Eagle takes limelight in Tipp finale Star hurdler Thousand Stars had to yield to younger legs in the straight and it was second favourite Prussian Eagle that came out on top in the concluding Toomey's Applegreen Station (Ladies) Handicap at Tipperary. Layers of Thousand Stars may have been concerned 'in-running' as the odds-on favourite got the decent pace he'd have needed, with The Panhandler going off into a clear lead after a couple of furlongs. Katie Walsh then had the brilliant grey at the head of the chasing pack, and they hit the front inside the final half mile. Willie Mullins' charge couldn't quicken from under two furlongs out though, and Nina Carberry brought Prussian Eagle through from mid-division, travelling well. The Charles O'Brien-trained winner headed First In The Que close home for a half a length win, with the same distance to Ri An Domhnaigh in third. Thousand Stars had to settle for fifth. "He was very fizzy last year and never settled, but hurdles have made a man of him and he learned to drop the bit," said O'Brien. "I thought Thousand Stars, on National Hunt form, would beat us pretty comprehensively, but I suppose he is 11 now. "He could go for another race or two on the Flat, but he needs juice and to get his toe in; we might have to hold fire as the weather forecast is good." (TW & EM)
