Open Eagle© Photo Healy Racing
Open Eagle is set to make his hurdling debut at either Fairyhouse or Punchestown this weekend - but will not run at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Now in training with Willie Mullins, the six-year-old looked a class apart when he won the November Handicap at Doncaster by 12 lengths under the supervision of David O'Meara.
Open Eagle is now set to embark upon a new discipline in either the Next Racing At Fairyhouse Feb 21st Maiden Hurdle on Saturday or the Michael Fitzpatrick Memorial Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown a day later.
Steve Massey, racing manager for owners Supreme Racing Club, said: "We can't wait to get him out, but one thing we do know is that he won't be going to Cheltenham this year.
"Willie has said it would be to much to ask of him on the back of just one run.
"We think a lot of him and there are plenty of other nice races he can go for later in the season.
"We'll do whatever Willie wants, he tends to get it right most of the times."
