Open Eagle and Ruby Walsh © Photo Healy Racing
The Willie Mullins-trained Open Eagle produced a fine front-running performance to land the spoils in the Enjoy White Gypsy @ Finns Borrisoleigh Hurdle at Thurles.
Ruby Walsh was always to the fore on his mount but he was narrowly headed three from home by Woods Well
The easy to back 7/1 shot (7/2 this morning) was driven to regain his advantage after the second last and was in control over the final flight.
Open Eagle kept on well on the run-in to record a three-and-a-quarter length success over Woods Well.
The winner was making his first start since finishing mid-division in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham last year.
"It was definitely a pleasant surprise and I had intended in dropping him in and hunting around but there was no pace so I said I'd go and do it from the other end,” said Walsh.
"He showed a good turn of foot going to the second last and kept going well enough to win.
"He was a high enough class horse on the flat and it's great he has won again. I'd imagine he'll go to Punchestown next and probably go chasing in May."
(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)
