Open Eagle team not deflated by Punchestown setback

Connections of Open Eagle remain upbeat after the runaway November Handicap winner suffered an odds-on reverse on his hurdling debut at Punchestown on Sunday.

The six-year-old made a huge impression when sauntering clear on the final day of Flat season at Doncaster last year for David O’Meara , prompting the Supreme Horse Racing Club and Willie Mullins to snap him up.

He appeared to have been found an excellent opportunity to get his jumping career off to a successful start over the weekend, but having failed to convince in the jumping department, he had to make do with minor honours in third.