Harpy Eagle proves too strong for flattering Ogie Harpy Eagle recorded a second win this season when showing a good attitude at the business end to take the Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown. The eye was drawn to Elusive Ogie who travelled strongly to lead off the home bend, but Michael Kenneally waited until after the last before asking Harpy Eagle for maximum effort. The Ray Cody-trained gelding, who also scored over 2m4f at Wexford in August, found plenty to get on top in the closing stages for a length and a quarter success at odds of 7/2. The pair pulled eight and a half lengths clear of Feud, who made much of the running, in third. Cody said, “It's only now he's starting to grow up. He's a big horse and I'd say he was probably a bit of a shell of a horse all along. “I was disappointed with him up until the last couple of runs. I thought he was a lot better than what he was showing. He actually won well at the finish today. “He had a lovely light weight, and he got a very good ride. I'd say he's a horse that wouldn't be one for real winter ground. He likes good ground. If it stays like this he'll probably continue on, otherwise he'll go on his holidays in the next month or that. It was a grand pot to win, and he is for sale as well.” A stewards enquiry was called after Take The Free was left at the start but he was confirmed a runner despite not taking any part in the race. Quotes by John O'Riordan
