Ruby Walsh has high hopes Open Eagle can make a successful hurdling debut at Punchestown on Sunday.

The former David O'Meara inmate made quite a splash on the Flat at Doncaster last season when he won the November Handicap with great authority.

Now in the care of Willie Mullins, Open Eagle has done enough at his County Carlow home for Walsh to anticipate big things in the Michael Fitzpatrick Memorial Maiden Hurdle.

The jockey told the Irish Examiner: "He has come to Willie's from David O'Meara in England, having won the November Handicap at Doncaster by 12 lengths.

"I have both schooled and worked Open Eagle of late and think he is going well enough to at least win a race such as this."