Spirit Of Eagles soars up north for Grassick

Spirit Of Eagles built upon a promising third place in Down Royal last month to get off the mark in the five-furlong handicap at the same track today.

The 7/1 shot began to make her move at the halfway stage and was fourth approaching the final furlong. She made sustained headway to pick up the lead in the final 150 yards and kept on well to prevail by a length and three-quarters. Eruption finished second at 9/2 and was half a length up on 50/1 outsider Art Of Unity

Jockey Gavin Ryan said: "We were drawn 11 and obviously we were coming up here and taking on the older horses; Michael (Grassick, trainer) said don't be in a rush with her. The last day she was a touch slow away, so he said take your time and ride her for luck and, if it happens, great, and if it doesn't, it doesn't.

"Danny Sheehy rode her the last day and said that nothing really went right for her and every gap she got, she took it, and they just came a bit late for her but she galloped through the line really good.

"She would have no problem getting an extra furlong as well. She is going to be a grand filly going forward."

"Overall there today, it worked out perfectly. I took my time a little bit and I got as close to the rail as I could and the gaps opened up lovely for her. She was well on top at the line."