Eagle's Way and Dara McGill pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
A four-time winner in the UK, Eagle's Way registered his first success for current connections, as he claimed the concluding Seamus Mulvaney Bookmaker Crockafotha (Q.R.) Race.
Bought for 120,000 pounds at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale, the five-year-old son of Gleneagles finished sixth of 22 on his first try over hurdles at Punchestown last month.
Back on the level this evening and sent off a well-supported 5/2 chance (4/1), the 97-rated chestnut was settled in mid-division by Dara McGill, taking closer order with half a mile to race.
Ridden in fourth with two furlongs to go, he soon shot through to lead on the inner and kept on well in the closing stages to prevail by a length-and-three-quarters.
The Gordon Elliott-trained Samui (4/1) came through to take second under Harry Swan, while Enniskerry (5/6f), who wasn't helped by a slow start, was another half-a-length away in third.
"We bought this horse in October. We said we would buy him and we didn't know if we would get him or not and we did get him," assistant trainer Gary Bannon revealed.
"We were very disappointed with him the last day over hurdles - I thought he was an absolute certainty. He kicked hurdles out of the ground and in fairness to Oakley Brown, he minded him.
"We said we would come back here and give him a confidence boost before going over hurdles.
"He ran in Goodwood last year and was sent off favourite that day for a very good race and the ground went on him. I might target there with him before going back over hurdles.
"He was runner-up in a 100,000 pound handicap in the Racing League and we might target there or he might go for the GPT (at Galway).
"All he did was stay and he won very easily and he put some nice horses away there.
"He (Dara McGill) said he didn't get the best of runs around on him and he won quite snug enough.
"He is rated 97 in Ireland now and I'm sure he is going to get a couple of pound for that. We might be out of the handicap system, I'm not sure. It is a good complaint to have!
"We do really well buying these (horses) from the Horses In Training (Sale). It is a big team effort.
"That is our eighth winner since January and credit to the staff, they are putting in great effort and they deserve most of the credit.
"I think there is a big pot in him."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the home straight on the first circuit involving Enniskerry, ridden by Mr F. Maguire, placed third, Eagle's Way (GB), ridden by Mr D. McGill, placed first, and Patrick Joseph (GB), ridden by Miss R. Hogan, unplaced, where it appeared Patrick Joseph had to take a check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. F. Maguire stated that he was in a gap where there was loads of room and he felt the whole field was heading towards the rail. He further added that he felt he did his best to keep a straight line and that Miss R. Hogans mount overreacted. Miss R. Hogan stated that she let a shout and Mr. F. Maguire cut her off completely. She further added that she clipped a heel and had to take back. Mr. D. McGill stated that he was in a pocket when he felt pressure from his outside and had to take back. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. F. Maguire was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard (first offence), the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two racedays.
The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr D. McGill, rider of Eagle's Way (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he was in breach of the Whip Regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mr. D. McGill was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (first offence), they suspended him for two racedays.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
