Open Eagle kept for autumn campaign November Handicap winner Open Eagle will not run at Punchestown and will be put away until the autumn. Bought by the Supreme Racing Club and sent to Willie Mullins for a hurdling campaign, he was beaten on his first run over obstacles at Punchestown in February and has not been seen since. Connections have now decided to maintain his novice status for next season. Steve Massey, racing manager for the owners, said: "We did think about running him on the Flat in early May if the ground was right for him. "But we bought him as a National Hunt horse and after discussing it with Willie, we've decided to put him away until the autumn and he'll come back as a novice next season. "He's only had the one race for us and it was a bit disappointing that he didn't manage to win, but he didn't jump as well as he can. "He's been quick and brave at home with his jumping and Willie thinks he'll be better when he's jumping at a quicker pace. "He'd already been on the go a long time when we got him, so a good break will do him good and we'll look forward to seeing him over hurdles again in the autumn. "We know winter ground in Ireland will be no bother to him, so hopefully we'll have an exciting season with him next time around."
