Odds-on Eagle gets the job done

The Henry de Bromhead trained Eagle Moon justified odds-on favouritism in the www.fast-lines.com Maiden Hurdle.

Fourth on debut at Gowran last November, the son of Spanish Moon since finished down the field in a good quality contest at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day.

Fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time this afternoon, the six-year-old gelding was sent off the clear 4/5 favourite under Robbie Power.

Settled behind the leaders, he jumped to the front three out and was ridden from the last to see off the challenge of the Gillian Callaghan trained Haggard Lad (7/2) by three and a half lengths.

The front pair went seven and a half lengths clear of Fallen Forest (14/1) in third.

"He's a horse that we've always liked and he's always shown plenty at home," said Power.

"He had a very good run first time behind Easywork but disappointed the last day at Christmas time.

"I think he wants a bit of nicer ground and he'll improve plenty from that as he gave a good blow.

"That was Henry's one concern coming here today, that he might take the run but he's taken it and he's still won. He's a nice horse.

"He's a gorgeous looking horse and will be a nice chaser in time, a typical one of Henry's, but he'll win a few hurdle races first."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson