Blackmore shines on Eagle to land first Listed success

Rachael Blackmore partnered her first Listed winner on the Flat at Limerick this evening when Oriental Eagle defied a big market drift in the featured Martin Molony Stakes.

Emmet Mullins' charge went to post the 18/1 outsider of the field in the mile-and-a-half contest having been as short as 11/2 in the morning.

The German import was making his third start for Mullins and had been well-beaten behind Nickajack Cave in the Levmoss Stakes on his return at Leopardstown on Sunday.

He left that form well behind as he took over from front-runner Bold Approach passing the two pole today and scooted clear before the furlong marker.

The son Campanologist tended to hang in a touch but galloped on strongly in the closing stages to record a length success. Pondus stayed on into the runner-up spot having found trouble in running over a furlong from home. 5/6 favourite Simsir proved a disappointment, finishing last of the five.

"That was a bit more like it and we have a bit of hope again,” said Mullins.

“I was very disappointed leaving Leopardstown on Sunday but I decided to leave the tongue-tie off today and he seems a happier horse, although he hung again today.

"He has taken a long time to figure out and I'd say we still have more to learn.

"The horse which made the running today was a big help getting him to relax. He'll be exciting going forward. He has schooled over hurdles and has schooled well so we have all options."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)