and Pat Flynn's charge got his head in front in the last 50 yards to record a half-length success.

The 25/1 shot, a son of Free Eagle, was making his handicap debut having been well held in three maiden runs in the month of May.

Hoban said afterwards:- "He is a big baby, did everything wrong and was keen throughout the race.

“We went steady and when Billy (Lee, on Ta Na La) went on I was able to get a breather into him. In fairness for a raw horse he put his head down and the performance was very likeable.

"Once I put the stick down, grabbed him and pushed him he hit the line strong and for his first run in a handicap it was a good performance. He might be a typical one of Pat's that could progress through the ratings and it's great to get a winner for him."

Hoban had also struck earlier on Samrogue in the six furlong handicap.

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)