Team Mullins on target again with Open Eagle

Open Eagle capped a great 24 hours for Willie Mullins and his son Patrick at Punchestown when landing the valuable Ballytmore Handicap Hurdle.

The pair, who teamed up for a treble here yesterday including two Grade 1 wins, were at it again as the 20/1 chance landed this €100,000 event.

The eight-year-old gelding challenged between horses to lead before the final flight, and kept on well under pressure on the run-in. Dream Berry finished beat of all to get within half a length at the line, with Livelovelaugh just a short-head away in third and first reserve After Rain completed the places in fourth.

Willie Mullins said, “He was a good novice and we intended going chasing with him this year but he got a small setback. He might run back on the flat later in the summer. He likes a bit of a dig in the ground.

“It was another fine ride by Patrick. He’s riding well this week.”