Punchestown Result

See also » Eagles Reign makes breakthrough over flights
I'm delighted, he's been consistent. We had him in the maiden yesterday (at Naas), it looked competitive enough and this was probably the better option. He's honest and is after winning in his own bracket there, which is great. He's a horse that didn't show a whole lot on the Flat, but jumping has brought him out of himself. He's only rated in the 50s on the Flat. It couldn't happen for a better owner. Tommy Ward is as good a man as you'll get and it's great to get a winner for him at his local track. He'll probably get a little bit further in time. He wasn't a superstar on the Flat, but he seems a more consistent, and a better horse, jumping. He might win another little handicap somewhere along the way. Ross O'Sullivan, trainer

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident after jumping the last hurdle involving Eagles Reign, ridden by T.P. Harney, placed first, and Tranquil Sea, ridden by S.W. Flanagan , placed second, where it appeared there was a slight bump between the two horses. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, T.P. Harney stated that on landing over the final hurdle his charge briefly drifted right and he felt he corrected it immediately

S.W Flanagan stated that the winner leaned on him for a few strides after the final hurdle but didn't cost him any momentum. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

An extended handicap hurdle for four years old only (116 = 11st 12lbs)
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 7lb extra for each hurdle race won.