Eagles Reign makes breakthrough over flights

Eagles Reign (6/1) won a battle with market-springer Tranquil Sea to take the Buy Festival 2024 Tickets Today Handicap Hurdle in Punchestown. Timeless Piece went off 5/4 favourite to supplement her 10-length victory at Down Royal last Tuesday.

She held every chance as she loomed up on the outer of Eagles Reign approaching the home bend, but weakened out of contention before the last. As the favourite gave best, Tranquil Sea responded to Sean Flanagan's urgings and threatened on the inner of Eagles Reign.

They jumped the last together, but Eagles Reign was slightly better in the jumping stakes and Tom Harney drove her home by half a length from the always-held Tranquil Sea.

The runner-up was backed at 14/1 in the morning, then from 9/2 on opening show down to 3/1.

Ross O'Sullivan said: “I'm delighted, he's been consistent.

“We had him in the maiden yesterday (at Naas), it looked competitive enough and this was probably the better option.

“He's honest and is after winning in his own bracket there, which is great.

“He's a horse that didn't show a whole lot on the Flat, but jumping has brought him out of himself. He's only rated in the 50s on the Flat.

“It couldn't happen for a better owner. Tommy Ward is as good a man as you'll get and it's great to get a winner for him at his local track.

“He'll probably get a little bit further in time. He wasn't a superstar on the Flat, but he seems a more consistent, and a better horse, jumping.

“He might win another little handicap somewhere along the way.”

This was Eagles Reign's 11th career start - seven on the Flat and four over hurdles.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson