Royal Eagle and Ben Harvey win the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan. © Photo Healy Racing
Jockey Ben Harvey employed almost identical tactics to his first winner when completing a quick double aboard Royal Eagle in the William Hill Pick Your Places Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan.
Similar to the preceding contest, Harvey soon had his mount in a prominent position just off the early pace. Moving closer down the back straight, he again led after the penultimate flight and kicked on off the home turn.
However, on this occasion there were no anxious moments for supporters as Harvey was always travelling best on the Gordon Elliott trained mare. It was a second career success over jumps for the five-year-old who had previously won at Galway last summer.
Stable representative Lisa O'Neill said:- “Ben gave her a lovely ride, he was always in a nice prominent position.
“They didn't go that fast and when she got to the front he was able to fill her up. I think she's done it snugly enough in the end and I think there is plenty more to come from her.
“She's a winner on the Flat as well and the owners will have loads of fun with her through the summer months as the ground dries out.
“She's been very profitable for them and hopefully she will continue to be.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
