Barley Lane off the mark in Down Royal opener The Eddie and Patrick Harty trained Barley Lane made virtually all the running to take the opening Bluegrass Relite Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal. Placed on both previous starts over flights, the Fearghal and Bronagh Eastwood owned gelding was sent off 2/1 to make the breakthrough at the third time of asking. In front from the outset under Kieren Buckley, the five-year-old jumped and travelled strongly, having most of his rivals in trouble after three out. Ehteyat was the only one to offer any real threat from that point but had already come under pressure when a less than fluent jump at the penultimate flight ended his chances. Barley Lane asserted on the run to the last, staying on strongly to beat market leader Powerful Paddy by five-and-a-half lengths, with Ehteyat a further half-length behind in third. Patrick Harty said: "I like this guy a lot. Eddie and I bought him off Ross Doyle at the sales two years ago and he reminded us a lot of Coney Island who he is very closely related to. "I think he's a nice horse - if he's as good as Coney Island, time will tell. "That day (Punchestown) was education first and foremost. He travelled very well on that heavy ground. "Naas didn't suit at all - the first hurdle was omitted, and it was half a mile flat out gallop. He never jumped a hurdle, he completely forgot what he was doing in the half mile to the first. "We'll look at options. Easter might come quick and, in fact, it probably will. Punchestown then would be an option. It is only the middle of March, and he is very lightly raced. He probably should run again if there is a suitable option. "It is probably all about chasing next year and beyond. "Fearghal (Eastwood) is a fantastic owner, very easy to train for. He's very patient and is happy to give horses as long as we think they need." Additional reporting by Michael Graham
